Executive Director with The Woman's Exchange

This search is being conducted by Collaborative Strategies on behalf of The Woman’s Exchange of St. Louis. Founded in 1883, The Woman’s Exchange is a non-profit dedicated to helping women lead financially stable and productive lives by providing a marketplace where they can sell homemade goods and heirloom quality garments. The organization has remained true to its roots empowering women and fostering economic stability as it has evolved over the years. The Woman’s Exchange is looking for a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead the organization.

Responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial health of the organization, the Executive Director will provide leadership and oversight to ensure the continued success and growth of the organization’s mission. The Executive Director is responsible for preserving The Woman’s Exchange’s longstanding traditions and values, including promoting local and international artisans and supporting women’s economic independence. The Executive Director provides leadership and management to a retail store, a restaurant, handmade Artisan goods, and nonprofit operations.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee the day-to-day operations and success of a 140+ year old organization that includes leading a team of 30 employees and managing a $2 million annual budget.

Additionally, the Executive Director will:

DEMONSTRATE OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE of retail, restaurant and artisans’ operations, including:

• Day-to-Day Operations: Oversight for day-to-day operations and direct supervision of all departments with five direct reports: Finance Director, Food and Beverage Director, Retail Director, Artisan Director, and Marketing and Donor Relations Coordinator. This position also provides property management and oversight, including landlord relations and communications. 

• Financial & Operational Management: Ensure effective financial management and operational oversight. Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and manage the organization’s budget, monitor expenses, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Lead efforts to collect and analyze organizational data related to sales outcomes, financial performance, and community impact. Provide regular data-driven reports to the Board of Directors, answer key questions, and offer insights that inform strategic decision-making and long-term planning.

PROVIDE STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND PLANNING by providing forward thinking leadership through:

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead and inspire staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Manage recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of staff to support the organization’s mission and goals.

• Revenue growth: Stay informed of market trends in the retail, restaurant, and handmade goods sectors to identify new opportunities for growth and expansion. Streamline operations while aligning with the organization’s mission. Demonstrate curiosity about operational improvements and consistently seek strategies to enhance efficiency and impact.

• Fundraising & Development: Consider fundraising strategies and assist the Board of Directors with fundraising activities as part of the overall strategic plan. 

• Strong background in retail and/or restaurant operations and management required.
• Previous experience in financial and operational management, including budget development and oversight.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, strong critical thinking and ability to make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Proven leadership experience in a nonprofit organization preferred.
• Ability to actively engage and educate diverse stakeholders through clear and consistent communication and provide relevant information to ensure all are informed and aligned with the organization’s operational realities. Familiarity with marketing and retail strategies preferred.
• A passion for the mission of empowering women and preserving longstanding traditions.

Location and Travel

This position is based in St. Louis County, Missouri. This is an onsite position with flex start/stop hours within core business hours.  

Ready to Apply?

All inquiries and resume submissions will be treated as strictly confidential. Please do not contact The Woman’s Exchange directly.