Chief Economic Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 LEADERSHIP + OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE – Lead, develop and align a talented internal team, ensuring a culture of collaboration, accountability, and recognition. Own the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of Arch Grants’ programs, scaled to capacity and aligned with organizational mission. Own internal 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, economic development and 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, representing Arch 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.

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 gained 10-15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience spanning strategy, operations, and resource development, and management of people, processes, programs, and organizational resources. Experience must include no 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 proven track record in 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 is required. Development of strategic partnerships, foundation and corporate relations, and grant funding also desired. 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 with team at all levels and react with diplomacy and tact. You bring experience communicating a vision and prospective roadmap 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 mindset are required.

You are committed to building an inclusive organizational culture and believe that attracting a wide range of talented entrepreneurs 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 degree required or equivalent executive leadership experience. MBA or graduate degree, a plus.

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.

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.

The CEO position offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary commensurate with experience in the range of $190,000.00 to approximately $300,000.00, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life, accident, STD, LTD, paid time off, professional development, and retirement plan 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 in form of 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 to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you!