Overview

Welcome to Start at Zero, where we believe in the transformative power of early childhood development and education initiatives. Our organization stands at the forefront of innovation, advocating for multifaceted approaches that intertwine improvement efforts within learning environments with robust family engagement and comprehensive support for children and families. Grounded in research, we understand that holistic solutions yield the most effective outcomes. At Start at Zero, we take pride in our holistic, integrated school, and community hub model, which sets us apart in delivering impactful programming that shapes the future of our youngest learners.

We are currently seeking a visionary leader to join us as our Executive Director, driving forward our mission to ensure every child has the best start in life. The Executive Director will be responsible for managing all functions of the organization, which includes overseeing the administration, personnel, programming, community outreach, and strategic planning of the organization. Other key leadership duties include supporting the fundraising, marketing, and development strategies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a close, effective working relationship with the Board of Directors to fulfill the organizational
• Lead mission-aligned organizational growth with focus on the long-term sustainability of the organization, which includes:
  • Maintaining and/or growing Start at Zero programs and supports to increase family reach.
  • Initiating strategic partnerships with schools and community sites to further growth.
  • Remaining responsive to the changing landscape of local, state, and national funding trends and priorities as it relates to the mission.
  • Envisioning and strategically planning for Start at Zero’s future.
• Oversee the Start at Zero Play Café which seeks to engage the whole child, while promoting play through educational toys and materials. Through the full-service food and beverage cafe, Start at Zero provides a space for adults to have a meal, socialize with their friends and family, and even sit down to work while their children are at play. 
• Build and maintain a world-class staff, which includes:
  • Utilizing effective and reflective practices to supervise of direct service staff resulting in high employee satisfaction.
  • Maintaining a clear feedback model for employees, including regular evaluation and strong communication.
  • Sustaining a healthy organizational staff culture.
  • Ensuring a commitment to Start at Zero core values.
  • Continually improving Human Resources processes and procedures to attract and retain high-quality staff.
• Ensure the financial health of the organization, including:
  • Ensuring resources are sufficient for the ongoing operation and sustainability of the organization.
  • Strategizing around additional revenue streams to aid sustainability and growth.
  • Maintaining the fiscal integrity of Start at Zero, including budget and financial statement oversight.
  • Supporting the fundraising and development strategies necessary to support and sustain Start at Zero’s mission, including individual donor recruitment and retention from personal and professional networks.

Exceptional Candidates Will:

• Be deeply committed to and well-versed in parent education and early childhood family support.
• Display a strong personal and professional commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion.
• Maintain strong leadership skills and employ a strengths-based approach at all times.
• Demonstrate experience in and understanding of evidence-based programs and their applied research
• Communicate clearly, effectively and attuned to collaboration, which includes families, community stakeholders, partnering organizations and funders.
• Have a concrete vision for the future of Start at Zero and demonstrate strong strategic planning skills.
• Be connected to the communities of families that partner with Start at Zero.
• Be prepared to share a collective voice of young Kansas City families with the greater community.

Qualifications

• A master’s or higher degree in an applicable field or relevant experience.
• Previous experience in or robust knowledge of early childhood family support.
• Entrepreneurial experience with a strong desire to build a social enterprise in the startup phase.
• Experience in or skills necessary to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors.
• High level strategic thinking and planning, including an ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers, and donors.
• Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies and volunteers.
• Strong managerial skills and experience supervising a staff team.
• Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
• Ability to ask complex and competent questions concerning financial management, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to speak publicly.
• Transparent and high integrity leadership.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal. Please direct all inquiries to:

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

Anna Robinson, Senior Consultant – arobinson@omnihrm.com

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment. EEO Employer W/M/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.