Chief Executive Officer

Overview:

Jewish Family Services (JFS), a cornerstone of support in Greater Kansas City since 1901, is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to guide the organization into its next chapter. Proudly serving over 10,000 individuals annually within the Jewish and broader Kansas City community, JFS provides critical services ranging from family life education and mental health support to a growing food pantry and older adult services. With a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, JFS is committed to expanding its community impact, enhancing operational capabilities, and expanding fundraising and brand awareness.

The CEO will lead these efforts, working closely with the Board of Directors to shape the future of JFS and its mission to provide essential human services for people of all faiths, ages, cultures, and identities who are facing challenges in everyday life or times of crisis. The successful candidate must be a collaborative and energetic leader with strong fund development and financial management skills.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strong, creative, nurturing leadership to the management team, staff, and volunteers, while fostering an organizational culture that attracts, motivates, and retains high-quality talent across all levels.
• Oversee the Management Team across all key administrative areas, including program development, compliance, risk management, professional development, fundraising, finance, operations, HR, grants, contracts, volunteer services, and marketing.
• Strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including funders, individual donors, governmental bodies, foundations, and other nonprofits.
• Lead the development of the annual operating plan and budgets, ensuring commitments are met.
• Partner with the Director of Development to secure funding, cultivate major donors, and implement activities to meet the agency’s annual operating and endowment goals.
• Collaborate with the Board and management team to set and achieve organizational goals and strategic plans aligned with the agency’s mission and vision.
• Serve as key spokesperson for the agency to the media and facilitate ongoing efforts to promote agency services.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred with a focus in social services, non-profit management, business administration, human services, or related field.
• Proven track record of innovating, developing, and expanding programs to meet changing community needs.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in fund development, including annual events, grants, individual gifts, stewardship, and endowment development.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders locally and nationally.
• Senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, with expertise in budgeting and financial oversight.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Visionary and strategic thinker, capable of collaborating with the Board to advance the mission and achieve goals. Must offer an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Strong people skills, with the ability to build consensus, solve problems, and inspire others.
• Ability to assess organizational effectiveness and implement changes for growth.
• Familiarity and understanding of Jewish traditions, religious practices, and culture.
• Skilled in directing operations, including program development, staff supervision, fundraising, and marketing.
• Tech savvy, with experience in IT platforms for fundraising, CRM, and social media.