Institute Director
United WE
Kansas City, MO - United States
WittKieffer is proud to continue our partnership with United Women’s Empowerment (United WE) to conduct the national search for its inaugural Institute Director. This critical role is essential within a growing national nonprofit organization committed to breaking down systemic barriers in women’s economic development and civic leadership.
The Institute is dedicated to advancing women’s economic and civic leadership through evidence-based policy initiatives. Specializing in research, town halls, policy advisement, and educational workshops, the Institute focuses on creating impactful change, particularly for women in disadvantaged and minority communities. With a commitment to non-partisanship, civility, and effective policy designs, its efforts start in the Midwest and aim for national influence, empowering individuals to lead change in their communities.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Institute Director will build on the impressive progress made to date, continuing United WE’s long history of advancing women and their families through research and action. In partnership with the broader United WE team, the Institute Director will work across multiple states to enhance research studies, enact laws, issue executive orders, and implement administrative and policy initiatives. The Institute Director will be committed to promoting women in economic and civic spheres, preferably with a history of work in the nonprofit or government sectors. The successful candidate will be able to proactively identify sustainable financial resources through grants and partnerships to support the organization’s initiatives, manage research partners, and demonstrate excellent writing, editing, and communication skills. They should be organized, self-directed, and a problem solver, showing leadership and flexibility as a team player. A deep understanding of major public policy issues, especially in Midwest states, and strong leadership and project management skills are essential. A significant aspect of the role includes nurturing influential connections with donors, partners, officials, and stakeholders. The role demands exceptional, organizational, and interpersonal capabilities and a passion for motivating and empowering women.
United WE is advancing women through the power of statistical truth and storytelling, believing that meaningful progress requires a strategic blend of qualitative and quantitative data to spark systems-level change. The organization unites with appointees, elected officials, community leaders, supporters, and everyday women to positively impact hundreds of thousands of women. Their impact includes fielding research studies on women’s economic development, contributing to policy reforms, and supporting initiatives such as the award-winning Appointments Project®, which has helped more than 200 women secure appointments to civic boards and commissions.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 8-10 years in research and policy leadership within the nonprofit, government and/or related sectors focused on civic engagement, with a proven track record in effective communication and delivering impactful messages to diverse audiences is desired. An undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience is preferred. This is a remote position with semi-regular travel to Kansas City, Missouri. Preference will be given to candidates in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or the DMV region. The anticipated starting salary range is $125,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health care, retirement, paid time off, and a generous holiday schedule. Please direct all applications, inquiries, and nominations to Ashley Buderus and Roxana Woudstra by clicking the buttons below or via email, at: [email protected].