Office of the President (OOP) Fellow

Kauffman · Portola

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.

Office of the President (OOP) FellowThe 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.

The Office of the President Fellow is a unique 12–24 month leadership fellowship designed for an emerging leader seeking firsthand experience at the intersection of philanthropy, civic leadership, public affairs, and executive strategy. Working directly with the President and CEO and the Office of the President team, the Fellow will support high-impact initiatives that advance the Foundation's mission to foster economic mobility through entrepreneurship, workforce and career development, and college access and completion.

This fellowship provides unparalleled exposure to executive leadership, community partners, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, business executives, and philanthropic organizations across Kansas City, the region, and the nation. The Fellow will contribute to strategic initiatives, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, support executive communications, and collaborate across the Foundation to advance organizational priorities.

Designed as a leadership development experience, the fellowship offers meaningful responsibility, executive mentorship, and broad organizational exposure that prepares participants for future leadership roles in philanthropy, government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement & External Relations

Support the President and CEO's engagement with community, civic, business, philanthropic, education, and government leaders.
Help cultivate and strengthen relationships with strategic external stakeholders and community partners.
Conduct stakeholder research and prepare briefing materials for meetings, events, and community engagements.
Represent the Office of the President at community meetings, convenings, and public events, as appropriate.
Identify opportunities to deepen the Foundation's visibility, partnerships, and community engagement.

CEO & Executive Office Support

Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Office of the President by conducting research, preparing analyses, and developing recommendations.
Collaborate with the Strategic Communications team to develop messaging, speeches, talking points, and communications supporting the President's external engagements.
Coordinate across Policy, Strategic Communications, and other Foundation teams to ensure consistency and alignment in executive messaging and public engagement.
Prepare briefing documents, issue summaries, and background materials to support executive decision-making.
Coordinate follow-up on executive meetings and strategic priorities.
Assist in managing cross-functional initiatives involving multiple Foundation teams.

Special Projects

Lead and support strategic initiatives identified by the President and executive leadership.
Conduct research, coordinate stakeholders, and develop recommendations on issues of strategic importance to the Foundation.
Develop project plans, monitor milestones, and help ensure successful execution of cross-functional initiatives.
Analyze information and synthesize findings into actionable recommendations for leadership.
Support innovation efforts and emerging opportunities aligned with the Foundation's strategic priorities.

Fellowship Experience

Throughout the fellowship, participants will:

Receive direct mentorship from the President and senior Foundation leaders.
Gain broad exposure to executive leadership, philanthropy, strategy, and community engagement.
Build relationships with leaders across the nonprofit, business, education, philanthropic, and public sectors.
Lead meaningful projects with visible organizational and community impact.
Participate in professional development opportunities, executive learning sessions, and leadership networking experiences.
Strengthen executive communication, strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; master's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
Three to five years of professional experience in public policy, nonprofit management, government, consulting, communications, philanthropy, business, or a related field.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential information.
Passion for civic leadership, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, education, or public service.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting senior executives or organizational leadership.
Experience engaging with community stakeholders, public officials, or cross-sector partnerships.
Familiarity with Kansas City's civic, business, nonprofit, or philanthropic landscape.
Experience preparing executive presentations, speeches, briefing materials, or policy analyses.
Experience collaborating across multiple teams in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Competencies

Strategic thinker with strong intellectual curiosity.
Exceptional written and verbal communicator.
Skilled relationship builder who establishes trust across diverse stakeholders.
Collaborative leader who works effectively across teams and disciplines.
Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and manages competing priorities.
Strong executive presence, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Adaptable, resourceful, and solutions-oriented.
Commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and the Foundation's mission.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The EMKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable 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 November 5, 2026.

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

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