Executive Director

KEEN St. Louis


Impact Lives through Play. Lead through Vision. 


KEEN St. Louis seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial Executive Director to serve as our chief executive and chief advancement leader. We empower youth with disabilities through free, one-on-one physical activity and fun programs.


Position Summary


The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and chief advancement leader for KEEN St. Louis, combining deep commitment to mission with strong fundraising, relationship-building, and strategic growth expertise. This role is ideal for a mission-driven nonprofit leader who excels at translating purpose into sustainable financial support and community engagement.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission of providing one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and youth with cognitive and physical disabilities, while ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability. The ED leads fundraising and revenue diversification efforts, oversees high-quality program delivery, and builds strong partnerships with donors, volunteers, community leaders, and families.


The Executive Director collaborates with a part-time Program Manager, a part-time Operations Coordinator, volunteers, donors, and community partners to strengthen programs, expand their impact, and increase philanthropic investment in KEEN St. Louis.

Work is primarily home-based with regular presence at program sites, donor engagements, and community events. Flexible scheduling is required, including some evenings and weekends.


Key Responsibilities


Organizational Leadership & Strategy

  • Provide overall leadership and direction for KEEN St. Louis, ensuring alignment with mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
  • Partner with the Board of Directors to set organizational goals, assess performance, and ensure long-term viability.
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for KEEN St. Louis within the community.


Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

  • Serve as the primary driver of philanthropic revenue, leading all fundraising and advancement efforts for KEEN St. Louis.
  • Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns mission impact with donor interests, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and special events.
  • Actively cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, sponsors, and community partners through meaningful relationships and clear communication of impact.
  • Engage and support Board members in fundraising, including donor introductions, solicitations, and stewardship activities.
  • Lead fundraising committees and signature fundraising events, including the annual KEEN Gala.
  • Oversee donor data management, gift processing, acknowledgements, and stewardship practices to ensure accuracy, transparency, and donor confidence.
  • Partner with the Board Treasurer to develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget, ensuring alignment between fundraising goals and programmatic priorities.
  • Ensure sound financial controls, compliance, and reporting in accordance with nonprofit best practices,  national KEEN, and knowledge of 501(c)3 requirements.


Board & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Support and collaborate with the Board of Directors in advancing fundraising, governance, and mission delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with all reporting and communication requirements of the national KEEN organization.


Operations, Communications & Community Relations

  • Oversee general operations, including finance, facilities, marketing/communications, technology, and risk management.
  • Oversee the development, coordination, and evaluation of all KEEN programs through supervision of the part-time Program Manager.
  • Oversee external communications efforts, including media relations, website content, newsletters, and social media.
  • Coordinate community outreach initiatives and represent KEEN St. Louis at community events.
  • Develop and manage partnerships and collaborations with organizations serving youth with disabilities.


Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience as a mission-driven nonprofit leader with significant responsibility for fundraising, advancement, and organizational growth.
  • Proven success in building and sustaining donor relationships, securing philanthropic support, and meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
  • Ability to articulate mission impact compellingly to donors, board members, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
  • Strong background in program development, management, and evaluation within a nonprofit setting.
  • Experience recruiting, supervising, motivating, and retaining volunteers and staff.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with confidence engaging diverse audiences.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to balance vision-setting with hands-on execution.
  • High level of compassion, integrity, and commitment to serving individuals with disabilities and their families.
  • Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills with the ability to work independently.
  • Proficiency with nonprofit technology systems, donor databases, and basic financial reporting tools.


Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in social services, education, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum three years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, with direct accountability for fundraising or advancement functions.
  • Demonstrated and measurable success in fundraising, revenue growth, donor engagement, and financial stewardship.
  • Maintain a flexible leadership schedule, with occasional evening and weekend commitments aligned to programs, fundraising events, and key community or donor engagements.

 

Salary & Benefits

  • Rate of pay - $35/hour, 30 hours per week
  • Eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Other available benefits include Short and Long Term Disability, AD&D/Life insurance, and IRA match


Apply by March 27, 2026 to lead a mission where every child belongs. Email your resume and contact information for 3-5 references to Kristen Kremer, President, Board of Directors at  kkremer@keenstlouis.org


KEEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.