Kansas City Nonprofit Jobs – Explore Careers, Top Employers, and Industry Insights
Kansas City is home to a thriving nonprofit ecosystem, with more than 7,000 nonprofit organizations registered across the metropolitan area spanning Missouri and Kansas. Nonprofits in Kansas City employ tens of thousands of workers—accounting for roughly 1 in 11 private sector jobs in the region. The sector is diverse, anchored by nationally recognized healthcare systems, major philanthropic foundations, leading universities, and vibrant arts and cultural institutions. Kansas City is also home to the Kauffman Foundation, Hall Family Foundation, and Health Forward Foundation, making it one of the strongest philanthropic hubs in the Midwest. With an economy fueled by healthcare, education, and a growing technology base, Kansas City nonprofits offer stable and rewarding career opportunities across entry-level, mid-level, and executive positions.
Best neighborhoods to live in for nonprofit professionals: Downtown and Crossroads Arts District provide quick access to cultural organizations and civic nonprofits. Westport and Brookside are popular with young professionals working in healthcare and education. Overland Park and Lenexa on the Kansas side offer suburban convenience for families, while River Market and Midtown attract nonprofit staff seeking vibrant community settings.
Start searching now:
Kansas City nonprofit jobs on Foundation List.
Finding Nonprofit Jobs in Kansas City: Market Overview & How to Search
Kansas City nonprofit jobs are concentrated in healthcare, human services, education, philanthropy, and the arts. To maximize your job search, use Foundation List, set up alerts, and focus on anchor institutions and community networks.
How to Search Effectively
- Run targeted searches with filters for Kansas City nonprofit roles on Foundation List.
- Create alerts so you’re notified when new positions open.
- Track anchors: Children’s Mercy Kansas City, St. Luke’s Health System, University of Missouri–Kansas City, United Way of Greater Kansas City, and Kauffman Foundation.
- Network locally through professional groups like Nonprofit Connect to accelerate opportunities.
Kansas City Nonprofit Sector Snapshot
- Healthcare: Children’s Mercy, Truman Medical Centers, and St. Luke’s Health System drive consistent nonprofit hiring.
- Education: University of Missouri–Kansas City, Rockhurst University, and K-12 nonprofits like Teach for America KC.
- Philanthropy: Kauffman Foundation, Hall Family Foundation, and Health Forward Foundation lead grantmaking and ecosystem building.
- Arts & culture: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Symphony, and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts anchor the cultural nonprofit community.
- Human services: United Way of Greater Kansas City and Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph serve critical community needs.
Diverse Service Areas in Kansas City
- Healthcare & Behavioral Health
- Housing, Food Security, and Workforce Development
- Education & Youth Programs
- Arts, Music, and Culture
- Faith-Based Services
- Environmental & Community Development
Where Nonprofit Jobs Cluster in Kansas City
- Downtown & Crossroads: Cultural institutions, civic nonprofits, and advocacy groups.
- Midtown & Westport: Education and community-based organizations.
- Overland Park & Lenexa (KS side): Regional nonprofits and healthcare employers.
- Plaza & Brookside: Arts, philanthropy, and youth-focused nonprofits.
Most In-Demand Nonprofit Roles
- Healthcare professionals, case managers, and behavioral health staff
- Development directors, grant writers, and fundraising specialists
- Program managers in housing, youth development, and education
- Communications, marketing, and donor relations staff
- Finance, HR, and nonprofit operations professionals
Salary & Career Growth Insights
- Program Coordinators: $38,000–$52,000
- Development Directors: $76,000–$110,000+
- Case Managers & Social Workers: $40,000–$56,000
- Executive Directors (midsize orgs): $100,000–$145,000
- Communications/Digital Fundraising Managers: $60,000–$80,000
Networking & Professional Associations
- Nonprofit Connect – training, events, and career resources for nonprofit professionals.
- AFP Kansas City – fundraising professional association.
- Volunteer KC – local volunteer opportunities to build skills and networks.
Volunteer Pathways into Careers
Volunteering is a strong entry route into Kansas City nonprofits. Organizations like United Way, Harvesters Community Food Network, and Nelson-Atkins Museum often hire from their volunteer pools. For students, volunteering offers resume experience, while career changers can demonstrate commitment and build local references.
Remote & Hybrid Nonprofit Jobs
While most direct-service roles are in-person, hybrid and remote opportunities exist in:
- Grant writing
- Communications and marketing
- Research, data, and evaluation
- Finance, HR, and IT
Why Work in Kansas City Nonprofits?
Kansas City’s nonprofit culture is collaborative and well-funded, thanks to major philanthropic institutions and engaged civic leadership. Professionals enjoy affordable cost of living compared to coastal cities while benefiting from nationally recognized employers. Whether in healthcare, education, or the arts, working in Kansas City nonprofits means contributing to a vibrant, growing, and mission-driven community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Nonprofit Jobs
1) How large is Kansas City’s nonprofit sector?
With over 7,000 nonprofits employing tens of thousands of workers, Kansas City’s nonprofit sector represents about 1 in 11 private sector jobs. It is one of the strongest nonprofit hubs in the Midwest, particularly in healthcare, philanthropy, and the arts.
2) Who are the largest nonprofit employers in Kansas City?
Major nonprofit employers include Children’s Mercy Kansas City, St. Luke’s Health System, University of Missouri–Kansas City, United Way of Greater Kansas City, and the Kauffman Foundation. These institutions consistently post new roles across multiple disciplines.
3) What are the most in-demand roles?
Healthcare professionals, program managers, fundraising leaders, and communications specialists are among the most frequently hired. Nonprofits in education and philanthropy also recruit grant writers and operations staff regularly.
4) Do Kansas City nonprofits offer hybrid or remote work?
Yes, especially in fundraising, communications, and administrative roles. Program delivery roles like case management or healthcare typically require on-site presence, but administrative teams often provide flexible work options.
5) What salary ranges can I expect?
Program coordinators typically earn $38k–52k, development directors $76k–110k+, and midsize executive directors $100k–145k. Benefits, professional development, and retirement packages vary widely by employer size.
6) How do I get started in a Kansas City nonprofit career?
Volunteering is one of the fastest pathways into the sector. Nonprofit Connect also offers training and networking events to help early-career professionals and newcomers access opportunities.
7) Are nonprofits hiring right now?
Yes. Kansas City nonprofits are actively hiring in healthcare, housing, fundraising, and education. Openings appear year-round as funding cycles renew and programs expand.
8) What resources are available for nonprofit job seekers?
Foundation List, Nonprofit Connect, and AFP Kansas City are top resources for finding jobs, networking, and professional development. Volunteer KC provides ways to gain entry-level experience and build references.
Featured National & Kansas City Nonprofit Jobs
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Are you an employer looking to hire in Kansas City? Reach talented mission-driven professionals by posting your Kansas City nonprofit jobs on Foundation List. Our national job board is trusted by nonprofit organizations, foundations, schools, associations, and healthcare institutions to connect with passionate candidates.
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