Executive Director - WELS Investment Funds & WELS Foundation

SUMMARY

The Executive Director provides senior leadership and fiduciary oversight for WELS Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) and WELS Investment Funds, Inc. (WIF), ensuring that both organizations faithfully steward the financial resources entrusted to them in support of gospel ministry within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).

Serving under the strategic direction and governance of the respective Boards of Directors and under the oversight of WELS through the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and long-term sustainability of both organizations.  This includes overseeing professionally managed investment portfolios for WELS ministries through WELS Investment Funds, as well as administering donor-directed and planned giving instruments through WELS Foundation in a manner that honors donor intent, doctrinal fidelity, and fiduciary responsibility.

The role requires sound executive judgment, collaborative leadership, and a Christ-centered approach to stewardship, with a focus on transparency and operational excellence so that both organizations remain trusted, effective, and sustainable resources for gospel ministry now and in the future.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Executive Leadership, Governance, and Accountability
  • Provides executive leadership for WIF and Foundation in alignment with their missions, board-approved strategies, and WELS governance expectations.
  • Serves under the strategic direction and governance of the respective Boards of Directors and under the oversight of WELS through the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer.
  • Partners with the Boards of Directors to support effective governance, including preparation of materials for board deliberation and faithful implementation of board-approved actions.
  • Leads strategic planning and execution for both organizations, translating long-range vision and goals into actionable priorities.
  • Evaluates organizational performance and brings recommendations to the Boards of Directors and WELS leadership to support continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.
• Stewardship, Representation, and Ministry Relationships
  • Serves as a trusted representative of WIF and Foundation to WELS leadership, congregations, schools, affiliated ministries, donors, and partner organizations.
  • Builds relationships with ministry leaders and organizational decision-makers to support understanding and appropriate use of investment stewardship and planned giving services.
  • Represents both organizations at synodical gatherings, conferences, conventions, and ministry events.
  • Collaborates with WELS Communications, the Ministry of Christian Giving, and other WELS entities to ensure consistent and accurate communication and outreach.
• WELS Investment Funds – Executive Oversight Responsibilities
  • Oversees WIF in alignment with its mission, Investment Policy Statement, and the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors and WELS leadership.
  • Oversees WIF administration and operational service delivery, including accurate investor account administration and reporting.
  • Coordinates with investment consultants to support portfolio monitoring, performance reporting, and education, without assuming direct responsibility for investment management decisions.
  • Identifies and brings forward recommendations for enhancements to WIF services or investment offerings, in coordination with the Board of Directors and WELS leadership.
  • Supports investor education, engagement, and retention by serving as a knowledgeable resource to participating ministries.
• WELS Foundation – Executive Oversight Responsibilities
  • Oversees Foundation in alignment with its mission, policies, and the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors and WELS leadership.
  • Oversees Foundation administration and service delivery for planned giving instruments, ensuring faithful execution of donor intent and policy requirements.
  • Collaborates with the Ministry of Christian Giving and other WELS advancement partners to support education and coordinated outreach related to planned giving.
  • Monitors trends in charitable planned giving and brings forward recommendations for program enhancements or new giving opportunities, consistent with donor needs, policy requirements, and board direction.
  • Supports the Board of Directors in matters related to stewardship practices and strategic growth, informed by donor trends and ministry needs.
• Organizational Leadership and Operational Oversight
  • Provides leadership and direction to staff supporting WIF and Foundation, fostering collaboration, professionalism, and accountability.
  • Oversees day-to-day operations at an executive level in coordination with shared WELS services, including Financial Services, Technology, Human Resources, and Communications.
  • Supports documentation of key processes and procedures to promote continuity of operations and institutional knowledge.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the Executive Director role.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct supervision for staff assigned to support WIF and Foundation, in accordance with WELS Human Resources policies and practices.
• Responsibilities include participating in hiring and onboarding, setting performance expectations, providing coaching and feedback, conducting performance evaluations, and addressing performance or conduct issues as needed.
• Provides functional direction and feedback to staff in shared WELS service departments who support WIF and Foundation, including Financial Services, Technology, Communications, and Human Resources, while recognizing that such staff report through their respective WELS departments.
• Supports collaboration and clear communication among staff in support of organizational effectiveness.

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job.  Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• An active, voting member in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and a  deep commitment to the mission, theology, and stewardship principles of WELS.
• Demonstrated record of integrity, fiduciary responsibility, and sound judgment in positions of trust involving financial, organizational, or donor-related responsibilities.
• Proven executive-level leadership ability, including experience guiding organizations or programs through collaboration, influence, and accountability rather than direct control alone.
• Ability to work effectively with boards of directors, Synod leadership, donors, and ministry leaders, including advising on complex issues, preparing materials for decision-making, and faithfully implementing board-directed strategy.
• Strong understanding of fiduciary stewardship concepts and long-term financial responsibility, appropriate for executive oversight rather than direct financial execution.
• Ability to approach sensitive financial, donor, and ministry matters with discretion, confidentiality, humility, and pastoral awareness.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, explain complex concepts clearly, and represent WELS Investment Funds and WELS Foundation in a professional and Christ-centered manner.
• Demonstrated initiative and commitment to continuous improvement, organizational sustainability, and long-term institutional health.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, business administration, accounting, economics, or a related field required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA or similar) preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a fiduciary, financial, nonprofit, ministry, or trust-related environment, including experience with executive-level decision-making and organizational oversight.
• Demonstrated experience working with or supporting boards of directors, including preparation of materials, advising on complex issues, and implementing board-directed strategy.
• Experience overseeing or working closely with professionally managed investment programs, pooled investment structures, trust administration, planned giving, or similar long-term stewardship activities required.
• Experience operating within a policy-driven or highly accountable organizational environment, such as a church body, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or regulated financial setting, preferred.
• Professional certifications or designations related to finance, investments, accounting, or charitable planning (e.g., CPA, CFP®, CFA, or similar) are preferred but not required.