Chief Executive Officer
SkyWater has been retained on behalf of Portico Benefit Services to identify their next Chief Executive Officer. Portico is a nearly 40 year old, 175 employee non-profit ministry of the ELCA that manages $8B in assets, providing retirement, health, and related employee benefits and services for congregations and faith-based organizations across the world.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be responsible for building and driving effective leadership of Portico, and execution of its mission and goals. This person will be an innovative and transformative leader with strong strategic communications skills and business acumen who will provide leadership and effective stewardship of the organization’s resources, operations, programs, and employees.
The CEO will be a dynamic and visionary leader who will bring strong strategic, management, and critical thinking skills with an inclusive, dedicated focus to advancing the goals of the Portico, its employees, and members. This person will be the organization’s lead advocate and spokesperson before all external audiences including religious entities, media, organizational partners, business partners and the public. They will have a proven track record of leading an organization of comparable complexity that has faced a rapidly changing environment.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO position has primary responsibility for proactively shaping and sustaining the long-term viability of Portico to provide retirement, health and related benefits and services to enhance the well-being of those who serve through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and other faith-based organizations.
Responsibilities
- Visionary Leadership (creating the vision, generating ideas, change management) Provide leadership in creating a strong executive team and establishing relevant, meaningful, and effective organizational principles, standards, structures, and values. Deliver organizational results that meet or exceed strategic objectives and benchmarks. - Executive Management (business planning, financial oversight, systems thinking, problem solving) Oversee the development of an infrastructure that supports having the right people, processes, and technology in place to meet these strategic objectives. Guide the leadership team in a best practices discipline environment, enhancing the achievement of the highest operational standards and efficiencies, and minimizing risk and unforeseen challenges. - Interpersonal Effectiveness (emotional intelligence, communication, relationship building and management) Achieve organizational alignment with annual and longer-term strategic objectives through leadership, communication, and transparency. Assume primary responsibility for maintaining strong relations with various internal and external constituents. Represent Portico in external church, benefit, and other organizations. Develop relationships with industry thought leaders to enhance Portico’s brand and position in the market. - Talent Management Oversee an organizational structure and talent development approach that provides effective leadership succession and continuity. Oversee effective and efficient utilization of human and financial resources. - Board of Trustees Relations Keep the Board of Trustees informed and engaged to allow them to effectively and efficiently perform their fiduciary and governance duties. Report to the Board of Trustees and serve as the interface between Portico and the Board of Trustees. Work collaboratively with the Board to ensure that annual and long-term strategic objectives are met.
Desired Skills and Experience
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor of Science/Administration required, a Master of Business Administration or comparable graduate degree is preferred Previous experience in the financial services, non-profit, or benefits industry is required, with with a preference for experience in an investment or employee benefit provider related organization. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Fifteen years of progressive executive experience including significant experience managing people. Significant responsibility in leading strategic planning and initiatives, and managing and developing people and processes. Experience interacting with and representing an organization with a diverse set of members/stakeholders. A fundamental knowledge of or willingness to learn about the ELCA Church and its values.
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