VP Of Growth And Strategy

Vice President of Growth and Strategy 

About FosterAdopt Connect: FosterAdopt Connect (FAC) works with children, youth, and families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. With the help of innovative leadership, we are a dedicated, professional staff with 25 years of experience working in the Kansas and Missouri foster care systems. Be part of a progressive, diverse and inclusive organization that connects children with families that provide a safe, stable environment for foster and adoptive children. 

Job Summary:  The Vice President of Growth and Strategy is a critical new leadership role that partners closely with the President/CEO to advance FosterAdopt Connect’s mission. This position drives strategic funding and policy initiatives by securing financial support through state budget processes, contracts, and subcontracts. Additionally, it plays a key role in building and maintaining strong relationships with policymakers and decision-makers in government and private agencies. The Vice President also actively participates in state and community advocacy efforts aligned with the organization’s policy priorities. 

Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to

Strategic Leadership 

• Contribute to the organization’s short- and long-term strategic and operational planning, with a focus on enhancing FosterAdopt Connect’s  overall effectiveness.

• Collaborate on growth strategies that align with mission and operational goals, special focus on the sustained expansion into Kansas communities.

• Provide ongoing community needs analysis to inform and align agency priorities and funding.

Community and Legislative Engagement 

• Build and nurture relationships with community leaders, agencies, and legislators to leverage expertise and program experience for sustained growth.

• Collaborate with the Chief Advancement Officer to steward and utilize Board of Directors effectively.

• Provide testimony and actively participate in committees and task forces addressing systemic issues.

• Cultivate relationships with private funders to expand donor engagement and program reach.

Sector Knowledge and Advocacy 

• Stay informed on nonprofit trends, challenges, and opportunities.

• Collaborate with CEO and contract lobbyists to develop and execute annual legislative agendas for Kansas and Missouri, while engaging in national legislative efforts as needed.

• Oversee the implementation of legislative strategies and assess progress annually, identifying challenges and opportunities year over year.

Development and Outreach 

• Work with the Advancement and Programs teams to create impactful materials that support and sustain operations and growth in Kansas and Missouri.

• Coordinate with Programs and Clients to prepare individuals for testimony, utilizing compelling narrative to support growth objectives.

Team Collaboration and Coordination 

• Maintain regular communication with key leadership, including weekly meetings with the CEO, monthly meetings with the Executive Leadership team, and at least bi-monthly meetings with the CAO to ensure seamless coordination.

• Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings and training sessions.

Organizational Contribution 

• Foster a positive organizational culture focused on cultural competency and continuous improvement.

• Champion performance improvement initiatives to enhance agency outcomes.

• Master’s Degree or JD preferred. Or Bachelor’s Degree plus ten years' experience working in strategic growth, government relations, or development in a related field.

• Proven experience in creating and implementing analytic frameworks to drive strategic growth within fast-growing organizations.

• Strong skill to analyze complex data for strategic decision-making and reporting.

• Resourceful in setting priorities, developing well-defined strategies, and championing investments in people and systems.

• Core understanding of governmental and private funding streams for social service programs preferred.

• Experience in community policy development, systemic advocacy, and implementation preferred.

• Familiarity with the child welfare systems in Kansas and Missouri strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with marginalized communities, with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions.

• High ethical standards, with a track record of holding self and others accountable for quality, timely, and measurable results.

• Effective at delivering constructive feedback and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.

• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.

• Flexible and adaptable communication style, capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders and organizations.

• Willingness and capability to travel regularly across Kansas and Missouri, with focus on Topeka, Jefferson City, and other FAC-served communities.

• Compensation commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

• Highly-competitive health plan.

• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution.

• Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost to employee.

• Voluntary life and short-term disability options available.

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.

• Flexible Spending Account

• Generous paid time off and holidays.

FosterAdopt Connect does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members.