Senior Director, Core Systems and Applications

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Chicago, IL

4d•$157,102 - $235,643•Hybrid

About The Position

This role leads the strategy, delivery, and day-to-day leadership of the core banking platforms and business applications that run the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) and the ELCA Federal Credit Union. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, this position is responsible for technology decisions and roadmaps to ensure systems are stable, integrated, secure, and appropriately scaled. The emphasis is on disciplined execution, fit-for-purpose solutions, simplifying technology, partnering with operations, lending, and compliance, and coordinating with ELCA IT on shared infrastructure. This role manages a small application support team, vendor relationships, and the relationship with ELCA IT. This is a full-time, regular, exempt (salaried), Chicago-based hybrid position requiring 2-3 days per week in the office, potentially more during meetings and events. Candidates must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States.

Requirements

Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge for Windows operation, basic troubleshooting, and efficient use of computer programs and applications. Ability to understand new software, follow processes, and identify improvements. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred.
Minimum of 8 to 10 years in technology leadership roles, including vendor and staff management, in banking, credit union, or financial services.
Track record of stabilizing, integrating, and right-sizing systems in a smaller or mid-sized organization, matching technology investment and complexity to business needs.
Experience defining and running a lean, fit-for-purpose technology operating model, including roles, governance, and sourcing decisions sized to the organization.
Working knowledge of system integration and data movement, including sound controls and auditability for money-movement processes.
Experience establishing data security, identity and access management, and appropriate security and access controls in a regulated financial environment.
Experience leading a team of IT professionals.
Effective vendor, contract, and technology budget management, including holding partners accountable to service levels and deliverables.
Strong cross-functional partnership with operations, lending, and compliance, and effective coordination with ELCA churchwide IT.
Sound judgment and problem-solving, with a bias toward simplification and dependable execution.
Willingness to be available for occasional after-hours support of critical systems.
Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA and Mission Investment Fund.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Leads the operation, support, and roadmap for the core banking platforms and business applications, including Fiserv DNA, CUAnswers/CUBASE, Salesforce, and supporting applications.
Resolves and implements core platform, account-structure, and integration decisions to advance the technology environment.
Oversees system integrations and money-movement processes with sound controls and auditability, reducing manual workarounds.
Manages core and application vendor relationships, contracts, and service levels.
Manages the technology operating and capital budget, including technology purchases and cost, value, and risk tradeoffs.
Aligns the team, tools, and sourcing to the size of the organization, simplifying or consolidating systems or processes.
Leads, develops, and sets priorities for the applications team.
Serves as the primary liaison with the ELCA churchwide organization’s IT leadership and team, monitoring shared services and ensuring effective coordination.
Other duties as assigned