Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

ROME GROUP; Missouri; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Family Services in St. Louis seeks a Chief Executive Officer to lead the agency into its next chapter of growth and impact.

The CEO will partner with the Board and senior leadership to execute the strategic plan, strengthen operations, and expand services across behavioral health, social services and hunger relief. The role requires a demonstrated commitment to social services, strong fundraising acumen, and the ability to inspire staff, donors and community partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience leading complex organizations with strong governance.
• Proven ability to build relationships with donors, partners and community leaders.
• Track record of strategic planning and organizational growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization in alignment with the strategic plan, assessing progress and guiding long‑term growth and impact.
• Identify operational challenges early, set clear priorities, and lead solutions with the senior team and the Board.
• Ensure sound financial planning and oversight to maintain stability and drive impact.
• Foster a cohesive senior leadership team with clarity, collaboration and accountability.
• Serve as a visible, trusted public voice for JFS within the community.
• Partner with the Board to govern effectively and steward resources.
• Ambassador for donors, funders, volunteers, and community partners; grow revenue from grants, individuals, foundations and other sources.
• Use data and client stories to demonstrate impact and clearly communicate outcomes to stakeholders.
• Build strategic relationships with key partners such as Jewish Federation, United Way, and Children’s Service Fund.
• Guide program strategy to ensure services reflect the mission, values and brand; adapt to evolving community needs.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Family Services (JFS), St. Louis

Jewish Family Services

Supporting Families & Seniors. Alleviating Hunger. Improving Mental Health.

Our Mission

Inspired by Jewish tradition to make the world a better place, JFS empowers and supports people in need to meet their challenges.

The Opportunity

JFS St. Louis is seeking a Chief Executive Officer who can honor our history while leading the agency into its next chapter of growth and impact. The CEO will advance the mission by working with the Board and leadership team to carry out the current strategic plan and thoughtfully shape what comes next in a changing community landscape.

The CEO will be a visible, trusted voice for JFS in the St. Louis region, working closely with the Jewish community, synagogues, schools, civic leaders, government partners, and the broader nonprofit sector. A key focus will be deepening relationships with those we serve, as well as with donors, funders, and partner agencies who make our work possible.

The CEO will also play a central role in nurturing future private and institutional funding, helping ensure that JFS can continue to respond to growing demand for services across behavioral health, social services, and hunger relief. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the CEO will reinforce a strong strategic and operational foundation so JFS can meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.

Why JFS?

• Meaningful impact: Lead an organization that supports people through life’s most difficult moments, from food insecurity and mental health challenges to aging and caregiving needs.
• Community roots: Join a respected agency with deep ties in the St. Louis Jewish community and strong partnerships across the broader region.
• Values-driven culture: Work with a team that shows up for clients, colleagues, and the community with compassion, professionalism, and accountability.
• Competitive benefits: Enjoy paid Jewish and federal holidays, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k)/Roth plans, pet insurance, and other benefits that support work and life.

Role Overview

Executive Leadership

• Lead the organization in alignment with the strategic plan, assessing progress and recommending adjustments that position JFS for long-term health and relevance.
• Take a proactive approach to organizational performance by identifying operational challenges early, setting clear priorities, and leading solutions in partnership with the senior team and Board.
• Ensure sound financial planning and oversight so JFS can remain stable, invest wisely, and respond to community needs.
• Support a cohesive senior leadership team, fostering clarity, collaboration and shared accountability.
• Model a leadership style that is visible, accessible, and grounded in JFS values, both internally and in the community.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors, providing the information, context, and partnership they need to govern effectively.

Relationships and Resource Development

• Serve as primary ambassador for JFS with donors, funders, volunteers, and community partners.
• Partner with the Development team and Board to grow revenue from grants, individual donors, foundations and other funding sources that sustain JFS programs and facilities.
• Use data and client stories to demonstrate impact, making the mission and outcomes of JFS clear and compelling to stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationship with the Jewish Federation and other key communal partners, including United Way and Children’s Service Fund, aligning efforts where possible to expand reach and impact.

Strategy and Programming

• Foster a culture that is trusting, transparent and team-oriented, where staff feel supported in doing their best work.
• Clarify and focus JFS’s program identity, working with the Board and the CPO to determine which services to grow, refine, partner around, or wind down so the agency plays to its strongest capabilities.
• Ensure that JFS programs reflect the mission, values and brand of the organization while meeting high standards of quality and effectiveness.
• Monitor trends and changes in the community and social services landscape, and in partnership with the CPO, adapt programs to better meet evolving needs.
• Identify emerging needs and underserved populations; thoughtfully explore new or expanded services with staff and partners.

Who You Are

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Mission-Driven and Values Oriented: You bring a deep commitment to social services and to the mission of JFS, along with an appreciation for Jewish values, culture, and community.
• Experienced Strategic Leader: You have lead teams in complex, client-facing organizations, ideally in human services or related fields, and you are comfortable balancing day-to-day leadership with long-range planning.
• Financial and Operational Acumen: You understand nonprofit finances and funding streams can make decisions that protect financial stability while advancing program impact.
• Inclusive and Collaborative: You build environments where people feel that they belong, are respected, and are accountable to one another and to the mission.
• Relationship Builder and Communicator: You listen well, communicate clearly, and are adept at building trust with staff, Board members, donors, funders and community partners.
• Public Presence: You are comfortable speaking in public and representing JFS with warmth, clarity and conviction.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 7 years of progressive leadership experience, including direct supervision and development of staff.
• Demonstrated experience working with or in partnership with a governing Board.
• Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and engage professional staff, donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders in support of shared mission.

Location

This is an onsite, office-based position, located at 10950 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO 63146. Some travel to the local food pantry and other JFS locations is required, along with occasional travel for national meetings and gatherings.

Express Your Interest

Help us strengthen our organization and support those in need. To apply, share your resume with our search partner, Jenny Rogers at ROI Search Partners ([e-mail]).

To learn more about JFS and our impact, visit www.jfsstl.org.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Jewish Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.