Chief Executive Officer

The Social Investment Forum (The Forum) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization in its next stage of development.

The Forum, a national nonprofit professional membership association 501(c)(6), with an associated 501(c)(3) Foundation, is dedicated to promoting the concept, practice and growth of socially and environmentally responsible investing. Propelled by significant mission and business opportunities and a recently completed strategic plan, the Forum is transitioning from a well established, volunteer and Board-led entity to one whose strategic vision will be led, developed and implemented by a CEO and future dedicated staff. Programs and day-to-day member services are currently managed through strategic partnerships, including the Washington, DC based Secretariat, Co-op America. The position may be based in Washington, DC, New York City or Boston; however, during at least the first two years the CEO will be working frequently with the Secretariat in DC.

The Organization Founded in 1985, The Forum is made up of over 500 financial professionals and institutions that integrate economic, environmental, governance and social factors into their investment decisions. The Forum has five major functions supported by established and on-going programs: industry advocacy, industry growth, member services, research, and networking. Historically, the Forum has very successfully provided member services, conferences and programs through strategic alliances, delivering many times the value of services for the budget available. A generous and engaged board and membership have distinguished the organization to date. The Board believes that accelerating opportunities and growth now require the attention of and transition to a full time CEO and dedicated staff, and with the secretariat in place during the transition, the CEO will have the support of an experienced team and can focus on other critical growth elements.

The Context Socially and environmentally responsible investing is being widely embraced and recognized by a broader range of investors and institutions. Twenty years of pioneering work has laid the foundation for alignment of social investment issues with fiduciary responsibility. According to a recent Forum research report: total SRI assets grew 260 percent since 1995; SRI mutual funds grew 15-fold; and nearly 1 in 10 dollars are now invested in SRI screening, shareholder advocacy, or community investing. Yet success also breeds additional challenges, opportunities and expectations that now require movement beyond a volunteer-based business strategy. The Forum and its members seek to transition to dedicated staff to serve its membership; create effective industry advocacy and messaging; provide quick response to critics; increase exposure for the industry and Forum members and ultimately lead to more aggressive member growth and impact for those dedicated to the field of socially and environmentally responsible investing.

The Position

The CEO will initially be the sole employee supported by an experienced strategic administrative secretariat and partner. S/he will be responsible for managing a significant transition and will be a proven fundraiser, strategic director, articulate public spokesperson, prudent decision-maker, and supportive leader for the Forum and its members and partners. S/he will be a visionary and skilled relationship builder, able to communicate the values and convictions of the Forum. S/he must be credible with the organization's diverse current and prospective membership including institutional investors, asset managers, financial advisors and social, environmental and community advocates. The CEO will hire and manage additional staff as appropriate. Based on the Strategic Plan, the current budget of approximately $325,000 is targeted to increase to $1.2 million or more, driven by membership and program expansion.

Success in the first year will be defined by:

* Fundraising for the growth of the organization and implementation of the new programs identified in the strategic plan.
* Establishing credibility, visibility and responsiveness amongst the membership, media and industry.
* Developing a more comprehensive strategy and transition plan to guide the organization toward its strategic vision.
* Growth in membership.
* Development and management of harmonious and successful relationships with strategic partners.

Long-term Responsibilities

* Coordinate staff, volunteer and partner activities to effectively advance the mission and to execute the strategy and operating plans.
* Serve as the chief fundraiser, coordinating staff, board and other volunteer leadership.
* Lead membership recruitment and implement growth, outreach and retention strategies for current and prospective membership segments.
* Act as a key spokesperson, representing the industry and the Forum to the media, industry groups, policy makers and other key constituencies.
* Recruit and manage staff, retaining ultimate responsibility for staff effectiveness.
* Work with the Forum's Board of Directors to provide strategic input and to shape policy and communicate significant operational decisions.
* Oversee administrative functions, including financial management and compliance to the by-laws and applicable laws.

Key Qualifications and Experience

* Ten or more year's senior business, nonprofit and/or association management leadership experience required.
* Demonstrated success in building an organization in one or more areas of financial services, community economic development, association leadership and/or industry advocacy or other related fields.
* Demonstrated success as a senior level fundraiser.
* Previous experience indicating the ability to transition The Forum from a board-led membership organization to a dynamic, focused, effective, high performing and mission-driven trade association.
* Ability to create credibility with a wide range of institutional investors, the broader financial community, community development organizations, and social investment practitioners.
* Collaborative leadership style. ? Excellent communication skills.
* Media and advocacy experience (press, public speaking, government relations).
* Bachelor's degree required, with preference for an advanced degree.

Candidates are cordially invited to email, fax or maila cover letter, resume and salary history in confidence to:

Susan Egmont, Principal,
Egmont Associates,
85 East India Row #24F,
Boston, MA 02110