POSITION DESCRIPTION

Pillar Search is pleased to have been selected to manage the search for the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New England Automated Clearing House (NEACH) and, its for-profit subsidiary NEACH Payments Group (NPG).

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to guide and implement the strategic direction of NEACH and its affiliates (“the organization”).  The primary objectives of the President and CEO are to provide leadership within the organization to achieve its’ short and long term mission, strategies, goals and objectives, and to advocate the use of electronic payments within the financial services arena and to enable the Board of Directors to fulfill its governance function.

The ACH Network is a processing and delivery system that provides for the distribution and settlement of electronic credit and debits among financial institutions. The ACH Network was developed in response to the astronomical growth of check payments and the many technological advances in the mid-twentieth century and functions as an efficient, electronic alternative to paper checks. Through a nationwide telecommunications network, each ACH Operator is able to communicate with other ACH Operators to exchange entries quickly and efficiently, regardless of geographic distances involved. The ACH network offers an assortment of technical formats that can be used for a variety of payment applications, products and services. The ACH network is governed by operating rules and guidelines, which are developed by the actual users of the system, and is administered through a series of agreements among financial institutions, customers, trading partners, and ACH Operators.

For additional information on NEACH, please click here.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Direction and Governance:

• Ensures that the organization remains financially viable, and is an effective and efficient presence within the payments marketplace.
• Aligns the organization with the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), Regional Payment Associations and other industry stakeholders to maximize opportunities for visibility and growth.
• Ensures the organization aligns its products and services to provide maximum value to members.
• Presents a strong, positive and uplifting image to members and payments industry stakeholders.
• Remains keenly aware of the industry landscape for change/growth opportunities and keeps abreast of all industry trends and technology advancements.
• Communicates current trends, issues and changes to the Board of Directors.
• Works closely with the Board of Directors to develop, revise and implement a strategic plan, as appropriate. Serves as ex-officio member of the Executive Committee.

NEACH Membership:

• Oversees design, marketing, promotion, delivery and overall quality of programs, products and services.
• Oversees member outreach program to maintain member satisfaction and to increase overall membership.
• Ensures the organization serves as a trusted resource for matters related to payments including, but not limited to, compliance, risk management, education, training and payments strategy.

Advocacy:

• Ensures the organization’s vote on NACHA ACH Rules and other matters is submitted responsibly, seeking member/board input when deemed necessary.
• Ensures members are aware of opportunities to utilize and benefit from the ACH network and other payment delivery channels.
• Oversees the organization’s relationship with NACHA, other Regional Payment Associations, national councils, forums, committees, work groups and industry stakeholders.
• Ensures members’ interests in payments are considered at all times, especially in matters relating to ACH rule changes and related regulations.

Administration:

• Oversees the financial status of the organization including the development of long and short term financial plans, monitoring the budget and ensuring sound financial controls are in place.
• Sets financial priorities accurately to ensure the organization is operating in a manner that supports the needs of all stakeholders.
• Oversees the following functions: risk, human resources and facilities.
• Manages staff of both direct and in-direct reports and ensures staff meets the needs of the organization.
• Provides leadership and guidance to all organization staff to maintain a high quality and mutually rewarding working environment.
• Demonstrates strong commitment to the professional development of staff.

Physical and Schedule Requirements:

• Travels as needed to attend organization or industry specific conferences and/or meetings.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

Possesses the following:

• Sufficient technological skills to execute the requirements of this position in the most effective and efficient means possible.
• Intimate knowledge of the payment system process, environment and marketplace.
• Working knowledge of applicable trade associations and/or not-for-profit associations within the industry.
• Exemplary member and client service skills.
• Proven leadership skills in a similar business and/or non-profit environment.
• Proven coalition building skills with an ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; a persuasive negotiator able to achieve consensus amongst differing opinions.
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills and the experience and proclivity to be an outgoing spokesperson and relationship builder.
• Ability to work within and manage a multi-level budget process.
• Ability to think “strategically”.
• Adept at creative problem solving.
• Excellent interpersonal and people management skills.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of senior leadership experience at a trade association, not-for-profit association or financial institution.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college.
• Master’s Degree from an accredited university or college. (Can be substituted for demonstrated equivalent work experience.)

For immediate consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Founder of Pillar Search, at cjoyce@pillarsearch.com.

With personalized service and proven results, Pillar is your partner in executive search and human resources consulting. With over 20 years of experience, Pillar provides retained search services for exceptional non-profits and foundations and early-stage or rapid growth for-profit firms. A woman-owned business, Pillar is based in Boston, MA, and works on both a local and national level.