Chief Financial Officer

At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.

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.

For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website ffman.org.

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.

• 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.

• 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…