Description

BACKGROUND

Executive Bridge has been retained to recruit the next President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) for Covenant Place (https://covenantplacestl.org/ ) given the planned retirement of the long-tenured current head.  The CEO will depart on a very high note, as during her tenure Covenant Place enjoyed extraordinary growth in funding, facilities and services for its clients and is well positioned for the future.

Covenant Place was founded over 50 years ago with the support of the St. Louis Jewish Community and a HUD grant for senior housing and it has grown in size and scope ever since.  Housed on the Jewish Community Millstone Campus, Covenant Place just completed a 13-year, 3-phase redevelopment master plan to modernize its facilities; constructing two new apartment buildings and rehabilitating a third that provide 358 one-bedroom apartments for senior adults with limited income.  In addition to the apartment buildings, Covenant Place includes a newly built Resident Service Center and The Mirowitz Center, which provides over 60 programs and activities a month for Covenant Place residents and seniors residing in the greater community to enjoy at no or nominal cost and includes approximately 11,000 square feet of commercial space leased or available to organizations that support Covenant Place’s mission. 

With a mission to provide affordable housing with supportive services and resources to help seniors remain engaged, well and independent, Covenant Place provides essential resources for its residents including banking resources, transportation, housekeeping and a meal program.  Covenant Place created The Mirowitz Center (https://mirowitzcenter.org/) to be a hub for Covenant Place residents and seniors throughout the community to benefit from resources and services including on site physical therapy, mental health counseling, and facilitated support groups. Monthly programs include weekly movies, weekday exercise classes, art and cultural programs, speakers, technology classes provided through Senior Planet from AARP’s curriculum and so much more, all with the purpose of providing social interaction and connections for older adults in the community.

Covenant Place remains connected to the Jewish community and shares a campus with the Jewish Community Center Staenberg Family Complex, the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and the Jewish Federation.  Its residents are diverse in ethnicities, religions and cultures.  Covenant Place annually raises approximately $650,000 primarily through grants and donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.  Its HUD contracts provide over $5 Million annually in rental support.  The recent 3^rd phase redevelopment campaign raised over $2,200,000.

With a combined budget of over $8,500,000, Covenant Place employs 30 people who provide professional property and facilities management, resident service support, financial management and programming administration and coordination.  The Current CEO’s direct reports include the CFO, Facilities Director, Property and Compliance Director, Client Services Director and Mirowitz Center Program Manager.  The CEO reports to a 24-person Board of Directors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The CEO will lead Covenant Place to ensure the long-term viability of this vibrant community resource. One of the many things which differentiates Covenant Place is its strong commitment to raising independent funds to both maintain the housing facilities at a high standard and offer meaningful programming and services. 

This position represents a combination of many skills and experiences which include board development, fundraising, supervision, administrative and financial management and thought leadership.  In addition, the successful CEO will oversee significant regulatory responsibilities, leasing and management of commercial space and managing the placement of insurance for the organization.  The CEO will also continue positive community visibility, development and cultivation of positive relationships with current and new supporters including The Jewish Federation of St. Louis, individual donors, and investors, as well as various quasi government and government entities such as Aging Ahead, HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development), and MHDC (Missouri Housing Development Commission).

REQUIREMENTS

We seek a highly motivated, collaborative leader who is a strong fundraiser, great manager and is committed to this mission of senior service.  This is a hands-on, on-site position.  In addition to fundraising, administrative, finance and budgeting skills, the ideal candidate will be known for:

•          Passion for working with older adults or other vulnerable populations, demonstrating commitment to equity and mission.
•          Detail-oriented organizational and administrative skills, including a work history of creative problem solving.  Must have ability to create an inclusive culture and navigate/resolve complex situations/challenges.
•          Proven track record for effectively working with a Board of Directors to advance strategic vision and set long-term goals and priorities.
•          Dynamic communication and “people” skills; a flexible, compassionate leadership style which inspires others to bring their best to work; recognized as a great manager of people at all levels and walks of life.
•          Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Ability to be the “face” or “brand” of an organization or impact area.
•          Comfort and ease operating in an organization steeped in Jewish values.
•          Natural relationship builder, with proven track record in engaging and inspiring others.  Either a current fundraiser or track record in development.
•          Established success in nonprofit management including relationship management, capital campaigns, and grant administration.  Experience with a P&L of at least $2MM and 10+ people.  Successful track record in building budgets and finance management.
•          Bachelor’s degree required; Business degree, Not for Profit Management, Gerontology or related areas or certifications preferred. Minimum seven years’ experience managing others at a senior or executive level.
•          Defining characteristics: a charismatic and persuasive manner; passion for making a positive difference in the lives of the elderly.

Compensation:

Competitive compensation and benefits package available.

Respond: In confidence, all candidates should submit a resume and supporting documentation to: ckohlbry@executivebridge.com.