The FIRE Foundation, a nonprofit organization within the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph, Missouri, is dedicated to promoting inclusive Catholic education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and learning differences. FIRE supports schools by offering vital resources such as funding for adaptive technology, curriculum development, and professional training. Its mission is to integrate students with disabilities into Catholic schools through enhanced educational resources, proactive fundraising, and a strong culture of inclusivity.

The Executive Director, based in Kansas City, Missouri, will oversee the foundation’s operations, advocate for students, and lead efforts in fundraising and strategic development. The role demands strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and experience in nonprofit management. The position offers a competitive salary starting at $85,000 annually, along with benefits including PTO, health coverage, and holiday observances.

Click Here: FIRE Foundation ED Prospectus

Education and Experience:

• Familiarity and experience with Catholic education and a strong understanding of best practices in Inclusive Education are essential.
• Proven track record of successfully achieving organizational goals and fostering impactful outcomes through program management, strategic fundraising initiatives, compelling grant writing, and effective leadership across diverse capacities.
  • This includes enhancing organizational effectiveness and ensuring mission-driven success in leadership roles within nonprofit or for-profit environments.
• Bachelor’s degree is required for this position; a Master’s degree is preferred, especially in fields such as Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Education, or Business Administration. Alternatively, candidates with 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit management and/or leadership roles will be considered.

 Skills:

• Demonstrates strong leadership skills with the ability to exercise mature judgment and maintain a collegial work style.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and engage effectively with stakeholders, donors, and the broader community.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of formulating and executing high-level strategic goals while ensuring operational efficiency.
• Proficient in managing and motivating teams, adept at delegating tasks and projects to staff, and skilled in recruiting, engaging, and coordinating volunteers to effectively implement FIRE’s mission.
• Self-driven and proactive in approach, able to work independently and collaboratively to achieve organizational objectives.

About FIRE Foundation

FIRE is a nonprofit within the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph, Missouri, committed to making Catholic education inclusive for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We support schools by providing essential resources such as adaptive technology, curriculum help, and professional development. Our goals include expanding our team, improving engagement and growth strategies, enhancing professional development, increasing therapy support, and boosting fundraising efforts. These priorities reflect FIRE's dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive educational environment for all students.

Connections working at FIRE Foundation