We believe financial inclusion is an achievable goal that will enable 3 billion people who are currently underserved by the financial sector to improve their lives. The Center for Financial Inclusion celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018. Following its highly successful first decade, the Managing Director (MD) will set an innovative vision and strategy for its next chapter, particularly around advances in digital financial services and the consequent impact on the nearly 3 billion people who are at the bottom of the wealth pyramid, addressing critical questions such as: * What are the obstacles in our way to creating a financially inclusive world? What are the most promising solutions? * How do we ensure that services are offered in a way that effectively meets the needs of and protects low-income and traditionally underserved clients of financial institutions? The Organization: The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion (CFI) is an action-oriented think tank. Its mission is to engage, influence and challenge the financial sector to better serve, protect and empower clients at the base of the wealth pyramid. The Center develops insights, advocates on behalf of clients and collaborates with stakeholders to achieve a comprehensive, forward-looking vision for financial inclusion. As an industry-facing body, its business model is intentionally participatory, collaborative, innovative and consultative. The Center deeply values and greatly benefits from the input of its partners, sponsors, and peers, and its Advisory Council that collectively contribute to its mission of achieving full financial inclusion, on a global scale. About Accion: Accion is a global nonprofit committed to creating a financially inclusive world, with a pioneering legacy in microfinance and fintech impact investing. We catalyze financial service providers to deliver high-quality, affordable solutions at scale for the three billion people who are left out of - or poorly served by - the financial sector. For more than 50 years, Accion has helped tens of millions of people through its work with more than 90 partners in 40 countries. More at Managing Director, Center for Financial Inclusion Posted Date 1 hour ago(4/2/2019 10:00 AM) Job ID 1973 Company Washington, DC Overview Bridge Partners has been exclusively retained for this search. To express your interest in this role, please email Tory Clarke directly at tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. We believe financial inclusion is an achievable goal that will enable 3 billion people who are currently underserved by the financial sector to improve their lives. The Center for Financial Inclusion celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018. Following its highly successful first decade, the Managing Director (MD) will set an innovative vision and strategy for its next chapter, particularly around advances in digital financial services and the consequent impact on the nearly 3 billion people who are at the bottom of the wealth pyramid, addressing critical questions such as: * What are the obstacles in our way to creating a financially inclusive world? What are the most promising solutions? * How do we ensure that services are offered in a way that effectively meets the needs of and protects low-income and traditionally underserved clients of financial institutions? The Organization: The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion (CFI) is an action-oriented think tank. Its mission is to engage, influence and challenge the financial sector to better serve, protect and empower clients at the base of the wealth pyramid. The Center develops insights, advocates on behalf of clients and collaborates with stakeholders to achieve a comprehensive, forward-looking vision for financial inclusion. As an industry-facing body, its business model is intentionally participatory, collaborative, innovative and consultative. The Center deeply values and greatly benefits from the input of its partners, sponsors, and peers, and its Advisory Council that collectively contribute to its mission of achieving full financial inclusion, on a global scale. About Accion: Accion is a global nonprofit committed to creating a financially inclusive world, with a pioneering legacy in microfinance and fintech impact investing. We catalyze financial service providers to deliver high-quality, affordable solutions at scale for the three billion people who are left out of - or poorly served by - the financial sector. For more than 50 years, Accion has helped tens of millions of people through its work with more than 90 partners in 40 countries. More at Responsibilities Key Responsibilities: * Establish a compelling vision/strategy for the next chapter in CFI's development; determine what level of investment will be required to build on the organization's solid foundation. Gather information about the current and future state of the financial inclusion sector - including the significant impact of technology - through research and networking with stakeholders, including financial service providers, researchers, investors, funders, policy makers, regulators, and consumers. Use that information to identify and develop priorities for the sector as a whole and program areas for CFI. * As a thought leader, expand the reach and influence of CFI, and advance the financial inclusion sector through passionate, persuasive speaking and writing about financial inclusion drawing on CFI's own work, through articles, blog posts, speaking engagements, and social media. * Working with CFI staff, and in consultation with CFI's Advisory Council, ensure that ongoing CFI programs achieve their strategic goals. Conceive of and develop programs that address priority areas. These may deepen CFI's established areas of concentration or involve new areas. * Ensure the quality of the output of CFI's programs, including oversight of research and publications. Develop influence strategies for CFI's work. * Work with Accion's Resource Development Department to raise funds for programs, building a strong pipeline that ensures