Institute Director

WittKieffer and United WE Partnership

WittKieffer is proud to continue its partnership with United Women’s Empowerment (United WE) to conduct the national search for the 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.

About the Institute

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.

Role and Responsibilities

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.
• Promote women in economic and civic spheres, preferably with a history of work in the nonprofit or government sectors.
• 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.
• Be organized, self-directed, and a problem solver, showing leadership and flexibility as a team player.
• Exhibit a deep understanding of major public policy issues, especially in Midwest states, along with strong leadership and project management skills.
• Nurture influential connections with donors, partners, officials, and stakeholders.

The role demands exceptional organizational and interpersonal capabilities and a passion for motivating and empowering women.

About United WE

United WE is advancing women through the power of statistical truth and storytelling. The organization believes that meaningful progress requires a strategic blend of qualitative and quantitative data to spark systems-level change. United WE collaborates 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.
• Supporting initiatives such as the award-winning Appointments Project®, which has helped more than 200 women secure appointments to civic boards and commissions.

Qualifications

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.
• A proven track record in effective communication and delivering impactful messages to diverse audiences.
• An undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience (preferred).
• Strong leadership and project management skills.

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.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary range: $125,000, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Health care, retirement, paid time off, and a generous holiday schedule.

Application Process

Please direct all applications, inquiries, and nominations to Ashley Buderus and Roxana Woudstra through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal or via email at: [email protected].