Chief Executive Officer

Position Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Hybrid

Reports To: Board of Directors

Date (revised): April 03, 2025

Job Summary:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the face of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF), providing strategic leadership, fostering philanthropy, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Foundation. The CEO is responsible for advancing the Foundation's mission and vision. Frequent travel is required for affiliate and donor meetings, training, and conferences.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The CEO is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the foundation's daily operations, staff management, and strategic initiatives of GNWKCF, ensuring alignment with the Board of Directors' vision and directives. Due to the nature of the hybrid position, the CEO is responsible for requesting assistance from the Chief Operating Officer (COO), as needed.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Training

Training for this role will be conducted by the COO and will continue until completion is approved by the Board of Directors. Initial training period will require 4 days per week in home office.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• In partnership with (COO), directors and Board of Directors establish and execute long-term vision and growth plans, ensuring strategic planning remains a priority.
• Regularly update and implement strategic focus areas and timelines.
• In partnership with directors define organizational and departmental goals, helping affiliates set and achieve their objectives.
• Represent GNWKCF as a regional leader, expanding brand awareness and visibility.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure legal compliance and maintain governing policies, including:
  • GNWKCF Bylaws & Articles
  • Affiliate Bylaws & Affiliate Agreements
  • Supporting Organization (S.O.) Agreements
  • LLCs
• File online annual reports.
• Serve as the primary contact when working with GNWKCF's Farm Manager.

Financial Oversight & Investment Understanding

• Work closely with the Director of Finance to ensure financial health and sustainability.
• Monitor financial reports and oversee budget planning and implementation.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead GNWKCF directors and staff, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Conduct staff meetings and oversee quarterly and annual goal setting for individual departments.
• Establish a structured chain of command for HR-related matters:
  • Primary Contact: Director of Human Resources and Affiliate Relations
  • Secondary Contact: CEO
  • Tertiary Contact: COO (as requested by CEO)
• Clear and open communication is essential between the CEO and COO to build the future of the foundation. Regular discussions align their strategies with foundation goals. This synchronization maintains the vision and culture and upholds the integrity of the foundation.

Board Leadership & Governance

• Serve as the principal advisor to the Board of Directors and committees.
• Guide policy and procedural decisions in alignment with the organization's mission.
• Provide the Board of Directors with necessary reports and updates to support informed decision-making.
• Stimulate Board of Directors engagement, involvement and education.

Philanthropic Leadership

• Stay informed on philanthropic trends, legal regulations, and innovative giving strategies.
• In partnership with Chief Operating Officer, actively engage donors and affiliates in GNWKCF's mission.

Community & Partnership Building

• Strengthen relationships with affiliates, donors, and regional organizations.
• Foster partnerships with private foundations, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Collaborate on local, state, and national initiatives to expand GNWKCF's reach and impact.

Operational & Administrative Excellence

• Ensure effective daily operations of the Foundation.
• Supervise staff, in partnership with Director of Human Resources and Affiliate Relations providing leadership, training, and performance evaluations.
• Oversee building and maintenance management

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional leadership and organizational skills.
• Strong financial acumen and strategic decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Skilled at engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering lasting relationships.
• Visionary thinker with proactive problem-solving and deadline management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• Must live in or be willing to relocate to one of the 15 counties we serve (Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellsworth, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, or Wallace County).

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, or a related field (preferred) OR equivalent experience in philanthropy and/or nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, financial management, governance, and fundraising.
• Knowledge of Northwest Kansas and its communities is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of nonprofit operations, principles, and functions.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent travel required for networking and relationship building with current and future stakeholders.

GNWKCF Mission & Vision:

Vision: To strategically guide our Affiliates to:

• Inspire Donors to Give
• Prudently Grow Contributions
• Connect Gifts to Causes

Mission: To empower our donors, affiliates, and charitable partners through education, stewardship, and regional collaboration, creating thriving communities and impacting present and future generations.

Guiding Principles:

• Integrity: Earning trust through ethical and transparent operations.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards and quality performance.
• Community: Collaborating around common goals and interests.
• Visionary: Finding opportunities through progressive ideas and innovation.
• Resilient: Adapting to dynamic circumstances and gaining strength through transformation.

This job description serves as a guide for the expectations and responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer. The CEO is expected to embody the Foundation's mission, vision, and guiding principles, ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of GNWKCF and its Affiliates.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We comply with all applicable Kansas laws governing non-discrimination in employment. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.