Chief Operating Officer

University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union (UKFCU) has been proudly serving the University of Kentucky and Central Kentucky since 1937. Located in Lexington, KY, with over $1.5 billion in total assets and 279employees, UKFCU is a full-service financial institution offering a wide assortment of products and services, including checking and savings accounts, mortgage, auto, and commercial loans and investment services. UKFCU has a strong relationship with the University of Kentucky and the communities they serve and has received awards including the 2024 Best-in-Class Employer from Gallagher and the 2024 Best of Lexington - Credit Union Winner. The Credit Union has a strong financial position, is member-centric, and has an employee/family-oriented culture with a talented Board and staff to lead it into the future.

The Credit Union is seeking an innovative, transparent, collaborative, empathetic, and results-driven strategic executive to guide this organization into the future as their next Executive Vice President / Chief Operations Officer. In this role, you’ll be a driving force in shaping the future of our Credit Union. This role blends visionary leadership with operational excellence, overseeing IT, Project Management, Marketing, Retail, and Member Experience. You’ll partner closely with the CEO and Executive Team to ensure we deliver innovative solutions, seamless operations, and exceptional experiences to our members.

Essential duties include:

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Partner with the CEO to drive our strategic goals and operational priorities.
• Align IT, Projects, Marketing, Retail, and Member Experience strategies with our mission and vision.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability across teams.

Operational Excellence

• Lead IT and Project initiatives to enhance our tech infrastructure and operational efficiency.
• Drive Marketing strategies to build our brand, engage members, and grow the business.
• Oversee Retail Operations (branches and call center) to deliver seamless, high-quality services.
• Elevate Member Experience by implementing data-driven strategies that anticipate needs and exceed expectations.

People Leadership

• Build and mentor a high-performing team of leaders across all departments.
• Set clear goals, performance metrics, and accountability standards.
• Promote inclusivity and growth while aligning teams with our values.

Financial & Risk Oversight

• Partner with the CFO to manage budgets and align operations with financial objectives.
• Identify and mitigate risks across operational, technological, and compliance functions.
• Streamline processes to enhance efficiency and deliver measurable results.

Member-Centric Innovation

• Serve as the advocate for our members, ensuring their needs are at the heart of every decision.
• Champion programs to boost member satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.
• Leverage analytics to refine products and services that align with member expectations.

This visionary will be a strong relationship builder, have integrity, a strong understanding of technology, be confident, humble, inspiring, emotionally intelligent, and possess demonstrated servant leadership and business acumen, excellent communication and listening skills, and a collaborative approach. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years' senior management experience at a financial institution, be a data-driven decision-maker with exceptional leadership skills, fostering innovation and accountability and an in-depth knowledge of Credit Union operations, trends and emerging technologies. Proven success in managing IT, Projects, Marketing, Retail, or Member Experience/Call Center functions and a bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree a plus.

About Lexington:

Lexington, Kentucky, embodies a unique blend of charm, culture, and opportunity that sets it apart. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Lexington boasts a rich equestrian heritage, with sprawling horse farms dotting picturesque countryside. Its historic downtown area is adorned with beautifully preserved architecture, bustling with local businesses, artisanal shops, and diverse dining options. The city's commitment to education is evident through its prestigious institutions like the University of Kentucky, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. Residents of Lexington enjoy a high quality of life, with access to top-notch healthcare facilities, a thriving arts scene, and an abundance of outdoor recreational activities in its numerous parks and green spaces. With its Southern hospitality, rich history, and forward-thinking spirit, Lexington stands as a beacon of warmth, opportunity, and cultural richness in the heart of Kentucky.