Overview

For over 80 years, The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City (JFGKC) has been and continues to be an integral piece of the Kansas City landscape, sustaining and enhancing Jewish life for the Jewish community of 28,000 people living in Jewish households and supporting programs and agencies which serve the entirety of Kansas City and Jewish communities around the world. The community is poised to explore its next stage of growth and planning on the heels of a comprehensive community study (completed in 2021). With engaged leadership and committed professional support, the President/CEO position is a unique opportunity for a charismatic and visionary fundraiser and leader to build upon a successful foundation to engage the community in its next strategic direction.

JFGKC raises funds to support 78 programs and initiatives through 45 partner organizations locally, nationally, and globally. The Total Financial Resource Development Model of $7.5M (annual campaign of $5.2M) provides funds within five focus areas: Jewish Identity and Education, Safety Net, Youth and Families, Seniors, and Israel and Overseas. JFGKC convenes, supports, and collaborates with agency partners to engage the community by bringing people together, strengthening Jewish identity, developing leaders, and inspiring generosity to ensure a healthy, vibrant Jewish community now and into the future.

The leadership of JFGKC seeks a President/CEO with successful executive, management, and development experience who has a vision for Jewish life and community in the Midwest, a passion for Jewish education, social services, and a desire to play an integral and visible part in the Jewish community in Kansas City. The President/CEO reports to the chair of the board and is accountable to the Board of Directors and its executive committee. The Federation currently has 20 professional staff members, including a senior management team of four who report directly to the President/CEO.

Successful candidates have demonstrated experience in 3 main areas: Vision: engaging a community in a meaningful mission, convening the community around new strategies and issues, and leading the community in times of success and in times of crisis; Fundraising: growing campaigns, major gift solicitation and donor stewardship; Organizational Management: team building, mentoring and creating a culture of care and accountability. Candidates will want to become part of the fabric of the Kansas City Jewish community and will embrace Jewish life in the community.

The President/CEO provides leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the Federation. Convening the community to engage in strategies to address the 2021 community study findings, the President/CEO will lead the Federation and the community into its next phase of strategic growth. Entrepreneurial and attuned to donor interests and concerns, the President/CEO will focus on engaging and re-engaging donors at all levels. The successful candidate has a proven record of soliciting and building relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate donors, and foundations.

A results-oriented professional, the President/CEO partners with volunteer and professional leadership to shape and achieve the organization's short- and long-term goals and objectives, communicates progress toward goal achievement on an ongoing basis, and creates a culture of care, creativity, and accountability with Federation professionals.

Evolve and The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive suite of benefits (medical, dental, and vision), Short- and Long-Term Disability, Term life insurance, 401(k), PTO, & Holidays

Compensation Range

$260K - $295K (DOE)

To apply

To apply, please submit a resume & cover letter to Sue Sherr-Seitz: sue@evolvegg.com

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Vision:

Build upon the Federation’s ability to convene the community (agencies, funders, synagogues, and key stakeholders) around issues of concern and action in Kansas City, positioning the Federation as a facilitator of strategic partnerships.
Informed by the results of the Community Study, lead the Federation through a community planning and change process that sets priorities, addresses issues and concerns, and ensures strong Federation campaign growth and community involvement in the future.
Increase the Federation’s visibility to expand the community’s understanding of the Federation's mission and services as well as enhance its reputation as a partner in philanthropy and service.
Partner with lay and professional stakeholders to create a welcoming environment for the entirety of the Jewish community.
Serve as the face and voice of the Federation throughout the Jewish and greater Kansas City community, inspiring engagement, participation, and commitment from new and current lay leaders, donors, and stakeholders.
Develop relationships, and participate in programs and missions with relevant national and international Jewish organizations and forums to bring ideas, perspectives, programs, and skills to the Federation.

Resource Development:

As the lead development professional for the Federation, personally solicit and steward major donors and engage and re-engage new and former donors to the campaign.
Lead the professional team responsible for planning financial resource development within the community, with emphasis on the development of strategies to work effectively with major supporters (Benefactors) of the Federation.
Motivate and train both lay leaders and professionals in their fundraising efforts.  
Regularly evaluate the management and status of the agency’s financial resources and procedures, initiatives, and results.

Organizational Management:

Lead, motivate, and supervise the senior leadership team and Federation staff, creating a culture of team, creativity, innovation, accountability, and best-in-class operations. Provide ongoing supervision, mentoring, and professional development and growth to Federation staff.
Serve as the chief professional officer responsible for overseeing and managing organizational planning & evaluation, financial resources development, program development, community relations, administration, and fiscal accountability.
Serve as professional advisor and resource to the Board in all areas of program, finance, and agency policy and governance.
Partner with the Board Chair to cultivate, recruit, and retain effective engagement of and maintain relationships with top lay leadership and leadership prospects and donors.
Work closely with lay leadership and professionals responsible for finance, planning, and administration.

Qualifications & Skills

Executive experience in an organization or agency comparable to the Federation in either size or complexity.
A proven track record of fundraising, an understanding of federation campaigns, donor stewardship campaign growth, and a commitment to annual giving.
Experience leading a mission-based organization with the ability to integrate business models with sensitivity to the core values of the Federation.
An open, accessible, and accountable leadership style and approach, showing sensitivity to all viewpoints.
Ability to partner with and engage professional and volunteer leaders of community agencies, synagogues, institutions, and organizations.
Compelling and effective oral and written communication skills for both lay and professional constituencies, clearly articulating the case for the Federation, showcasing active listening and sensitivity to the ideas and concerns of others.
Personal commitment to ethical behavior in all aspects of professional practice and a personal commitment to living in Kansas City as well as the values of the Jewish community, Jewish identity, and Israel.
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.

OPEN

FILLED

President/Chief Executive Officer

Overview

Key Responsibilities

Qualifications & Skills