Chief Executive Officer; CEO

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

Jewish Family Services

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

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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…