Business Development

Company: Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA Locations: Hybrid; Chicago, IL Job Function: Business Development Background The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA (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. The ELCA Federal Credit Union (ELCA FCU), a financial ministry partner of the Mission Investment Fund, offers financial products and services to members, pastors, congregations, synods, affiliated ministries, and their employees. The portfolio of products includes low-cost loans, deposit accounts, credit cards, and other solutions within a not-for-profit, cooperative structure. 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 At MIF, your work directly funds the building of new churches, the renovation of community centers, and the expansion of social services across the country. We offer a competitive executive benefits package, a culture of inclusivity and belonging, and the opportunity to lead at the intersection of faith and finance. Summary The Mission Investment Fund stands at a defining moment of growth and transformation, broadening its reach and deepening its impact where faith-driven values and financial strategy come together. The Senior Vice President of Business Development and Sales will play a central role in shaping this next chapter, leading the strategy, relationships, and market expansion efforts that fuel MIF and ELCA FCU’s missions and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this leader will set direction, develop market opportunities, and drive growth across MIF’s commercial lending portfolio and the ELCA FCU’s consumer lending portfolio, while also overseeing deposit growth in alignment with liquidity needs. As the senior leader responsible for Strategic Leadership and Growth, Business Development and Relationship Management, and Operational Excellence and Team Management, the SVP will unify and elevate business development and sales efforts – bringing focus, discipline, and vision to an evolving function. This leader will identify and pursue new market opportunities, deepen relationships across the ELCA ecosystem and beyond, and position MIF and ELCA FCU as trusted, mission-driven financial partners nationwide. Success in this role will require both strategic insight and hands‑on leadership, with the ability to navigate complexity, lead through ambiguity, and translate vision into measurable growth and impact. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a growing function in a dynamic environment. The SVP will shape and refine processes and strategic approaches, strengthen performance, and foster a culture of accountability and excellence. They will also lead and develop a high‑performing team, including the Vice President of the ELCA FCU and the Senior Director of Sales, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and sustained effectiveness across critical functions supporting MIF and ELCA FCU’s continued expansion. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Portfolio Strategy: Develop and execute growth strategies for commercial and consumer lending portfolios, including emerging market opportunities within the ELCA ecosystem (congregations, synods, social ministry organizations, affiliated institutions) and with ecumenical partners. Establish and institute ongoing strategies for managing deposit portfolio growth in line with loan funding and liquidity needs. Strategic Relationships: Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with key mission partners across churchwide, 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 the evolving needs of customers and align with strategic priorities. This includes developing new, monitoring existing, and refining/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 seamless, efficient customer journey and experience priorities. Mentorship: Foster a culture of excellence, professional development, and mission focus within the sales function. Requirements Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a seasoned, relationship-driven leader with deep experience in sales and business development, commercial lending, financial services, or a related field. They bring a proven track record of driving growth, building enduring partnerships, and leading high-performing teams. Equally important, they are inspired by MIF and ELCA FCU’s mission – grounded in faith, committed to service, and motivated to expand access to capital that strengthens communities and advances meaningful change. They lead with authenticity, bringing a values- and mission-driven approach to their work and a genuine belief in the solutions they represent. Also, this individual combines strong relationship orientation with a commitment to data-driven decision-making, using insights and market data to guide strategy, refine product offerings, and ensure effective market coverage. The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in sales and business development, commercial lending, or financial services leadership. Experience with Church Extension Funds (CEFs) or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) is strongly preferred. A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required; an MBA or advanced financial certification (e.g., RMA, CFA) is preferred. This role requires up to 25% travel (approximately 12 weeks annually). The ideal candidate will have the following professional experience and personal skills and characteristics: 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/converting prospects. Communication: Exceptional verbal/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 to craft compelling arguments for various audiences. Executive Presence: Highest level of professionalism, integrity, service-orientation, and commitment to confidentiality. Proven ability to work with a diverse range of members, staff, Board members, and constituents/stakeholders in a flexible and collaborative manner. Cultural Competency: Regular practice of working effectively across diverse populations of staff, customers, leaders, and key constituents/stakeholders. Working understanding of the polity, language, and nuances of the ELCA to effectively navigate synodical and congregational dynamics. Compensation and Benefits Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $230,000 – $265,000 with a generous benefits package. Mission Investment Fund is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr