Impact Officer-Workforce and Career Development

At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.

Impact Officer-Workforce and Career Development

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.

The Impact Officer (IO) manages a diverse grant portfolio that focuses on workforce and career development with the central goal of fostering financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity for under-resourced communities in the Kansas City region. This role works collaboratively with other Foundation staff, manages grantmaking and outreach initiatives, and builds and maintains community relationships relevant to our work. This role is part of a team that thrives in an entrepreneurial team culture, characterized by innovation, proactivity, and commitment to high impact, each of which is integral to successfully implementing the Foundation's grantmaking strategy.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

Grantmaking Responsibilities

• Serve as a representative of the Foundation, advancing EMKF's strategic priorities and grantmaking philosophy, goals, and opportunities.
• In collaboration with members of the Impact and Strategy team, evaluate potential grantees and proposals based on strategic fit and organizational capacity. Support one or more significant initiatives that address workforce and career development strategies based on research and partner engagement.
• Provide clear, concise, and insightful written analysis and recommendations for funding.
• Establish goals, metrics, and payment and reporting schedules for grants in collaboration with prospective grantees.
• Work collaboratively with internal support teams (e.g., grants administration; research, learning, research and evaluation; legal; and strategic communications) through all stages of a grant request, from intake to commitment letter and beyond.
• Manage and oversee an assigned grant portfolio with an emphasis on workforce and career development, staying attuned to challenges in the field, grantees' needs, learnings, and opportunities for further impact through:
  • Regular conversations, meetings, and/or site visits
  • Formal reporting on metrics, spending, and learnings
  • Ongoing calibration meetings with Impact and Strategy team members and other EMKF associates
• Prepare requested data and updates for board reports.
• Upon grant closure, provide clear and insightful written analysis of strategic and operational learnings to inform future grantmaking.
• Inform and recommend grantmaking strategies and best practices in workforce development informed by research, community engagement, and emerging trends to advance the Foundation's strategic priorities.
• Build on and deepen existing subject matter expertise on topics related to workforce and career development as a key driver of economic mobility.
• Build trust and influence across internal teams and external stakeholders to advance shared goals, navigate complex challenges, and foster collaborative solutions.

General Position Responsibilities

• Stay abreast of topic areas associated with workforce and career development related to this role’s grantmaking portfolio, including trends, barriers, and areas for exploration.
• Build key partnerships, acting as a catalyst, colleague, and advocate who is dedicated to educating groups on Kauffman Foundation initiatives and engagement.
• Perform or assist with research or landscape analysis to determine potential funding opportunities that are in alignment with the strategic goals of the department.
• Identify and support work regarding emerging trends and special initiatives.
• Represent the Foundation at local, regional, and national conferences, and events.
• Advance the vision and mission of the Foundation.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, education, business, economics, nonprofit management, social sciences, liberal arts, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Work Experience: At least three years of progressive work experience in philanthropy, workforce development, economic development, nonprofit leadership, public policy, or a related field. Experience managing complex projects, building strategic partnerships, and translating research or data into actionable recommendations is strongly preferred. Grantmaking experience is desirable but not required.

Travel: Occasional work travel required.

Candidates for this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-directed work, detail-oriented, and able to work collaboratively across teams and departments. Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities, and constant change

• Has a passion for advancing equitable and transformative solutions for communities served by the Foundation.
• Demonstrates deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities associated with advancing equitable economic mobility, through professional experience, research, community engagement, or related work.
• Demonstrates subject matter knowledge related to workforce and career development, and a commitment to continuous learning, using evidence and experience to inform strategic decision-making.
• Has excellent communication skills, including well-developed interpersonal, written, and listening skills.
• Has demonstrated success building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, leveraging existing relationships to facilitate grantmaking that connects to our strategic direction.
• Possesses understanding of organizational and leadership dynamics to identify grantee capacity for success and potential risks.
• Has strong judgment, humility, and can build trust and navigate difficult conversations thoughtfully.
• Is committed to ongoing reflection, learning, and growing.
• Analyzes and understands financial information (e.g., budgets, forecasts, cash flow statements, and income statements).
• Prioritizes and multi-tasks effectively using excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Possesses a passion for "doing what is right," with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics, and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.
• Possesses computer literacy skills, including proficiency with Microsoft tools, Box, Slack, and social media. Demonstrates proficiency with collaboration, data analysis, grants management, and productivity technologies, with the ability to leverage emerging tools to improve effectiveness and decision-making.

All of the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The EMKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable law.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job posting will be removed at 5:00 pm CT on August 12, 2026.

 

Please note that this role is Kansas City, MO based and associates must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.