Senior Impact Officer – College Access and Completion
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Impact Officer (SIO) manages a grant portfolio in support of the College Access and Completion strategy. The SIO works collaboratively with other Foundation staff, manages grantmaking and outreach initiatives, and is expected to build and maintain community relationships relevant to our work. The SIO will be part of a growing team that shares accountability for building a strong entrepreneurial team culture, characterized by innovation, proactivity, excellent communications, and a commitment to high impact, which is integral to successfully implementing the Foundation’s relaunched grantmaking strategy.Candidates for this position must be motivated by the opportunity to advance the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy in a manner that is consistent with its grantmaking philosophy, grounded in proximity to the community, doing hard things, focusing on impact, and creating hope. They must thrive in a fast-paced environment, be comfortable with ambiguity, be team-oriented, and curious, possess strong judgment, and thrive in collaborative environments.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
Grantmaking Responsibilities
- Serve as a representative of the Foundation, advancing EMKF’s strategic priorities and grantmaking philosophy, goals, and opportunities.
- Amplify the Foundation’s thought leadership by cultivating a diverse network of subject matter experts generating new, practical knowledge.
- Source and evaluate potential grantees and proposals based on strategic fit and organizational capacity. Lead one or more major initiatives that address college access and completion strategies based on research and partner engagement.
- Provide clear, concise, and insightful written analysis and recommendations for funding.
- Establish goals, metrics, and payment and reporting schedules for grants in collaboration with prospective grantees.
- Work collaboratively with internal support teams, e.g., grants administration, research, learning and evaluation, legal, or strategic communications, in all stages of a grant request from intake to commitment letter.
- Manage and oversee an assigned grant portfolio, staying attuned to challenges in the field, grantees' needs, learnings, and opportunities for further impact through:
- Regular conversations, meetings or site visits,
- Formal reporting on metrics, spending and learnings, and
- Ongoing calibration meetings with Impact and Strategy team members and other EMKF associates.
- Prepare requested data and updates for board reports.
- Use project management best practices and tools to increase efficiency for taking on project management responsibilities relevant to their portfolio.
- Upon grant closure, provide clear and insightful written analysis of strategic and operational learnings to inform future grant-making.
General Position Responsibilities
- Maintain a comprehensive grasp of effective practices, policies, barriers, and college access and completion trends. May be asked to provide leadership on a specific subject, while developing expertise on a broad range of issues.
- Build key partnerships, acting as a catalyst, colleague, and advocate dedicated to educating groups on Foundation initiatives and engagement.
- Perform or assist with research or landscape analysis to determine potential funding opportunities that align with the departmental strategic goals.
- Identify and support work regarding emerging trends and improvement initiatives.
- Represent the Foundation at local, regional, and national meetings, conferences, and events.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, business, liberal arts, or a related area of study preferred or equivalent years of experience. Work Experience: At least five years of work experience that has provided expertise, thought leadership, and recognition in postsecondary education, and the education community. Grantmaking experience preferred.
Travel: This position may require occasional business travel.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Has a passion for advancing equitable and transformative solutions for communities served by the Foundation.
- Has excellent communication skills, including well-developed interpersonal, written, and listening skills.
- Has demonstrated strong success managing funder relationships while being creative, mission-driven, and capable of working collaboratively with various constituent groups.
- Is skilled at building and leveraging relationships with people of all levels from various industries and backgrounds to facilitate grantmaking that reflects our strategic direction.
- Posesses an adequate understanding of organizational and leadership dynamics to identify grantee capacity for success and potential risks.
- Has strong judgment and humility, can build trust, and navigate difficult conversations thoughtfully.
- Maintains a growth mindset in iterative and ambiguous environments.
- Analyzes and understands financial information, e.g., budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and income statements.
- Has a good understanding of project management concepts, tools, and related technology in support of operational excellence.
- Prioritizes and multi-tasks effectively using excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
- Possesses a passion for “doing what is right,” with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics, and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.
- Is committed to the Foundation’s credo, standards, and values in alignment with our racial equity, diversity, and inclusion statement, by prioritizing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in culture and strategic work.
- Possesses computer literacy skills, including proficiency with Microsoft tools, Box, Slack, and social media.
All of the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Kauffman Foundation firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state or local law.
TO APPLY
Interested applicants can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job posting will be removed at 12pm CT on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Job Type: Full Time
