Chief Executive Officer

Job Solicitation: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Company: Compost Collective KC

Location: Kansas City, Missouri Region

Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Application Deadline: December 1st, 2025

Start Date: January 12, 2025

Are you a driven leader with a passion for climate solutions and a proven track record of scaling mission-driven organizations? Do you have the entrepreneurial mindset, fundraising acumen, and strategic insight to steer a community composting company toward future growth?

Compost Collective KC diverts food waste from the landfill through community-scale composting solutions that bolster sustainable agriculture. We seek a dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the next phase of our growth. Our next CEO will be someone who can chart a bold path forward—expanding operations, building strong partnerships, securing grant funding, and deepening our impact on climate change.

About Us

Compost Collective KC provides Kansas City’s only option for sustainable curbside food waste disposal in the region, composting over two million pounds of food waste annually. In addition to residential and commercial compost collection, our small team of managers and operators tackle community education, facilitate zero-waste events, and engage volunteers. Compost Collective KC seeks to create a sustainable loop between food consumers and agricultural producers, where nutrient-dense, food-based compost fuels a truly circular economy. To that end, Compost Collective KC already partners with its sister business, Urbavore Urban Farm, providing 100% of the farm’s fertility, and delivering produce to customers on food waste collection routes.

CCKC is farmer-owned, and embodies principles of deep environmental stewardship. Our strong and seasoned team includes a Director of Operations for route logistics, team management, office management and customer service; a Compost Systems Manager for fleet maintenance, compost management, equipment training; an Outreach Coordinator for coordination of volunteers and in-person events; and a team of Compost Drivers for waste collection, customer interfacing, and event staffing.

Position Overview

The CEO leads the company’s strategy and operations, and steers Compost Collective KC’s marketing, community engagement, finances and day-to-day operations at a high level. The CEO inspires CCKC’s managers and staff into action, leading by example as a public face of the company. The CEO works closely with the company owners to broaden the company’s impact. The ideal candidate is hands-on, possesses strong business development skills, understands the environmental sector, and has deep knowledge of public and private funding landscapes.

This hybrid position allows the CEO to work partially remotely, partially in-person.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a multi-year strategy to scale operations and expand market reach.
• Business Development: Identify new revenue opportunities, partnerships, and customer segments to drive sustainable growth.
• Grant Writing & Fundraising: Lead all grant identification, writing, and reporting; cultivate relationships with funders and donors to secure both public and private funding.
• Public Outreach: Lead promotional efforts and presentations to community groups, neighborhoods, municipalities, property managers and sustainability boards.
• Team Leadership: Work with Director of Operations to manage and grow a small, dedicated team; sustain a culture of innovation, accountability, and inclusion.
• Financial Oversight: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial management to ensure fiscal health and transparency.
• Operations & Compliance: Ensure efficient operations (in conjunction with the Director of Operations), as well as local and state regulatory compliance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the company with customers, community partners, policymakers, and the media.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of scaling organizations (small, mid-size or early-stage), ideally in sustainability, waste management, social enterprise, or logistics.
• Demonstrated success in grant writing and securing diverse funding streams (government, foundation, corporate).
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset with excellent strategic planning and execution skills.
• Experience managing profit & loss, and leading cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations.
• Knowledge of the composting, food systems, or environmental services sector.
• Experience working with local and state regulators on environmental compliance is ideal.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in business, management, environmental science, public administration, or a related field is preferred.

Compensation

$68,000 - 82,000/year. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes performance-based incentives. Benefits include seven holidays per year, three weeks PTO/sick leave, six weeks maternity/paternity leave, Health, Dental, and 50% matching 401K. (Full benefit details provided by contract.)

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, a detailed cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and at least three references to dheryer@compostcollectivekc.com.

Compost Collective KC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.

Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, parental leave, and matching 401K.