Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Reports To: Board of Directors

Location: Manhattan, KS

Job Summary:

The Executive Director of Konza United Way serves as the organization’s primary leader, advocate, and public representative, ensuring fulfillment of its mission to improve lives and strengthen the community. The Executive Director provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and fundraising leadership to advance key initiatives across the service area.

Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director supports effective governance while overseeing all aspects of operations, including programs, financial management, and community engagement. In this small-team environment, the Executive Director must be a collaborative, visionary, and hands-on leader who can inspire stakeholders and drive meaningful community impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership:

• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with the organization’s mission and community priorities.
• Identify emerging community needs and guide the organization’s focus areas, programs, and solutions.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public face of the organization, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders and community partners.

Fundraising & Resource Development:

• Design and lead comprehensive fundraising strategies, while directly executing key initiatives including workplace giving, individual donations, grants, and special events.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, and Grantmakers.
• Ensure financial sustainability by meeting annual fundraising goals and effectively leveraging CRM tools for donor engagement and reporting. 

Community Engagement & Advocacy:

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to advance collective impact.
• Represent the organization in public forums, media, and with local government entities.
• Oversee the annual grantmaking process, ensuring timely and effective distribution of funds to local programs.

Operations & Financial Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with Finance Committee to develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring financial transparency and sound stewardship of resources.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.

Team Leadership & Culture:

• Recruit, supervise, and develop staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performing, mission-driven team.
• Promote inclusive, collaborative culture that encourages innovation and accountability.
• Support ongoing professional development to strengthen team effectiveness and engagement.

Qualifications:

Skills & Attributes:

• Demonstrated passion for the mission and values of Konza United Way.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker who can balance long-term vision with hands-on, day-to-day leadership.
• Collaborative leader with experience building partnerships across business, nonprofit, and community sectors.
• Highly organized with exceptional time management skills; able to prioritize effectively, delegate appropriately, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
• Results-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on high-impact initiatives.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or community development.
• Proven track record of success in fundraising, donor relations, and financial oversight.
• Familiarity with the local community and surrounding counties, with an understanding of regional needs and opportunities preferred. Counties include Clay, Marshall, Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee, and Washington.
• Knowledge and understanding of United Way preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and travel locally as needed to support events, partnerships, and community engagement.