Director of Operations - RWI

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.
 

• Oversee event planning, including logistics, the organization of workshops, orientations, and employer convenings, while ensuring timely communication with all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on resource allocation and budget planning, ensuring that the program remains within its financial parameters.
• Establish and manage standard operating procedures (SOPs) for program execution, ensuring consistency and quality across all processes.
• Engage and manage external contractors and the RWI vendor procurement process.
• Partner with the RWI team to develop key program metrics tracking of student participation, and employer engagement.
• Manage the Operations Coordinator, who supports general program operations and communications, ensuring accountability and resource alignment.

• Manage team projects by working with the program team to translate strategy into operational plans ensuring role clarity, accountability, resourcing, and trackable performance indicators in addition to serving as the primary project manager for key departmental initiatives and activities.
• Serve as a trusted thought partner who informs, advises, and works with the Executive Director to effect departmental strategic implementation, execution, and operations.
• Proactively identify patterns, potential issues, and risks related to the achievement of operational, financial, and programmatic goals – and make recommendations to the Executive Director regarding solutions to increase efficiency and improve the quality of the team’s work.
• Generate regular financial and program performance reports for internal use and to inform the Executive Director and RWI stakeholders.
• Work with the Executive Director as needed in evaluating new business models for programs to ensure sustainability and impact.

• Contribute to and facilitate activities that support team effectiveness, including team meetings, retreats, and effective communication.
• Work with the Executive Director to plan for and manage processes related to staffing plans, recruitment, management, and performance reporting.
• Develop and nurture an environment conducive to sharing resources and assisting with team-wide problem-solving that expedites efficient workflows and decision-making.
• Assess team training needs and contribute to the development and implementation of the team’s skill development, activities, and resources.

• Has passion and desire to see every student achieve their unique potential for the betterment of themselves and their community. 
• Can lead within an organization that prioritizes racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in culture, strategic or programmatic work.
• Has demonstrated skills at building relationships and leveraging existing relationships to improve outcomes.
• Is experienced with managing staff or teams, using strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• Is comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, with the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations.
• Leverages technology and data to inform decisions, improve operations, and facilitate consistent outcomes at scale.  
• Has excellent communication skills, including well-developed interpersonal, written, and listening skills.
• Prioritizes and multi-tasks effectively using excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrates success in project management and administrative oversight of organizational budget, financial, and, ideally, grant management functions.
• Identifies gaps and thinks creatively about solutions and performance drivers.
• Possesses strong financial acumen and experience managing and monitoring budgets.
• Designs and implements reporting and financial procedures to ensure continuous access to program performance data.
• Possesses a passion for “doing what is right,” with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics, and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.
• Is committed to the Foundation’s credo, standards, and values in alignment with our racial equity, diversity, and inclusion statement, by prioritizing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in culture and strategic work.

• Possesses computer literacy skills, including proficiency with Microsoft tools, Box, Slack, and social media.