• Full Time
  • St. Louis County
  • Salary: $90,000 - $100,000
  • Organization Type: Health

Missouri Appleseed

Position Title: Executive Director

ABOUT MISSOURI APPLESEED: Missouri Appleseed is a non-profit, non-partisan, 501(c)(3) organization that supports all Missouri families having the opportunity to thrive. Through research, advocacy, and education, Missouri Appleseed works to improve the systems and policies at the intersection of public health, criminal justice, and child welfare. Missouri Appleseed is a member of the national Appleseed Network, which includes 18 Appleseed Centers across the U.S. and in Mexico City. For more information, visit https://missouriappleseed.org/.

Missouri Appleseed is currently focused on advocating for the health, safety, and dignity of Missouri’s women, children, and families, through education, legislation, and other public policies. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, the new Executive Director will determine the organization’s strategic direction and guide Missouri Appleseed into its next chapter.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director is the operational leader of Missouri Appleseed and responsible for the management and oversight of all administrative, financial, and programmatic functions of the organization. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to achieve the long-term goals of the organization, as set by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for managing the Missouri Appleseed staff and maintaining and nurturing relationships with the Board of Directors, other Appleseed Centers, key community organizations and partners, governmental leaders and entities, and donors.

The Executive Director of Missouri Appleseed is also the chief strategic officer and voice for the organization’s mission, vision, values, and programs. The Executive Director’s role includes policy, advocacy, and lobbying efforts in Missouri, serving as the community spokesperson for the organization, and coordination of Missouri Appleseed’s efforts within the national Appleseed network. The Executive Director reports to the Missouri Appleseed Board of Directors.

DETAILS:

●       Job Type:                               Full Time

●       Start Date:                             July 2025

●       Application Deadline:         Monday, March 1, 2025

●       Education:                             JD Preferred

●       Experience Level:                 Executive

●       Salary:                                    $90,000-$100,000 commensurate with experience.

REPORTS TO:         Board of Directors

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Development and Community Outreach (Approximately 40%)
●        Represents the organization in key community events and meetings;

●        Leads efforts to secure funding from diverse sources, including foundations, individual donors, and various grant sources;

●        Develops sustainable fundraising strategies to support the organization’s growth and impact; and

●        Builds and cultivates relationships with funders, volunteers, elected officials, and community members.

Advocacy for Systemic Change (Approximately 30%)
●        Develops advocacy strategy and leads, coordinates, and executes all advocacy campaigns;

●        Collaborates with Board of Directors in identifying and implementing programming and advocacy activities related to the organization’s core mission;

●        Tracks, measures, and evaluates the outcomes of Missouri Appleseed’s campaigns; and

●        Oversees relevant contractors to support advocacy strategy.

Operations and Administration (Approximately 20%)
●        Guides the creation of the multi-year strategic plan and annual organizational work plan that sets goals for each program and incorporates progress towards longer-range strategic goals;

●        Ensures the organization is in full compliance with all laws and regulations, including maintaining 501(c)3 status and fulfilling all related tax obligations;

●        Ensures the organization implements best practices to support equity and inclusion among all staff and community members served;

●        Guides the preparation of the annual operating budget and budgetary adjustments during the fiscal year to maintain a balanced budget;

●        Supervises and coordinates the work of staff and volunteers;

●        Ensures programs and operations are rigorously evaluated and modified as needed to advance the organization’s mission as effectively as possible;

●        Participates in the Appleseed Network, including in the Executive Directors’ Council, collaborative projects, Appleseed committees, providing technical assistance to other Centers or Appleseed, and/or other similar activities; and

●        Engages in collaborative efforts with other Centers where similar needs and goals allow.

Collaborations with the Board of Directors (Approximately 10%)
●        Works closely with the Board of Directors to evaluate, revise, and implement the organization’s strategic plan;

●        Collaborates with the Board to leverage Directors’ expertise and networks to advance the organization’s mission;

●        Attends Board meetings, and prepares and presents reports regarding financial updates, programming, and administrative reports as needed; and

●        Works with the Board Chair and Executive Committee to communicate organizational updates to the Board of Directors between scheduled meetings.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, and EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate will have the following competencies, knowledge, and experience:

●        Bachelor’s degree; JD and/or MPH preferred; MBA or other advanced degree with concentration in public policy, public health, healthcare administration or social work acceptable with work experience complementary to position requirements.

●        Three (3) years’ experience in nonprofit, public policy, government, or law-related work. This experience should include more than one of the following:

o   Significant work experience building and leveraging legislative relationships to advocate for policy changes;

o   Demonstrated fundraising, grant-writing, and grant management experience, including cultivating relationships with funders, and securing substantial financial support;

o   Working knowledge of the Missouri community, nonprofit, and political landscape; and

o   Effective communication and public relations strategies, methods, and techniques.

●        Knowledge of nonprofit operations, management, and structures;

●        High level of personal accountability and work ethic;

●        High level of professionalism;

●        Commitment, passion, and enthusiasm for Missouri Appleseed’s mission and vision;

●        Substantial experience designing and leading integrated advocacy campaigns;

●        Commitment to and understanding of systemic policy reforms;

●        Excellent oral and written communication skills – must be a persuasive and passionate communicator willing to engage a wide range of stakeholders;

●        Successful track record in resource development and fundraising; and

●        Strong policy, advocacy, and/or lobbying background.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

●        Residence: Must reside in the State of Missouri during term of employment;

●        Travel: Required locally up to several times per month for short durations, required within Missouri or nationally up to several times per year for durations of a few days;

●        Transport: Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required; and

●        Background Check: All final applicants must pass a background check.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:

●        $90,000 – $100,000 commensurate with experience;

●        Health benefit reimbursement;

●        Employer retirement contribution; and

●        Classification of Employment: Exempt.

LEVEL of LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:

●        Proficient communicator in English

●        Additional language skills a plus, especially if any commonly spoken in Missouri: Spanish, Marshallese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Laotian.

LOCATION: St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Missouri.

Hybrid – Some work may be performed remotely.

Work must be performed in Missouri, US

Applications received by March 1, 2025, will be given priority consideration, and thereafter will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and at least three references to Brandon Hall, Appleseed Board President, at Brandon.Hall@huschblackwell.com.