Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

ROME GROUP; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 190,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Medical benefits

Retirement match

Job summary

Arch Grants in Saint Louis, Missouri seeks a Chief Executive Officer to lead strategy, fund development, and organizational growth. Reporting to the Board, the CEO will guide 8-10 staff, manage a multi-million dollar budget, and build partnerships with foundations, corporate partners, and civic leaders to accelerate place-based economic development.

This role requires 10–15+ years of senior leadership, strong fundraising expertise, P&L accountability, and a passion for scaling mission-driven

Qualifications

• Executive leadership and mission stewardship aligned with board and strategy.
• Develop and diversify funding to secure multi-year commitments and endowment growth.
• Lead and develop internal teams, programs, and operational excellence to scale impact.
• Build and nurture national partnerships with foundations, corporate partners, and ecosystem leaders.
• Measure impact with annual reporting, cohort tracking, and data-driven evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Drive executive leadership and strategic decision making with the Board.
• Own full P&L, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and controls for sustainability.
• Expand and diversify the funding base: major gifts, foundations, corporations, and grants.
• Oversee programs, operations, data systems, and third-party partnerships to enable growth.
• Represent Arch Grants publicly to increase awareness and attract entrepreneurs and investors.

Skills

Executive Leadership

Fund Development

Strategic Planning

Fundraising

Partnerships

Board Relations

P&L Ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or graduate degree

Job description

NOW HIRING – Chief Executive Officer

Onsite | Position based in St. Louis, Missouri

If you bring a track record in fund development, operational leadership, or scaling mission-driven organizations, and a passion for bold regional impact, we invite you to explore the leadership of a not-so-quiet economic revolution here in St. Louis, Missouri!

ABOUT ARCH GRANTS

Arch Grants has been disrupting the status quo in economic development since itsinceptionwith a mission to transform the Saint Louis economy – attracting andretainingextraordinary entrepreneurs, one cohort at a time. As a 501(c)(3), Arch Grants is passionate about accelerating place-based economic development via equity-free startup funding. Best known for its global Startup Competition, Arch Grants has now funded291 companiesthat have gone on to create 4,000+ jobs, commercialize7,000+ products,land 300+ patents,attract $894M+ in capital raised, andgenerate $1.3B+ in revenue.

In addition to non-dilutive cash awards, Arch Grants offers unparalleled resources and structured support, aimed at multiplying the success of its early-stage startups by driving capital,credibilityand strategic introductions.Be it connections to accelerator programs, venture capital firms, angel investors, mentors, Arch Grants programming, or even local enterprise customers, the data has shown the majority of founders choose to stay, hire, and reinvest in Saint Louis.

Beyond its startup success stories, Arch Grants has not only proven that the maturation of an ecosystem where bold ideas take root, scale rapidly, and attract national attention is possible,but alsostepped into close collaboration with key ecosystem partners, including local chambers, major universities, ag-tech and geospatial hubs, and other community conveners to attract and retain high-growth startups, high-potential talent, and business opportunity to Saint Louis.

In alignment with its next set of strategic and financial goals, Arch Grants is excited to announce its need for a Chief Executive Officer. As Arch Grants’ first‑ever CEO, you will help define this role and shape the organization’s next chapter:a rare opportunity to build rather than inherit.Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide focused strategicleadershipacross operations, funddevelopmentand organizational growth.

Leading a talented team of 8-10 internal employeesand an annual operating budget ofapproximately $3.6 million, with an endowment and investmentportfolioof approximately $23million, Arch Grants’ CEO will safeguard the organization’s mission, align ambitious programming with internal capacity, andmaintainoperational and financial stability. The CEO willalsoelevate Arch Grants’ national profile by cultivating donors and strategic partners, diversifying funding sources, and securing multi-year financial commitments that support long-term sustainability. Learn more atwww.archgrants.org.

