Senior Vice President of Business Development and Sales

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. About the Mission Investment Fund The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), a financial ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), supports the establishment and growth of congregations and other church‑affiliated ministries by providing financing for building projects. MIF also offers socially responsible investment products to both individuals and ministries, the proceeds of which fund the loan program and provide investors with financial returns. Organizational Values MIF's values are rooted in Christian faith, Lutheran traditions, and our identity as a ministry of the ELCA: Integrity, Customer Focus, Inclusion and Diversity, Faithful Stewardship, Courage and Openness to Change. About the position The Senior Vice President of Business Development and Sales is the primary senior leader responsible for setting direction, developing market opportunities, and driving growth of MIF’s commercial loan and the ELCA Federal Credit Union’s consumer loan portfolios. This role is also responsible for growth of deposit portfolios in line with liquidity needs. This is a full‑time, exempt, Chicago‑based, hybrid position. The role requires a few days in the office each week, typically 2–3 days, and may require additional days for meetings and events. Eligibility for remote or hybrid positions may depend on residency, budget, and other factors. Candidates must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Growth: Develop and execute growth strategies for commercial and consumer lending portfolios, including emerging market opportunities within the ELCA ecosystem and with ecumenical partners. Establish and institute ongoing strategies for managing deposit portfolio growth in line with loan funding and liquidity needs. (Top priority) Strategic Relationships: Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with key mission partners across church‑wide synods, ELCA‑related ministries and ecumenical partners. Pursue and lead partnership opportunities with other financial ministries and industry collaborators to create holistic capital solutions. Sales Oversight: Oversee commercial and consumer sales functions to identify and convert lending and deposit opportunities. Establish and monitor key performance indicators for sales pipeline and portfolio management. Partner cross‑functionally with applicable risk owners to ensure growth remains within the organization’s risk appetite and regulatory requirements. Report performance and impact regularly to executives, governance bodies and other key stakeholders. Product Innovation: Lead and steward the organization’s strategy and process to maintain financial solutions that meet evolving customer needs and align with strategic priorities. This includes developing new products, monitoring existing ones, and refining or sunsetting product and service sets. Departmental Coordination: Maintain strong communication and collaboration channels with Marketing, Operations (Lending, Deposits) and other key internal partners to ensure a seamless, efficient customer journey and experience priorities. Mentorship: Foster a culture of excellence, professional development, and mission focus within the sales function. Other duties as assigned. Supervision Vice President of ELCA Federal Credit Union Senior Director of Sales Requirements Knowledge/Experience: Minimum of 10 years of relevant progressive experience in commercial lending, sales/business development or financial services leadership. Experience with Church Extension Funds (CEFs) or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) is highly preferred. Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA or advanced financial certification (e.g., RMA, CFA) is preferred. Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to create and execute strategy in guiding an organization toward long‑term success while managing short‑term goals. Sales Orientation: Demonstrated customer‑first commitment, building lasting customer relationships, creating outstanding customer experiences, and identifying and converting prospects. Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inform, influence and engage internal and external stakeholders at all levels in both small group and public speaking settings. Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to create organizational success through partnership with internal and external stakeholders. Data‑Driven Decision Making: Demonstrated ability to synthesize data, derive insights, and integrate them into strategic direction, serve as feedback to inform approach, and craft compelling arguments for various audiences. Executive Presence: Highest level of professionalism, integrity, service‑orientation and confidentiality. Proven ability to work with a diverse range of members, staff, board members and constituents in a flexible and collaborative manner. Cultural Competency: Ability to work effectively across diverse populations of staff, customers, leaders and key constituents. Working understanding of the polity, language, and nuances of the ELCA to navigate synodical and congregational dynamics. Appreciation for the mission, vision, values, and goals of the Mission Investment Fund, the ELCA Federal Credit Union and the ELCA. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti‑racism. Minimum Technical Competency: High level efficiency with accounting software. Computer knowledge to operate a Windows computer and follow basic troubleshooting instructions. Advanced experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) required. Knowledge of WordPress, advocacy database systems, graphic design platforms and Zoom Webinar is a plus. Physical 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. Travel Considerable domestic travel is required. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Benefits The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer‑paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSAs, a health savings account with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan (no match required). A generous paid time‑off policy includes 11 paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date. Salary Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-in-Americ