Since 1964, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City has united leaders across sectors – from the business community, higher education, civic entities, and philanthropic institutions, to sports, arts, and media organizations – forming a brain trust tasked with deploying resources, influence, and expertise towards the Kansas City of the future. Today, the Civic Council’s nearly 70 members represent billions in revenue and tens of thousands of employees across the Kansas City region.
Working on both sides of the state line all the way to Washington, D.C., the Civic Council pushes for the pragmatic, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions that move Kansas City forward in the new global economy. The generosity of its people, the sincerity of their work ethic, and the tenacity of their innovative spirit make this region a powerhouse for prosperity.
The Civic Council’s mission is threefold: To strengthen economic growth, advocate for systemic equity and inclusion, and collaborate towards sustainable regional prosperity. The strategic pyramid to the right outlines key Civic Council goals, initiatives, functions, and values.
The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City seeks a dynamic, innovative, and action-oriented pathfinder to serve as the organization’s next President.
As the top executive in the organization, the President manages a $3 million dollar budget and a full-time staff of eight, as well as consultants and contractors engaged by the Council.
The President reports to the Executive Committee of the Civic Council’s 25-member Board of Directors.
The President is responsible for shaping, prioritizing, and operationalizing the vision of the membership towards initiatives that drive Kansas City forward.
By navigating emerging challenges and opportunities at a unique moment in the region’s history, the President will serve as a torchbearer for a Kansas City region that meets its economic, cultural, and philanthropic potential in the 21st century – an opportunity to make significant, long-term impact.
An ideal candidate for the position carries the below professional foundation, interpersonal qualities, and strategic orientation:
Professional Foundation
An undergraduate degree or equivalent educational experience, with a preference for a master’s degree
Experience building coalitions in highly collaborative environments
Experience making and owning data-driven decisions for membership-based organizations
Experience partnering with executive leaders, community figures, Boards of Directors, and civic institutions
Experience managing organizational budgets, teams, and strategic plans
Experience with government relations, advocacy, and community engagement
Interpersonal Qualities
A facilitative leadership style that brings people together and builds deep relationships
An extremely effective oral and written communication style across audiences and contexts
High emotional intelligence, political savvy, and the ability to “read a room”
An entrepreneurial mindset and self-starter attitude, driven by results and impact
The ability to create followship and inspire others to action
Values-based leadership, a sense of integrity, and unimpeachable ethics
Strategic Orientation
Skill in navigating ambiguity and in finding “deal space” within competing stakeholder viewpoints and priorities
Bias towards action with the ability to implement and iterate rapidly
Motivation to find solutions that enable Kansas City to thrive
Sophisticated approach to planning, research, forecasting, and anticipating obstacles across long time horizons – thinking about what it means to “go long” on Kansas City
Passion for civic and community engagement, animated by an authentic sense of respect and admiration for ALL people of the region
The President represents the Civic Council and its membership in a variety of public, private, and virtual fora, leads internal and external strategic programming, and ensures effective collaboration with peer organizations.
In addition to deep and thoughtful member engagement, the President must lead an intentional, external activation effort to highlight the Civic Council’s accomplishments and objectives to engage the next generation of leadership.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - The projected compensation range for this individual will be competitive and in accordance with the background and experience of the selected candidate. Compensation is supplemented by incentive opportunities and a benefits package that includes a 401(k) program, major medical, life, and disability insurance, technology allowance, etc. Relocation assistance will be provided to the successful candidate, if needed. More details about employee benefits can be provided upon request.
LOCATION - This position is in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, and, as such, candidates currently living outside of the area must be willing to relocate to the Kansas City region.
NON-DISCRIMINATION - CBIZ TCS and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City maintain a policy of non?discrimination in employment and complies with and supports all federal, state, and local laws regarding discrimination in employment. Specifically, the organizations do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, citizenship status, pregnancy, mental or physical disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic to the extent prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Decisions regarding recruiting, hiring and promotion are made on the basis of individual qualifications related to the requirements of the position. Likewise, the administration of other human resources matters such as compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions?in?force, recall, training, education, and social/recreational programs are free from any discriminatory practices.
APPLICATION - CBIZ TCS, a retained executive search firm, is partnering with the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City on this important and exciting search. All calls and inquiries regarding this search should be made directly to the search firm. Nominations and applications will be held in confidence. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until May 31, 2025.
The Civic Council is a coalition of Kansas City's most prominent business and civic leaders dedicated to strengthening economic growth, advocating for systemic equity and inclusion, and collaborating on solutions for sustainable regional prosperity for all.
