Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the Foundation's financial policies and direction while also being an active participant in the organization's overall strategy and strategic objectives. The CFO will lead all financial functions including accounting, budgeting, financial planning & analysis, grants administration/compliance, reporting, risk management and sourcing which will allow the Foundation to continue to grow and fulfill its mission. The CFO is a member of CEO cabinet and is expected to develop and maintain good working relationships with each member of the cabinet, Board of Trustees and Audit Committee. We are seeking a CFO with significant leadership experience, business acumen and a collaborative mindset to facilitate work across the entire Foundation.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

Strategy and Planning

• Oversee annual and long-term budgetary planning and stewardship in alignment with the Foundation's strategic plan.
• Partner with the CEO on strategic issues as they arise; provide strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections.
• Participate in the ongoing process of strategic review and long-term planning.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO's cabinet, collaborating to create the business case or business plans for new initiatives.
• Engage the board audit committee around issues, trends, and changes in operations.

Finance & Accounting

• Provide strategic financial leadership for the Foundation's operations, ensuring stewardship and protection of the annual operating budget. This includes overall accountability for accounting, custodial relationships, enterprise risk management, financial systems, reporting, and a robust framework of internal controls.
• Oversee and continuously improve financial systems and processes, reviewing all formal finance-related procedures and recommending enhancements to ensure operational efficiency and integrity.
• Collaborate with the Cabinet level leaders to guide budgeting and long-term financial planning; track progress and commitments and regularly report updates to executive leadership and the board.
• Ensure the finance team upholds the integrity of financial reporting systems in compliance with the Foundation's policies and provide oversight of the use and monitoring of all funds.
• Supervise all finance-related activities, including preparation of financial reports, cash flow management, forecasting, audits, tax filings, payroll, and custodial functions.
• Lead the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process, partnering with the CEO's Cabinet and reporting progress and risk mitigation efforts to executive leadership and the board's audit committee.
• Serve on the Foundation's Retirement Plan Committee, contributing to fiduciary oversight and strategic planning.
• Provide relevant financial insights and reporting to the CEO, the CEO's Cabinet, and the Board of Directors, supporting informed decision-making across the organization.
• Review and approve all financial and regulatory filings, including the Foundation's annual tax return and reports to external authorities.
• Serve as Treasurer of the Foundation, acting as the management liaison to the Audit Committee and, when appropriate, to the Board Investment Committee.
• Monitor Foundation expenditures to ensure full compliance with applicable tax laws and IRS requirements.
• Oversee financial reporting and policy implementation for all Foundation affiliates, including Real World Learning Initiatives; serve as Treasurer for these affiliated entities.

Grants Administration

• Provide oversight of the Foundation's grant management processes, procedures, documentation, and compliance to ensure the effective, efficient, and timely distribution of grants in alignment with the Foundation's strategic vision and mission.
• Collaborate with Cabinet-level leaders to align the grants management strategy with evolving grantee and Foundation needs, fostering continuous improvement and mutual accountability. Work with grant management and research to identify measurable outcomes based on the strategic objectives.

Sourcing & Vendor Management

• Oversee the Sourcing and Vendor Management function to ensure vendor partnerships reflect the Foundation's values and business needs.
• Support teams in securing high-quality partners that align with the Foundation's mission by providing expertise in sourcing strategies, vendor relationships, and procurement processes that strengthen operational capacity and cross-functional effectiveness.

Education and Experience

Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business or other relevant areas of focus and CPA required.

Work Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles. At least 5 years in a senior leadership role (CFO or VP of Finance, accounting or treasury) leading financial operations in complex organizations. Demonstrated strategic leadership and influence in dynamic environments preferred. Experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, or foundation settings is highly valued. Familiarity with grantmaking and IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) organizations of interest is preferred.

Travel: This position requires some business travel.

Qualifications

Incumbents for this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-directed work, detail-oriented, and able to work collaboratively across teams and departments. Incumbents must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities, and constant change.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage finance teams of 15+ staff, including accountants, financial analysts, grants administrators, payroll and tax professionals, etc., with a focus on performance oversight, professional development, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, FASB regulations, and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Must be able to collect data, analyze, and present analyses to support financial recommendations and operations.
• Can change focus and shift priorities with short notice while maintaining accuracy and productivity.
• Exhibits a keen sense of responsibility, ability to think independently, and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Has a passion for advancing equitable and transformative solutions for communities served by the Foundation.
• Has an excellent ability to get things done including the ability to persuade, encourage, motivate, and develop others.
• Possesses excellent communication skills, including interpersonal, oral, written, and presentation.
• Can synthesize information and distill complex ideas into clear, concise, and actionable forms (i.e., ability to translate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders)
• Has high emotional intelligence and the ability to meet people where they are.
• Has the ability to maintain a calm and competent demeanor amid changing demands and priorities.
• Possesses excellent judgment, flexibility, good humor, high energy level, modesty, and graciousness, and the ability to contribute at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Possesses a passion for "doing what is right," with unquestioned integrity/independent thinking, positive ethics, and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.
• Has strong computer literacy skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and business applications.

All of the above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

Non-Discrimination

The Kauffman Foundation firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state or local law.

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to apply for this position. The job posting will close at 5:00 p.m. CT on October 14, 2026.

This role is based in Kansas City, MO, and associates must reside within the Kansas City metropolitan area.