Director of Operations
CHICAGO, IL ELCA Federal Credit Union
Job Type
Full-time
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.


The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.


About the Mission Investment Fund and the ELCA Federal Credit Union

Both the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) and the ELCA Federal Credit Union (FCU) are financial ministries of the ELCA, working closely and collaboratively to serve the church’s members and ministries. The Mission Investment Fund, a supporting sponsor of the ELCA Federal Credit Union, provides loans to ELCA congregations, synods, and affiliated ministries for capital projects, funded through investments offered to ELCA members, congregations, and ministries. The ELCA Federal Credit Union, as an extension of this mission, offers a wide range of financial products and services to individuals and ministries—including low-cost loans, deposit accounts, and credit cards—within a not-for-profit, cooperative structure. Together, MIF and FCU provide holistic and complimentary financial solutions to enable and advance the mission of the ELCA.


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


This is a full-time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office on a weekly basis. Candidates for this position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.


Responsibilities

     

  1. Manage daily operations, including account services, loan processing, member transactions, and payment systems, while developing   policies, monitoring KPIs, ensuring compliance, and maintaining internal   controls to drive efficiency, productivity, and member satisfaction.
  2. Promote a member-focused culture by ensuring   efficient and friendly service delivery, addressing escalated concerns, and   enhancing the member experience through new technologies, streamlined   processes, and improved services.
  3. Support the development and execution of strategic   goals by collaborating across functions, aligning operations with   organizational priorities, and analyzing trends to identify opportunities for   growth, efficiency, and innovation.
  4. Lead and mentor operations staff, providing   training, fostering professional development, and promoting collaboration, while contributing to strategic planning and organizational decision-making   as part of the senior leadership team.
  5. Ensure compliance with federal and state   regulations, including NCUA guidelines. Oversee audits and examinations, address findings with corrective actions, and stay updated on regulatory   changes to assess operational impacts.
  6. Oversee the reliability and security of core banking   systems, collaborate with vendors and IT staff on technology upgrades, and   manage operational projects, including system migrations, process   improvements, and product launches.
Requirements
  1. Bachelor’s degree in   business administration, finance, or a related field required
  2. Minimum of 5–10 years of operational management experience in a financial institution, credit union experience preferred.
  3. Proven track record in managing operations, regulatory compliance, and staff development.
  4. Experience with core banking systems and technology implementation.
  5. Comprehensive expertise in credit union operations, regulations, and industry standards, paired with exceptional leadership, team-building, and decision-making abilities to drive strategic initiatives. 
  6. Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills   focused on member service, combined with proficiency in operational software, Microsoft Office Suite, and financial tools for efficient operations.


Required education, certifications, or licenses:

  •  Bachelor's degree required

Travel:  Nature, means, and frequency of travel required to perform this job.  


Physical Effort

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.


Benefits

MIF offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSA’s, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer a generous paid time-off policy including paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.


Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Salary Description
$90,050-$112,592