Communications Officer - Operating Programs

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.

Communications Officer - Operating Programs

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 at www.kauffman.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Communications Officer - Operating Programs provides primary communications support for the Foundation's Operating Programs, including Kauffman FastTrac, 1 Million Cups, Real World Learning, and Real World Initiatives (ProX). This role ensures communications for each program are clear, consistent, and aligned with both program goals and the broader Foundation brand. The Communications Officer collaborates closely with program teams, the Strategic Communications team, and external partners to deliver effective, timely communications that support program impact and visibility.

The Communications Officer - Operating Programs and the Communications Officer - Digital are complementary roles within Strategic Communications. Together, they provide integrated support under the Senior Manager - Content and Strategy, with the Digital Officer focusing on email and social media execution across platforms, and the Operating Programs Officer focusing on program-specific communications. Working in close collaboration, these roles ensure alignment between program goals, Foundation priorities, and digital engagement strategies.

Specific Responsibilities Include :

Program Communications

Serve as the primary communications partner for Operating Programs, coordinating across Kauffman FastTrac, 1 Million Cups, Real World Learning, and Real World Initiatives (ProX).

Translate program information into clear, compelling communications aligned with Foundation standards and voice.

Develop and manage communications strategies and content that support seasonal programming and major program milestones.

Balance competing priorities and multiple requests across programs while maintaining quality and timeliness.

Collaboration with Digital

Partner with the Communications Officer - Digital to coordinate social media and Marketing Cloud needs for Operating Programs.

Provide program-specific content, updates, and storytelling that can be adapted across digital channels.

Cross-Team Collaboration

Collaborate with the Coordinator - Projects and Events to manage program-related projects, logistics, and event communications support.

Work with the Senior Manager - Brand to fulfill assignments generated through the internal help desk ticketing system related to Operating Programs and affiliates.

Provide back-up communications support for the Foundation as needed, in collaboration with the broader Strategic Communications team.

General

Maintain close relationships with program staff to ensure communications reflect program goals and evolving priorities.

Contribute to the development of new approaches and improvements for program communications.

Represent the Foundation and programs with professionalism at internal and external events.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education : Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, education, or related field; or equivalent experience.

Work Experience : Three years of experience in communications, program communications, or content development.

Travel : This position may require occasional business travel.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates for this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-direction and able to work collaboratively in a team. Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities, and constant change.

Has the ability to manage multiple strategies, requests, and deadlines simultaneously.

Possesses strong writing, editing, and content development skills, with attention to clarity, alignment, and consistency.

Has experience developing communications for diverse audiences across programs and platforms.

Demonstrates strong collaboration skills and ability to build relationships with colleagues across programs and teams.

Has the capacity to thrive in seasonal high-demand periods and adjust to shifting priorities.

Has a professional demeanor with commitment to teamwork, learning, and continuous improvement.

Is familiar with Salesforce Marketing Cloud and social media platforms.

Possesses a passion for "doing what's right," with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.

Has strong computer literacy skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.

All of the statements in this position description 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 can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job posting will be removed at 5 : 00 pm CT on October 14, 2025.

Please note that this role is Kansas City, MO based and associates must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.