Executive Director

Executive Director Job Description

Organization: 1881 Foundation Inc.

Location: 9800 Grandview Rd. Kansas City, MO

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About the Organization:

The 1881 Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the ongoing preservation, maintenance, and restoration of the historic Oakwood Country Club, including its clubhouse, grounds, and other key architectural resources. In addition to these preservation efforts, the Foundation offers educational programs that celebrate the history and significance of Oakwood Country Club within the broader community.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the Foundation’s chief executive and provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will be responsible for all aspects of the Foundation's activities, including fundraising, financial oversight, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program management. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of leading organizations toward achieving mission-driven goals, especially in the context of non-profit leadership and historic preservation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Visionary Leadership & Strategic Direction:
   • Lead the organization in fulfilling its mission, ensuring alignment between day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals.
   • Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability throughout the Foundation.
   • Set measurable and impactful goals for the Foundation’s growth and preservation efforts, ensuring the sustainability of initiatives.
   • Maintain a strong, forward-thinking perspective on historic preservation trends and opportunities to maximize impact.
2. Fundraising & Financial Stewardship:
   • Design and implement innovative fundraising strategies to generate revenue for preservation and educational programs.
   • Build, cultivate, and sustain relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations, ensuring diverse revenue streams.
   • Oversee financial management, including budgeting, financial planning, and monitoring, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of accountability.
   • Work with the Board to create and implement sustainable financial practices and investment strategies, including endowment and capital campaigns.
3. Board Relations & Governance:
   • Provide ongoing strategic counsel to the Board of Directors, facilitating productive discussions and decision-making.
   • Ensure effective communication between staff and board, ensuring alignment on mission, strategy, and performance.
   • Foster a culture of strong governance, compliance, and ethical integrity, maintaining transparency with stakeholders.
   • Support Board recruitment and development efforts to ensure a diverse and high-performing Board of Directors.
4. Stakeholder Engagement & Community Outreach:
   • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Foundation, representing it at public events, in the media, and with external stakeholders.
   • Strengthen relationships with the local community, key government entities, historical preservation organizations, and educational institutions.
   • Develop and execute impactful educational programs that highlight the history of Oakwood Country Club and its significance to the broader community.
   • Cultivate positive, collaborative relationships with local and national preservation organizations and key historical stakeholders.
5. Organizational Management & Staff Development:
   • Provide leadership, guidance, and support to all Foundation staff, volunteers, and contractors, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals.
   • Foster a high-performance culture, investing in professional development and mentorship opportunities for staff.
   • Oversee recruitment and retention of talent, ensuring the organization has the right skills to execute its mission.
   • Monitor organizational performance, setting clear metrics for success and course-correcting as needed to ensure long-term impact.

1. Compliance & Risk Management:
   • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including non-profit tax laws, fundraising regulations, and preservation codes.
   • Develop and maintain risk management protocols to safeguard the Foundation’s assets, reputation, and mission.
   • Oversee documentation and reporting requirements, ensuring timely and accurate submission of financial reports, grant applications, and other necessary filings.

Qualifications:

• • Education: Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Historic Preservation, Museum Studies, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
  • Experience: Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in a non-profit organization, with a demonstrated track record in fundraising, program development, and staff management.

Skills:

• • Strong leadership capabilities, including the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team toward shared goals.
  • Expertise in historic preservation practices and principles, particularly as they relate to non-profit environments.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and media relations.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, community partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Personal Attributes:

• • Passion for historic preservation and community engagement.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and commitment to the mission.
  • High level of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
  • Ability to work effectively in a start-up environment and manage evolving priorities.

Additional Notes:

• • As an Executive Director, the candidate will work collaboratively with a passionate Board of Directors, volunteers, and stakeholders, and will play an essential role in securing the long-term success of the Foundation’s mission and initiatives.