Executive Director of the KCKCC Foundation
About The Position
The Executive Director of the Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) Foundation serves as the chief advancement and philanthropic officer for the College, responsible for advancing a comprehensive, modern fundraising and engagement strategy that supports student success, workforce development, capital priorities, and long-term institutional sustainability. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and working in close partnership with the President, the Foundation Board of Directors, and College leadership, the Executive Director provides strategic direction, operational leadership, and accountable execution for all advancement functions. This role oversees major and principal gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, donor stewardship, alumni engagement, communications, events, and campaign planning, ensuring philanthropic support for student scholarships, College programs, and operations, and advancing KCKCC’s strategic priorities. The Executive Director leads the Foundation as an entrepreneurial, data-informed, donor-centered organization aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of a comprehensive community college serving a socially and economically multicultural community. The role requires a strong external presence, sophisticated relationship management, and the ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
Requirements
- Demonstrated knowledge of and proven experience with modern fundraising practices, including major gifts, campaigns, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain high-level relationships with donors, board members, and senior leaders.
- Strong strategic thinking, project management, and execution skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex institutional priorities to multicultural audiences.
- Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and nonprofit financial oversight.
- Proficiency with advancement databases, CRM systems, and data-informed decision-making.
- Ability to work effectively in a complex, mission-driven, public higher education environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, fundraising, public administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in fundraising or advancement, including major gift development.
- Demonstrated experience leading or contributing significantly to multi-year fundraising or capital campaigns.
- Proven experience supervising and developing staff.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business, higher education administration, or a related discipline.
- Documented record of major and principal gift solicitation and closure.
- Experience working with and supporting a governing or foundation board.
- Experience in higher education advancement, preferably within a community college or public institution.
- Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge fundraising management software.
- Familiarity with Franklin Covey’s The Four Disciplines of Execution methodology.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Advancement Strategy
- Major, Principal, and Planned Giving
- Grants and Institutional Giving
- Campaign Planning and Execution
- Alumni Engagement & Alumni Association Oversight
- Donor Engagement, Stewardship and Communications
- Foundation Operations and Governance
- Data, Systems and Performance Management
- External Relations and Partnerships
- Team Leadership and Culture
- Other Duties
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
