Communications Officer – Operating Programs

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.
 

• Serve as the primary communications partner for Operating Programs, coordinating across Kauffman FastTrac, 1 Million Cups, Real World Learning, and Real World Initiatives (ProX).
• Translate program information into clear, compelling communications aligned with Foundation standards and voice.
• Develop and manage communications strategies and content that support seasonal programming and major program milestones.
• Balance competing priorities and multiple requests across programs while maintaining quality and timeliness.

• Partner with the Communications Officer – Digital to coordinate social media and Marketing Cloud needs for Operating Programs.
• Provide program-specific content, updates, and storytelling that can be adapted across digital channels.

• Collaborate with the Coordinator – Projects and Events to manage program-related projects, logistics, and event communications support.
• Work with the Senior Manager – Brand to fulfill assignments generated through the internal help desk ticketing system related to Operating Programs and affiliates.
• Provide back-up communications support for the Foundation as needed, in collaboration with the broader Strategic Communications team.

• Maintain close relationships with program staff to ensure communications reflect program goals and evolving priorities.
• Contribute to the development of new approaches and improvements for program communications.
• Represent the Foundation and programs with professionalism at internal and external events.

• Has the ability to manage multiple strategies, requests, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Possesses strong writing, editing, and content development skills, with attention to clarity, alignment, and consistency.
• Has experience developing communications for diverse audiences across programs and platforms.
• Demonstrates strong collaboration skills and ability to build relationships with colleagues across programs and teams.
• Has the capacity to thrive in seasonal high-demand periods and adjust to shifting priorities.
• Has a professional demeanor with commitment to teamwork, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Is familiar with Salesforce Marketing Cloud and social media platforms.
• Possesses a passion for “doing what’s right,” with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.
• Has strong computer literacy skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.