Company: Western Kansas Community Foundation
Title: Executive Director
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Work Schedule: In-Office, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pay Range: Starting at $85K, and as based on experience
Reporting Relationship: Board of Directors
Work Location: Onsite at Garden City, KS Office

Primary Accountabilities: The Executive Director of the Western Kansas Community Foundation (“WKCF”) is responsible for working with the Foundation's Board of Directors to administer Articles of Incorporation, policies and programs while working with personnel to achieve Board objectives and Foundation growth over time. The Executive Director oversees the overall management of the Foundation, including the administration of all specified activities such as, but not limited to: Board support, asset development, office administration, community support, grant administration, planned giving programs, marketing and communications, information gathering on emerging trends in philanthropy, and support of community activities that are complementary to fulfilling the mission of the Foundation in its 15-county service area.

Major Duties:
BOARD SUPPORT & MANAGEMENT

• Works closely with the Chair of the Board, the Executive Committee and other committees in the conduct of various business items related to the Foundation.
• Attends all committee and Board meetings, sets the agenda and maintains minutes for all meetings, and makes recommendations for fund development and strategic initiatives.
• Participates in the selection process of new Board members and the development of criteria for the proper introduction to the Community Foundation and orientation of new Board members.
• Implements the current strategic plan, identifies needs for future strategic planning, and leads the Board and staff through planning and implementation processes.
• Oversees the annual budget process. Solicits ideas to generate funds for the operation of the Foundation's operating budget and helps develop individual contributions for this purpose.
• Ensures that the By-laws and Articles of Incorporation for the Foundation are up-to-date and appropriately integrated with any changes that may occur in community regulations, state laws or federal laws. Acts as an advisor to the Board on all matters that relate to interpretation of institutional documents.
• Maintains compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundation through periodic audit and re-accreditation processes.
• Serves as the Secretary and Treasurer of WKCF Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of the Foundation, as defined in the Operating Agreement of WKCF Holdings, LLC.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Board of Farm Managers and tenants.
• Maintains current tenant leases and administers governmental contracts and farm payments as they relate to WKCF Holdings, LLC.
• Through oversight of and in collaboration with staff, answers requests for grants from eligible organizations in WKCF’s 15-county area. Ensures that all information required for granting is processed and presented for Board review in a timely manner. Ensures grants are administered correctly and timely upon Board approval.
• Accumulates knowledge of newly emerging trends and needs that may qualify for a grant and initiates discussion with potential grantees and the Grant Committee regarding needs.
• Manages and supervises all professional and support staff. This includes the recruitment of employees and release of employed staff. Makes assignments, develops job descriptions and assesses staff performance. With staff, develops annual work plans and staff objectives. Provides opportunities for professional staff development.

ASSET DEVELOPMENT

• Directs the Planned Giving and Endowment programs of the Foundation, including using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.
• Builds and stewards relationships with donors, individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to identify and secure financial support for strategic community initiatives.
• Identifies and pursues new (grant) funding opportunities to fund strategic initiatives.
• Works with attorneys, CPAs, real estate and other financial advisors to advise them on possible benefits that would accrue to their clients through donations to the Foundation and supplies them with information and explanations of giving vehicles currently accepted by the Foundation.
• Works with non-profit organizations to encourage them to build endowment funds with the Community Foundation.
• Promotes understanding and apprehension of transfer of wealth in WKCF’s 15-county area including, but not limited to, transfer of farm ground and non-cash assets.
• Keeps informed of relevant research, trends and best practices in philanthropic giving, grantmaking, and tax-law as they relate to asset development in the community foundation field.
• Develops and maintains a local and state-level network of individuals and resources that could potentially influence and enhance the objectives of the Foundation.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT & COMMUNICATIONS

• Serves as main spokesperson for the Foundation. Seeks and accepts opportunities for speaking engagements at relevant community forums throughout the 15-county area.
• Builds public understanding and support for WKCF and its work in the 15-county area.
• Serves as the philanthropic resource for area nonprofits, donors and professional advisors.
• Partners with local grant makers and other community leaders to identify and address local challenges and needs, through collaborative initiatives, co-investments and capacity building opportunities including, but not limited to, grant workshops and board training.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with key donors and stakeholders.
• Engages in relevant community events including services clubs, Chamber of Commerce activities, and charitable outings that enhance the profile of the Foundation.
• Develops and implements appropriate marketing strategies to increase the Foundation’s visibility and reach.
• Oversees internal and external communication efforts and social media content to highlight donors, grants and strategic initiatives, and narrative of community impact.
• Oversees the writing and the publication of the Foundation's newsletter, and issues reports, as well as the Foundation's solicitations and acknowledgement correspondence, fostering public awareness and understanding of the benefits of public philanthropy.
• Participates in professional conferences and events outside of WKCF’s service area, especially as they relate to the Kansas Association of Community Foundations, to maintain and build a peer learning network, and ensure an up-to-date understanding of all new professional developments in the field.
• Performs other duties as requested or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years experience preferred in human resources, operations or finance at one or more well-managed organizations.
• Experience in a similar role with the proven ability to make critical decisions to drive positive operational and financial performance.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
• Strong computer and word processing and database skills, in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work efficiently with attention to details and quality of work produced.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in setting priorities and organization of workload.
• Willingness to lead, take charge and offer opinions and direction.
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read computer screens and mail, talk on the phone.
• Ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

Work Environment:

• Onsite office location.
• Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an office setting.
• Interaction with staff and customers.

Additional Duties: Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.