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JOB OPENING

IPA President and CEO

ASSOCIATION DESCRIPTION

For over 30 years, the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) has raised awareness of portfolio diversifying investment (PDI) products among stakeholders and market participants, including investment professionals, policymakers, and the investing public. The IPA supports increased access to investment strategies with low correlation to the equity markets: lifecycle real estate investment trusts, net asset value REITs, business development companies, interval funds, and direct participation programs. IPA member firms support individual investor access to a wide variety of asset classes with low correlation to the traded securities markets and that have historically only been available to institutional investors. These investments remain a critical component of an effectively balanced investment portfolio and serve an essential capital formation function for national, state, and local economies. Through advocacy, data, research, and education, the IPA is committed to ensuring that all investors have access to real assets and the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolios effectively.

As the IPA transforms beyond a thought leadership association, it aims to inspire members to embrace the evolution of their businesses and help them innovate and grow. The IPA is building on its rich history to take on a more significant role in assisting its members with legislative and regulatory advocacy, technology, leadership, and operational advancement.

POSITION SUMMARY

The President/CEO leads the association, working with its Board of Directors and staff to fulfill its vision and successfully execute multi-year strategies. S/he is the chief strategist who harnesses the power of industry knowledge, relationships, and networks to advance the IPA’s leadership role and meet ever-changing industry realities and needs.

The President/CEO provides visionary leadership that ensures an exceptional member experience. S/he cultivates innovation by championing and encouraging new ideas within the IPA and industry. S/he is results-driven and is dedicated to shared and measurable goals.

The President/CEO possesses a high level of business acumen and effectively generates resources for the association. S/he reports to the Board of Directors and ensures that all association business is conducted in accordance with IPA’s bylaws, policies, and procedures as set forth by the Board.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

  • Partners with IPA’s Board and staff to develop and implement a multi-year strategic plan.
  • Drives and measures performance and progress against the plan.
  • Analyzes trends and market disruptors to inform organizational and industry advancements.
  • Ensures that research, analytics, and business intelligence guide decision-making and strengthen IPA’s competitive advantage.

Advocacy

  • Oversees and plays an active role in executing regulatory and legislative initiatives.
  • Maintains proactive working relationships with influential legislators and regulators.
  • Builds relationships and collaborates with industry coalition partners.
  • Increases industry engagement and support for advocacy initiatives and IPA’s Political Action Committee

Industry Relationships, Leadership, and Visibilty

  • Leads the IPA’s efforts to establish and expand relationships and connections within the industry.
  • Builds industry-wide partnerships and collaborations to address shared priorities.
  • Thoughtfully stewards the IPA brand and builds awareness and trust throughout the industry.
  • Serves as an informed spokesperson for the IPA and the industry domestically and abroad.
  • Represents the IPA at industry events and in the media.

Member Value, Engagement, and Programming

  • Plays an integral role in retaining and strategically growing membership.
  • Ensures that the IPA consistently increases member engagement and achieves high member satisfaction.
  • Oversees and helps conceptualize programming and marketing for conferences and other signature IPA offerings.
  • Leads the ongoing evaluation and evolution of the IPA’s value proposition and membership model.
  • Ensures the IPA’s website and its industry resources are relevant and current.

Business Operations

  • Serves as principal collaborator and advisor for the Board and its committees.
  • Facilitates Board engagement and equips Board members with the information needed to fulfill their duties.
  • Ensures the IPA’s operational and fiscal integrity within the policies set by the Board, including delivering timely and accurate budgets, progress reports, and required filings.
  • Works with staff to manage organizational spending, monitor budget and contract compliance, and mitigate financial risk.
  • Serves as the IPA’s agent in service and contract negotiations.
  • Builds and leads a high-performing staff team and ensures alignment to achieve organizational goals.
  • Supervises senior staff and collaborates to establish annual work plans.
  • Works to achieve inclusiveness and diversity among staff and volunteers.
  • Creates a healthy work environment that promotes excellent performance and positive morale.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of industry experience as a senior leader with strong depth of knowledge in alternative investment strategies and capital formation.
  • General understanding of the legislative landscape relevant to the industry.
  • Experience working with the SEC, FINRA, NASAA/states and DOL (A plus, but not required)
  • Demonstrated business development skills.
  • Experience developing industry partnerships and fostering collaborations.
  • Exposure to working with Boards and committees to build consensus and achieve organizational goals.
  • Strong business, financial, and staff management experience.
  • Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming organization.
  • Minimum education: Bachelor’s Degree.

Personal Characteristics

  • Trustworthy — Credible, instills confidence among the Board, members, and stakeholders.
  • Positive — Leads with optimism and enthusiasm that inspires others to greater levels of engagement.
  • Connector — Proactively facilitates introductions and relationship building.
  • Analytical and Action-Oriented — Understands and utilizes data in decision-making, adept at solving complex problems and operationalizing solutions.
  • Technology Champion — Aptitude for understanding and driving technology-based business strategies.
  • Change Agent — Skilled at situation and needs assessment, identifying improvement options, and managing change processes.
  • Organized — Adept at prioritizing and handling multiple competing demands.