Chief Executive Officer; CEO

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!

Arch Grants has been disrupting the status quo in economic development since its inception with a mission to transform the Saint Louis economy – attracting and retaining extraordinary 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 funded 291 companies that have gone on to create 4,000+ jobs, commercialize 7,000+ products, land 300+ patents, attract $894M+ in capital raised, and generate $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, credibility and 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 also stepped 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.

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 strategic leadership across operations, fund development and organizational growth.

Leading a talented team of 8-10 internal employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $3.6 million, with an endowment and investment portfolio of approximately $23 million, Arch Grants’ CEO will safeguard the organization’s mission, align ambitious programming with internal capacity, and maintain operational and financial stability. The CEO will also elevate Arch Grants’ national profile by cultivating donors and strategic partners, diversifying funding sources, and securing multi‑year financial commitments that support long‑term sustainability.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP + MISSION STEWARDSHIP – In close partnership with the Arch Grants Board of Directors, you will drive executive 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, ensuring new programs align with organizational purpose, capabilities and desired impact. You will facilitate Board engagement through timely, transparent communications on all strategic, financial and 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, and stakeholders around a comprehensive development strategy. You will expand and diversify the funding base, encompassing stewardship of major gifts, foundation and corporate relations, planned giving, 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 LEADER SHIP + OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE – Lead, develop and align a talented internal team, ensuring a culture of collaboration, accountability, and recognition. Own the design, delivery, and…