Executive Director - Bank Insurance & Securities Association

SmithBucklin • Chicago, IL

289d • $160,000 - $215,000 • Remote

About The Position

Smithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market, is looking for an Executive Director to work closely with the Board of Directors for our client, the prestigious Bank Insurance & Securities Association (BISAnet.org). BISA's mission is to inspire and support member firms and financial professionals within the dedicated community of banks, credit unions, and industry partners focused on providing best-of-class, holistic life planning through wealth management, technology, investment, and insurance solutions. Successful incumbent will possess a broad understanding of the financial services industry, particularly related to sales and distribution of regulated investment and insurance products, financial planning and advisory services, and retirement income planning services provided by banks and credit unions. At Smithbucklin, we embody a culture driven by optimism, ambition, expertise, and thoughtfulness, where every team member is empowered to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success.

Requirements

• At least 5-10 years of executive-level management experience.
• Experience in a leadership role of a volunteer-governed organization.
• Strong business development, leadership, and operational skills.
• Executive-level communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to navigate challenging situations and/or personalities which lead to positive outcomes and mitigate organizational risk.
• Ability to balance and derive gratification from both administrative/operational activities as well as strategic ones.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for servant-leadership: can lead both 'in front' and also 'from behind.'
• Experience in the financial services industry, particularly related to sales and distribution of regulated investment and insurance products.

Responsibilities

• Study, learn, retain, and apply subject matter knowledge related to the organization.
• Become adept at the issues, environment, vocabulary, and personas of membership.
• Contribute to strategic thinking and future-focused planning and prioritization efforts of the Board of Directors.
• Advise the Board of Directors on governance-related leading practices related to Bylaws, volunteer recruitment, organizational structure, policies, norms, and behaviors.
• Ensure all laws, regulatory filings, accounting practices, and other matters related to business administration are upheld and/or fulfilled.
• Drive action-planning and execution of programs, services, product development, and other initiatives which translate strategic thinking into action and outcomes.
• Work alongside leadership to drive and/or support the creation and nurturing of external partnerships (e.g. companies, associations, governmental organizations) which elevate and broaden the reach of the organization's brand and mission, and/or contribute to the organization's continued growth and financial health.
• Work with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to develop and nurture a culture of engaged volunteers, applying best practices to recruitment, engagement, and recognition.
• Communicate effectively with leadership and all stakeholders on matters related to the organization; serve as the primary driver of communications (either directly, or through others).
• Serve as the business leader of the organization, accountable for driving strategic conversations related to the financial model and assuming overall accountability for the organization's growth, financial health, and stability.
• Drive the annual process for development of the organization's budget, including the identification, selection, and engagement of resources or solutions within the parameters of the approved budget (i.e. operational planning).
• Lead the cross-functional HQ team, and fulfill duties such as designing the optimal staff (or other resources) team to execute operations and advance strategic priorities, within the parameters of the approved budget.
• Create and nurture an environment for staff to be effective and engaged, including role clarity, expectations, performance management, and overall morale.
• Implement quality assurance regarding creation, organization, and retention of documents and materials of the organization.
• Deliver service excellence by HQ staff to volunteers, members, collaborators, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as a servant-leader by helping staff develop knowledge, competencies, and skills to successfully perform their roles.
• Communicate expectations; surface and resolve conflict; and reward and recognize successes across the staff team.
• Assume accountability for all staff functions, actions, and outcomes.

Benefits

• Salary range of $160,000 to $215,000.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid work environment with the option to work from home two days per week.
• Standard 40-hour work week with the possibility of additional hours based on project deadlines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree