Chief People Officer

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 position of Chief People Officer (CPO) is a dynamic role working with the President to:

o Advance the Foundation’s objectives

o Advance the President’s leadership agenda

o Facilitate and nurture an inclusive, high-performance culture with ongoing learning across the organization 

o Facilitate and support staff in doing their best work  

 

This position is responsible for developing and executing human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, encompassing workforce and succession planning, talent acquisition and management, change management, organizational and performance management, learning and development, and total rewards. The CPO provides strategic leadership by articulating HR and culture needs with plan recommendations to the President, leadership team, and the board of trustees.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

This position is responsible for cultivating a Foundation-wide culture in alignment with organizational expectations and values in collaboration with other senior leaders and the Board of Trustees.  The Chief People Officer oversees a team of five and multiple external partners in setting and executing talent strategies, serving as a thought leader and internal consultant to the CEO and other senior leaders, and staffing the Board compensation committee.

 

This role is accountable for the full spectrum of human resource functions including recruitment and retention, compensation and benefits administration, performance management, associate relations, learning and development, policy and procedure development, records management, legal compliance and the human resource operations budget. 

 

Talent Management and Organizational Culture

o Design and lead implementation of talent philosophy, strategy, and partnerships in support of the organization’s mission and goals.

o Design and lead approaches to attract, engage, and develop diverse, skilled talent.

o Design and lead talent review & performance management strategy.

o Design and lead organizational design and change processes.  

o Design and oversee execution of leader development and coaching.

o Provide coaching and serve as a strategic advisor to the leadership team.

o Develop compensation & benefits philosophy and oversee equitable administration of compensation and benefits.

o Facilitate collaborative partnership with finance compensation and benefits.

o Establish and implement HR efforts that effectively communicate and support the foundation’s mission and strategic vision.

 

Learning and Development

o Assess organizational learning needs and develop effective solutions to meet them, including formal and informal professional development, coaching, and work-based learning strategies.  

o Lead and support approaches that support interdisciplinary learning, collaboration and continuous improvement.

o Facilitate collaborative partnership with evaluation regarding organizational learning.

 

Planning & Execution

o Ensure the President’s agenda is understood and operationalized across all areas of the Foundation.

o Work closely with the President and leadership team to develop and support long range strategy and growth planning for the Foundation.

o Work with the leadership team to establish a sound plan of management succession that corresponds to the strategy and objectives of the foundation.

o Bridge multiple strategies across the organization to ensure high level goals are accomplished.

o Anticipate action items; manage deadlines.

o Undertake specific research assignments as needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

 

Education: Master’s level degree preferred but would consider an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates possession of core competencies. SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification or other related certifications preferred.

 

Work Experience: A minimum of 15 years of HR experience, with at least five years of executive HR experience and significant relevant experience with deep supervisory responsibilities.  

 

Travel: This position will require some business travel.

 

Qualifications & Competencies:

 

• Excellent interpersonal communication abilities including good listening skills, writing and verbal skills; assertiveness in presenting ideas; and adapting content appropriately for a range of audiences.

• Ability to communicate effectively with associates at all levels within the organization.

• Ability to navigate conflict and effectively manage tensions between individual and organizational needs.  

• Demonstrated openness to new ideas or perspectives on a wide range of topics; values learning and maintains a growth mindset.

• Ability to assimilate new information and processes quickly and translate abstract ideas into actionable results. 

• Ability to understand and effectively represent the Foundation’s strategy and operating model with internal and external stakeholders.  

• Skilled at building and leveraging trust-based relationships to help advance outcomes of Foundation initiatives.

• Ability to evaluate risks and opportunities; uses analytical and problem-solving skills combined with solid judgment and decision-making abilities.  

• Exhibits comfort with ambiguity; takes initiative and strives for results; able to prioritize time.

• Strong organization and project management skills: consistently demonstrates accountability and responsiveness to customer needs.

• Ability to maintain a calm and competent demeanor in uncomfortable or demanding situations; works effectively under pressure.

• Maintains confidentiality and handles confidential material appropriately. 

• Demonstrates values and professional ethics in alignment with Foundation expectations, values and racial equity, diversity and inclusion focus.

• Strong computer literacy skills, e.g., Microsoft Office. 

• Knowledge of social media: Twitter, Face Book, LinkedIn, etc.

 

All of the statements in this position posting 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.

 

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package, including a base salary and an outstanding benefits package will correspond to the experience level, credentials, and skills of the candidate.

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Kauffman Foundation firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state or local law.

 

TO APPLY

Interested applicants can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume.