Kansas Historical Foundation CEO/Director of Development

About the Role

The Kansas Historical Foundation is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-driven CEO/Director of Development to fuel our mission of supporting the Kansas Historical Society. This role is ideal for someone energized by building meaningful connections, growing impactful fundraising programs, and making a visible difference in the community. This is a highly responsible supervisory, administrative, and participatory position serving as chief executive and development officer of the Foundation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising strategy: Design and execute a comprehensive development plan, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, planned giving, and corporate partnerships
• Cultivate relationships: Build and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects, creating authentic, lasting connections that inspire generosity
• Tell our story: Craft compelling cases for support that connect donors to the impact of preserving Kansas history
• Inspire giving: Personally solicit major gifts and support leadership in high-level donor engagement
• Strengthen partnerships: Work closely with trustees, volunteers, and community leaders to expand our network and influence
• Drive results: Establish goals, track progress, and continuously refine strategies to grow revenue and donor engagement
• Collaborate across teams: Partner with program and communications staff to align fundraising with the Kansas Historical Society’s mission and priorities, and work in close coordination and cooperation with the Kansas State Historical Society, with oversight from the Executive Committee
• Build your team: Hire and lead a Director of Operations to manage membership, annual giving operations, retail store staff, and day-to-day administration so you can focus your energy on development and donor relationships
• Serve as a face of the Foundation: Represent KHF publicly and serve as a key external partner, working in close collaboration and cooperation with the Kansas State Historical Society’s Executive Director, under the direction of the Executive Committee

Development, Analysis, and Planning Duties

• Direct and implement a comprehensive development program for raising private gifts in support of KHS programs and services
• Work in close coordination and cooperation with the Executive Director of the state agency (KSHS), and under the direction of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors to set fundraising priorities and targets
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors
• Implement a comprehensive development plan that includes specific strategies to maximize private support to meet KHS programming needs
• Develop and implement an ongoing communication program with donors that recognizes past and current commitments and fosters support for future efforts
• Travel throughout the state (and out-of-state) to garner financial support
• Work with the Board of Directors to establish networks of potential supporters and donors throughout all regions of the state
• Meet Development Committee and Executive Committee fundraising targets
• Assist the treasurer in developing an annual operating budget subject to adoption by the Executive Committee and managing the operating budget

Oversight Responsibilities

• Manage the Foundation’s overall operations by hiring, supervising, and evaluating a Director of Operations
• Develop goals and objectives for the Foundation's activities
• Manage the operating budget
• Serve as chief liaison to state agency management to ensure effective communication and coordination of all activities between the two organizations, under the direction of the Executive Committee
• Serve as staff for the many executive committee and board of directors committee meetings by facilitating communications and developing meeting materials; also plans and facilitates the annual board of directors and members meeting
• Facilitate the development of the executive committee and board members
• Provide the executive committee and board members with tools to advocate for the Kansas Historical Foundation and the Kansas Historical Society

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public, business, political or social science, and four years of professional experience in a related field, or equivalent is preferred

Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Complex problem solving, independent decision-making, and technical skills
• Ability to speak comfortably in front of various groups in support of the Historical Society's work

Preferred Skills

• Strong commitment to Kansas history and strong ties to the philanthropic community
• Experienced, goal-oriented development professional with planning and management skills and a proven track record of fundraising success with significant experience in donor cultivation, major gift solicitation and stewardship
• Experience in donor development, membership recruitment and retention, including the use of a broad range of membership tools from direct mail and electronic campaigns to social media
• Knowledge of database management
• Experience in and knowledge of fiscal planning, personnel management, and applicable policies and procedures
• Supervisory experience and knowledge of modern business practices
• Experience building and delegating to a team, while retaining ultimate accountability for organizational results, is highly valued

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000 to $125,000, depending upon qualifications, experience, and overall fit with the Foundation's needs.

Benefits

• Single premium health insurance
• Vacation/sick leave
• Up to 3 percent employer match on a 403(b)-retirement plan
• Excellent work environment

Location: 6425 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas. This is not a remote position.

To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to Caryn Kramer, 6425 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615-1099, or email kshs.membership@ks.gov. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.