Organization: Oral Health Kansas, Inc.
Title: Executive Director
Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Pay Range: Starting at $88K/annually, and then based on experience
Reporting Relationship: Board of Directors
Location: Topeka, Kansas (statewide leadership; hybrid)

To apply, please include a Cover Letter, Resume, and please provide a professional writing sample. The sample can be a strategic presentation, published article, policy brief, grant proposal, media release, or similar work that reflects your leadership and communication style.  

About Oral Health Kansas:

Oral Health Kansas is the state’s leading consumer oral health advocacy and education organization. Through advocacy, education and coalition building, the organization works with partners across the state to expand access to care, promote prevention and advance policies that support healthier communities. The organization’s network of over 1,800 supporters includes dentists, dental hygienists, educators, safety net clinics, charitable foundations, and advocates for children, people with disabilities, and older adults. Oral Health Kansas focuses three primary barriers to accessing oral health care: access to a payment source, access to a provider, and access to the resources we all need to be healthy, such as fluoridated water. To ensure comprehensive access to oral health care, especially for historically underserved populations, Oral Health Kansas and its network of diverse partners address all three barriers through a variety of strategic approaches.

Primary Accountability:

Oral Health Kansas seeks a visionary, equity‑centered Executive Director to lead the organization and advance its mission to improve oral health statewide through advocacy, systems change, and coalition‑building. The role requires a mission‑driven, collaborative leader who can turn vision into results while sustaining an inclusive culture. The Executive Director will steward strong legislative, funder, and community partnerships, support staff, and guide sustainable statewide growth. The position offers flexible remote work within Kansas, with optional Topeka office use and occasional in‑person meetings, events, and legislative engagement.

Major Duties (Essential Job Functions):

Mission-Driven, Equity-Centered Leadership

• Champions oral health as a core issue of equity, human rights, and community well‑being.
• Advances access to care for underserved groups, including people with disabilities and communities historically excluded from services.
• Defines and drives a bold, future‑focused vision for Oral Health Kansas’ statewide impact.
• Leads with integrity and urgency, modeling justice‑centered and inclusive decision‑making.
• Strengthens and protects the organization’s mission‑driven culture while steering intentional, sustainable growth.

Relationship-Centered Communication & Coalition Building

• Serves as the lead spokesperson to influence policymakers, funders, coalition partners, and community stakeholders.
• Builds and maintains strong, trust‑based relationships with legislators and key organizations.
• Drives cross‑sector collaboration to advance policy and systems‑change initiatives.
• Distills complex oral‑health and policy issues into compelling, action‑oriented messages.
• Delivers clear communication of organizational successes and needs through newsletters, social media, and partner outreach.
• Cultivates a culture of listening, shared ownership, and inclusive decision‑making.
• Leads and supports the Lived Experience and Dental Provider Advisory Groups and the Pathways to Oral Health team.
• Represents the organization on state and national committees to stay current on public health and oral‑health policy.

Strategic, Action-Oriented Advocacy & Management

• Advances public policy priorities and leads legislative action to drive systems change.
• Adapts quickly to shifting political and funding environments to maintain organizational momentum.
• Oversees core operations, including staff leadership, grants, reporting, and contractor management.
• Directs budgeting and financial stewardship, from grant writing to forecasting and strategic resource allocation.
• Strengthens governance with the Board and lead effective in‑person and virtual meetings.
• Translates strategy into measurable results while ensuring long‑term sustainability.

Leadership & Culture Competencies

• Leads with integrity, emotional intelligence, and approachability while empowering staff rather than micromanaging.
• Fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and relationship‑centered culture rooted in mission, equity, and shared decision‑making.
• Builds strong, long‑term relationships with policymakers, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Values lived experience as expertise and integrates diverse perspectives into organizational strategy.
• Supports staff well‑being, morale, and sustainability, especially in virtual environments.
• Balances proven strategies with thoughtful organizational growth and adaptive leadership.
• Thrives in a close‑knit, mission‑driven environment focused on trust, respect, and collective impact.
• Performs additional duties as required or assigned by the Board.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Residency in Kansas.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel inside the state and for national meetings.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, public policy, public health, or a related field.
• Experience managing organizational operations, budgets, and staff.
• Proven success in relationship‑building, coalition leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of oral health systems and/or healthcare policy, preferred.
• Experience with Kansas legislative advocacy and the policymaking process, preferred.
• Grant management and fundraising experience, preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to health equity, access to care, and advocacy.
• Must possess basic computer skills, including experience in Microsoft Office products and enterprise information systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to exercise discretion and use sound judgement in dealing with people and confidential information.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods, including virtual meetings and document preparation.
• Ability to travel within Kansas for meetings, events, and legislative engagement.
• Ability to speak and present effectively in group settings.
• Ability to attend in‑person events requiring standing, walking, or moving between locations.
• Ability to manage virtual work tools and communication.
• Ability to lift or carry light materials such as laptops and documents.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid work with a Topeka location.
• Regular in‑person meetings and events across Kansas, national conferences, and occasional out-of-state presentations.
• Collaborative, inclusive, mission‑driven culture focused on equity and relationship‑building.
• Mix of independent work and team engagement, both virtual and in‑person.
• Supportive environment that prioritizes communication, clarity, and staff wellbeing.

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 Board.