President & CEO

United Way of Greater Kansas City (UWGKC) is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families across six counties in Kansas and Missouri. At the heart of its work are Waymakers™ – individuals and organizations who mobilize people and resources to improve health, enhance youth opportunity, foster financial security and build community resiliency—so that everyone has the ability to thrive.

UWGKC works to advance health by improving access to care, supporting mental health services, and addressing social determinants that impact well-being. It promotes youth opportunities by expanding educational and enrichment programs, helping children and young adults gain the skills and support they need to succeed in school and life. UWGKC fosters financial security by equipping individuals and families with tools for economic stability, including workforce development, financial literacy, and emergency assistance programs.

Through its community resiliency efforts, UWGKC strengthens connections across the region by providing services such as the 24/7 211 community resource line, rapid-response programs that address urgent needs, and strategic support for local nonprofits. Guided by data-informed strategies, the dedication of Waymakers™, and strong partnerships, UWGKC delivers measurable impact and responds to the evolving needs of the Greater Kansas City community.

Overview of the Role:

The President & CEO of United Way of Greater Kansas City is an inspiring and strategic leader dedicated to advancing opportunity and equity across the region. This executive brings a track record of driving meaningful community impact, with the ability to unite diverse stakeholders – including public agencies, corporate partners, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, staff, volunteers, and donors – around shared goals.

A compelling communicator and innovative thinker, the President & CEO fosters collaboration, motivates teams, and champions new approaches that improve organizational effectiveness and community results. With sound judgment and entrepreneurial insight, they design and implement strategies that ensure UWGKC remains financially sustainable, operationally strong, and poised to respond to evolving community needs. In partnership with the Board and staff, the President & CEO advances UWGKC’s mission, elevates the organization’s visibility, and leads efforts to create lasting impact across Greater Kansas City.

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic & Collaborative Leadership:

• Partner with the Board, senior leadership, community stakeholders, funders, and corporate and nonprofit partners to define and execute strategic priorities.
• Use data, community feedback, and environmental trends to drive strategy, assess performance, and adapt initiatives.
• Identify new opportunities to expand UWGKC’s reach, deepen impact, and diversify revenue streams.

Community Engagement & Visibility:

• Serve as a dynamic ambassador, building strong relationships with civic leaders, public officials, businesses, media, and local nonprofits.
• Advocate for equity, inclusion, and systemic change across issues such as community health, youth opportunities, financial and economic security, and community resiliency.
• Elevate UWGKC’s visibility through public speaking, media engagement, and community forums.

Organizational Leadership & Management:

• Build and nurture a cohesive, mission-driven organizational culture that values collaboration, innovation, and results.
• Oversee operations, financial management, budgeting, compliance, and risk management, ensuring transparency and sustainability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior leadership to ensure alignment across departments and programs.

Resource Development & Financial Stewardship:

• Lead fundraising efforts, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, workplace campaigns, and individual donors.
• Cultivate new donor constituencies and retain existing ones through effective stewardship and engagement.
• Ensure organizational sustainability through prudent financial oversight, cost management, and resource allocation.

Qualifications:

• Executive-level leadership experience within an organization of similar size/scope; prior nonprofit experience ideal.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, resource development, and building partnerships across sectors.
• Coalition building skills with the ability to work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to increase public and private support from multiple funding sources.
• Strong track record of strategic thinking and executing initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to create, manage, and analyze budgets and financials.
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills; comfortable serving as lead spokesperson, relationship builder, and fundraiser.
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to motivate, manage, and develop high-performing teams and work closely with a Board of Trustees.
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed and adaptive leadership style.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

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

Michelle Anderson, Vice President, Executive Search – manderson@omnihrm.com

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.