Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Lead an Organization Devoted to the Strength of Family

The Family Initiative, Inc. (TFI) is seeking an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities through innovative services, advocacy, and operational excellence.

The CEO serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of The Family Initiative, Inc. and its affiliated organizations, guiding a multi-state enterprise that delivers child welfare, behavioral health, family support, technology, and nonprofit support services. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for advancing the organization's mission, ensuring financial sustainability, fostering organizational excellence, and positioning TFI for continued growth and impact.

About The Family Initiative, Inc.

The Family Initiative, Inc. is the parent organization providing services to children and families across the United States through its affiliates:

• TFI Family Services (Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri)
• TFI Family Connections (Oklahoma)
• Texas Family Initiative (Texas)
• Pathway Family Services (Kansas and Texas)
• Mainstream Nonprofit Solutions, providing shared services and nonprofit support
• Foster Care Technologies, delivering technology solutions for child welfare organizations

TFI is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a voluntary Board of Directors committed to strengthening families and improving outcomes for children and communities.

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the TFI Family of Companies. The CEO partners closely with the Board of Directors to establish organizational priorities, guide long-term planning, ensure financial stewardship, and advance the mission and vision of the organization.

This leader will oversee a complex and growing enterprise, ensuring high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, organizational stability, and strong relationships with community partners, funders, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Establish organizational goals, priorities, and policies that support mission achievement and sustainable growth.
• Lead organizational innovation and identify opportunities for expansion and service enhancement.
• Guide strategic initiatives, partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, or other growth opportunities.

Board Partnership and Governance

• Serve as Chair of the Executive Team and an ex-officio member of all Board committees.
• Support the Board's governance responsibilities through timely communication, planning, and policy recommendations.
• Advise the Board on strategic, operational, financial, and regulatory matters.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure effective administration of programs, services, and organizational operations.
• Monitor organizational performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Promote efficiency, accountability, continuous improvement, and organizational effectiveness.

Financial Stewardship

• Provide oversight of budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management.
• Ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of the organization.
• Monitor financial performance and maintain strong internal controls and risk management practices.

External Relations and Advocacy

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, community partners, legislators, funders, and stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in public forums, legislative matters, community events, and media engagements.

Organizational Culture and Talent Leadership

• Foster a culture grounded in TFI's mission, vision, and values.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing leaders and teams.
• Champion diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and professional development throughout the organization.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Maintain effective policies, procedures, and systems of organizational accountability.
• Oversee organizational risk management efforts and ensure operational integrity.

Qualifications/Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, business administration, public administration, or a related field is required
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience within child welfare, behavioral health, human services, or related fields.
• Senior executive leadership experience with responsibility for organizational strategy, operations, and financial oversight.
• Demonstrated success in financial management, including budgeting, fiscal planning, and stewardship of organizational resources.
• Experience working effectively with Boards of Directors, government agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Experience managing government-funded programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multi-state organizational leadership experience.
• Experience leading multi-entity or complex organizational structures.
• Experience operating in one or more TFI service states.
• Experience within a Community-Based Care (CBC), Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC), or similar service delivery model.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational growth, transformation, or expansion initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Strategic Thinking

The ability to navigate complexity, evaluate data and financial information, anticipate challenges, and establish a clear direction for the future.

Operational Agility

A disciplined and adaptable leader who can execute strategy, ensure compliance, and respond effectively to changing environments.

Interpersonal Savvy

A relationship-focused executive who builds trust, communicates effectively, negotiates skillfully, and inspires confidence.

People Leadership

A leader who develops others, cultivates talent, and fosters alignment around a shared mission and vision.

Travel Requirements

This position requires significant travel, including regional and overnight travel, to organizational locations, Board meetings, community events, legislative functions, and stakeholder engagements.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TFI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Additional employee benefits and wellness resources

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter through TFI's online employment application system. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Family Initiative, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Join Us in Strengthening Families

If you are a mission-driven executive leader with a passion for improving the lives of children and families, we invite you to explore this opportunity to lead one of the nation's premier family service organizations.