CFI has adequate financial resources to fulfill its mission, take advantage of strategic and innovative opportunities, and continue to build and leverage the brand. * Work to ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition. Provide inspirational and effective leadership and oversight to an exceptionally high-performing staff; ensure the continued development of a professional and efficient organization that balances current and future growth needs, while maintaining the existing positive, dynamic and productive culture. * Manage staff and budgets to ensure excellence in execution of all CFI programs. With support from Human Resources, select and manage staff such that CFI operates smoothly, with high morale, and produces creative, high quality work. * Maintain the CFI Advisory Council as a group of non-fiduciary, trusted advisors who provide advice on the Center's strategy, priorities, and tactical options. Ensure that the Advisory Council is active and that membership is refreshed as needed. * Participate actively as a member of Accion's senior leadership team, contributing to Accion's overall strategy and success. * Model Accion's organizational values of excellence, respect and passion for social change, working collaboratively across the organization, and supporting both the CFI and Accion brands. Qualifications * Experience: + Minimum 15 years in a strategic leadership role, in a highly networked, growth-oriented and impactful environment. + Strong knowledge of financial inclusion and digital financial services, including current trends and future innovations. + Knowledge of social science research methodologies. + Track record of thought leadership and innovation, preferably including publications and public speaking. + A global citizen with experience working in emerging and frontier markets. Cross-culturally competent and comfortable interfacing with staff, board, funders, partners and other key stakeholders around the world. + Track record of working collaboratively with a governing body on strategic planning. + Significant fund development and influence modeling/branding experience; adept at building visible and innovative partnerships. + Experience of innovative adaption of technology, especially related to the financial sector. Skills & Attributes: + An innovative change agent with the ability to create and execute on plans and translating strategy into action; able to course-correct when required, and engage the board and staff behind a shared vision. + Flexibility to listen, learn, adapt and shape CFI during a period of growth and transition. + Authentic leadership style, confident working inclusively and collaboratively with diverse groups. A team player; collaborative and flexible management style, and a willingness to roll up sleeves when required. + Comfortable taking calculated risks and advocating for new ideas; in the spirit of innovation and professional development, encourage and empower others to move outside of their comfort zone. + Direct and transparent communicator at all levels within and outside the organization. + Impeccable integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and history of striving for continuous improvement. + Ability to set clear priorities, delegate and guide investment in people and systems; strong strategic, organization and problem-solving skills that enable sound decision-making. + Superior mentoring, professional development, people management and leadership skills; evidence of leading through change with positive outcomes; comfortable delegating to, and empowering, a talented and motivated senior leadership team and staff. + Minimum 15 years in a strategic leadership role, in a highly networked, growth-oriented and impactful environment. + Strong knowledge of financial inclusion and digital financial services, including current trends and future innovations. + Knowledge of social science research methodologies. + Track record of thought leadership and innovation, preferably including publications and public speaking. + A global citizen with experience working in emerging and frontier markets. Cross-culturally competent and comfortable interfacing with staff, board, funders, partners and other key stakeholders around the world. + Track record of working collaboratively with a governing body on strategic planning. + Significant fund development and influence modeling/branding experience; adept at building visible and innovative partnerships. + Experience of innovative adaption of technology, especially related to the financial sector. Skills & Attributes: + An innovative change agent with the ability to create and execute on plans and translating strategy into action; able to course-correct when required, and engage the board and staff behind a shared vision. + Flexibility to listen, learn, adapt and shape CFI during a period of growth and transition. + Authentic leadership style, confident working inclusively and collaboratively with diverse groups. A team player; collaborative and flexible management style, and a willingness to roll up sleeves when required. + Comfortable taking calculated risks and advocating for new ideas; in the spirit of innovation and professional development, encourage and empower others to move outside of their comfort zone. + Direct and transparent communicator at all levels within and outside the organization. + Impeccable integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and history of striving for continuous improvement. + Ability to set clear priorities, delegate and guide investment in people and systems; strong strategic, organization and problem-solving skills that enable sound decision-making. + Superior mentoring, professional development, people management and leadership skills; evidence of leading through change with positive outcomes; comfortable delegating to, and empowering, a talented and motivated senior leadership team and staff. Bridge Partners has been exclusively retained for this search. To express your interest in this role, please email Tory Clarke directly at tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.