YOUR MISSION AS CEO

• EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP + MISSION STEWARDSHIP –In close partnership with the Arch Grants Board of Directors, you willdriveexecutive leadership and organizational insight to inform strategic decision making. You will translate strategy into actionable goals and lead focused and accountable execution. You will protect against mission creep, ensuringnew programsalign with organizational purpose,capabilitiesand desired impact. You willfacilitateBoard engagement throughtimely, transparent communications on all strategic,financialand fiduciary matters.
• FUND DEVELOPMENT + FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY –As a driving force behind the organization’s financial sustainability, you will lead and align key staff, Board members,andstakeholders around a comprehensive development strategy. You will expand and diversify thefunding base, encompassing stewardship of major gifts, foundation and corporate relations, plannedgiving, strategic partners and advancement operations to secure multi-year commitments and endowment growth. Own full P&L responsibility, including budget, forecasting, cash flow, and financial controls to ensure Arch Grants is positioned for desired impact.
• TEAM LEADERSHIP + OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE –Lead, develop and align a talented internal team, ensuring a culture of collaboration, accountability, and recognition.Own thedesign, delivery, and continuous improvement of Arch Grants’ programs, scaled tocapacityand aligned with organizational mission.Owninternal ops, technology, data, systems, and all third-party partners to support execution, decision making, and growth.
• NATIONAL PROFILE: PARTNERSHIPS & EXTERNAL RELATIONS –Serving as chief ambassador, you will elevate brand and visibility, positioning Arch Grants as a national voice on entrepreneurship, economicdevelopmentand founder attraction. Cultivate meaningful relationships with community and civic leaders, venture networks, corporate partners, and ecosystem colleagues. Serve as the public face of the organization,representingArch Grants to increase awareness of its model, impact, and role in attracting entrepreneurs and early‑stage business to Saint Louis.
• IMPACT + GROWTH –Track economic and community impact through measurement of metrics that matter, reflecting Arch Grants’ role as a catalyst in economic transformation through entrepreneurship and regional retention. Oversee annual reporting, multi-year cohort tracking, founder feedback, and periodic third-party economic impact analysis.

IS THIS A MATCH FOR YOU?

• You have a passion for the mission of Arch Grants, including a fundamental belief in the power of an entrepreneurial ecosystem to foster economic growth. You consider yourself a builder of process, products, and people and fundraising strategist who thrives on making the next chapter of an organization’s vision come to life.
• You have gained10-15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience spanning strategy, operations, and resource development,and management of people, processes, programs, and organizational resources. Experience mustincludeno less than 5 years of direct team oversight, including an ability to inspire and motivate, manage conflict, and foster a healthy organizational culture.
• You bring a proventrack recordin leading transformational fund development initiatives, including an ability to secure multi-year gifts and the strategy to diversify fund sources.Equivalent experience leading strategic growth initiatives in an entrepreneurial, venture, or economic-development context is also welcome.Prior experience managing high-level donors and prospects capable of six- and seven-figure gifts isrequired. Development of strategic partnerships, foundation and corporate relations, and grant fundingalsodesired. Evidence of a data-driven approach to fundraising a must-have.
• You are well-versed in proactively communicating with internal and external stakeholders. You confidently interact withteamat all levels and react with diplomacy and tact. You bring experience communicating a vision and prospective road map to key stakeholders and community constituents. Ability to build bridges between like‑minded organizations to foster collaboration, drive open communication and cooperative partnerships desired.
• You are willing to serve as a hands‑on leader,with the ability and desire to flex between strategic and tactical priorities. Superior project management skills, an ability to support organization‑wide strategic planning efforts, and a bold,proactive mindsetarerequired.
• Youare committed to building an inclusive organizational culture and believethat attracting a wide range oftalentedentrepreneurs and organizational stakeholders will further our success.
• You have developed a solid business acumen, prior P&L responsibility and strong technology skills. Four‑year college degreerequired or equivalent executive leadership experience. MBA or graduate degree, a plus.

WHY JOIN US?

• MAKE A FOREVER IMPACT IN SAINT LOUIS – Become part of a mission that is changing the economic reality and community landscape in the Saint Louis region. Build the leadership fabric of tomorrow in the Saint Louis community.
• WE ARE EVOLVING AS AN ORGANIZATION – As an organization, evolution is at our core. We believe it is critical to achieving our ongoing strategic and economic development goals. We are seeking a leader with a shared vision, along with the drive and fundraising expertise to support Arch Grants on its journey to a next set of critical milestones.

WORK LOCATION + TRAVEL + RELOCATION

This position requires a consistent in‑person presence at our primary office location in Saint Louis, Missouri. Ability and willingness to attend evening events and to travel as needed on a limited basis is required. Travel outside the local area is estimated at 10%. Relocation stipend available and immediate relocation will be desired.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The CEO position offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary commensurate with experience in the range of $190,000.00 toapproximately$300,000.00, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life, accident, STD, LTD, paid time off, professional development, and retirementplan with match.Placement within the compensation range will reflect the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications and the Board’s compensation benchmarking.

Arch Grants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome differences informof gender, race, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, age, political affiliation, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status.All qualified applicants are encouraged toapply, and we look forward to hearing from you!