Director of Operations

Description

About the ELCA

The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshipping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). With a vision to live in a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ makes for all people and creation, the ELCA strives to be a welcoming, thriving, and connected church that introduces people to Jesus so they can discover community, justice, and love.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.

About the Mission Investment Fund

The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), a financial ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, supports the establishment and growth of ELCA congregations, synods, and affiliated ministries by providing loans for capital projects for congregations and ministries. To fund these loans, MIF offers a variety of investments to ELCA members, congregations, and ministries.

The ELCA Federal Credit Union (FCU), a financial ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, offers financial products and services to ELCA members, pastors, congregations, synods, affiliated ministries, and their employees. The portfolio of products includes low-cost loans, deposit accounts, credit cards, and other financial products, services, and solutions within a not-for-profit, cooperative structure.

Values - MIF's values are rooted in Christian faith, Lutheran traditions, and our identity as a ministry of the ELCA:

About the position

The Accounting Clerk performs clerical and routine accounting tasks, including general ledger account reviews and reconciliations, accounts payable processing and maintaining accounting records. As part of a customer service-oriented and collaborative culture, the Clerk fulfills accounting-related information requests.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt, Chicago-based hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office on a weekly basis. Candidates for this position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Responsibilities

1. Manage daily operations, including account services, loan processing, member transactions, and payment systems, while developing   policies, monitoring KPIs, ensuring compliance, and maintaining internal   controls to drive efficiency, productivity, and member satisfaction.
2. Promote a member-focused culture by ensuring   efficient and friendly service delivery, addressing escalated concerns, and   enhancing the member experience through new technologies, streamlined   processes, and improved services.
3. Support the development and execution of strategic   goals by collaborating across functions, aligning operations with   organizational priorities, and analyzing trends to identify opportunities for   growth, efficiency, and innovation.
4. Lead and mentor operations staff, providing   training, fostering professional development, and promoting collaboration, while contributing to strategic planning and organizational decision-making   as part of the senior leadership team.
5. Ensure compliance with federal and state   regulations, including NCUA guidelines. Oversee audits and examinations, address findings with corrective actions, and stay updated on regulatory   changes to assess operational impacts.
6. Oversee the reliability and security of core banking   systems, collaborate with vendors and IT staff on technology upgrades, and   manage operational projects, including system migrations, process   improvements, and product launches.

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in   business administration, finance, or a related field required
2. Minimum of 5–10 years of operational management   experience in a financial institution, credit union experience preferred.
3. Proven track record in managing operations,   regulatory compliance, and staff development.
4. Experience with core banking systems and technology   implementation.
5. Comprehensive expertise in credit union operations, regulations,   and industry standards, paired with exceptional leadership, team-building,   and decision-making abilities to drive strategic initiatives. 
6. Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills   focused on member service, combined with proficiency in operational software,   Microsoft Office Suite, and financial tools for efficient operations.

Required education, certifications, or licenses:

•  Bachelor's degree required

Travel:  Nature, means, and frequency of travel required to perform this job.  

Physical Effort

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

MIF offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSA’s, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer a generous paid time-off policy including paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.