Background

FWA is a trailblazing organization founded in 1956 when eight enterprising women on Wall Street met to share professional experiences, and is the leading professional association for women in the financial community across all industries. FWA provides opportunities for its members to build their careers, meet industry leaders, earn the support of powerful women and major companies, and contribute to the next generation of female leaders.

With nearly 60 years of experience, FWA is uniquely positioned at the intersection of talented women and extraordinary companies, and fosters relationships between individual and corporate members, accelerates executive development, and shares best practices for women’s participation and leadership. From public to private sector, FWA offers over 50 diverse and exciting professional programs each year. For more information on FWA’s programs, please visit the website at fwa.org.

The Opportunity

FWA of New York, a volunteer‐driven not‐for‐profit organization with approximately 850 members, seeks an experienced, dynamic, forward‐thinking executive and ambassador capable of providing leadership to help grow the organization and position it in the marketplace ensuring its continued success, vibrancy, and important voice in furthering women professionally in the financial community.

The Executive Director will work with a passionate and engaged Board of Directors dedicated to advancing and accelerating the leadership and success of the current and next generation of women professionals and leaders in the financial community. S/he will manage day‐to‐day operations, attend meetings and flagship FWA events, raise and oversee funds effectively, and work with the Board to further refine the organization’s vision and values. Along with, and at the direction of the FWA President and other FWA officers, s/he will represent the organization and be responsible for building long‐term relationships with corporate partners, educational institutions, and the media.

The Executive Director reports to the FWA Board of Directors and the Operations Resource Committee. S/he will forge and foster a collegial working relationship with the volunteer President of the Board, lead and motivate a team of five, and direct outside consultants. The key to success will be the ability to embrace the unique role and history of FWA’s volunteer leadership. FWA has an annual budget of approximately $800,000. Sources of income include corporate sponsorships (President’s Council), membership dues, the annual fundraiser, grants, and event fees and revenue.

Ideal Qualifications

Passionate commitment to the advancement of women and to the FWA’s mission, vision, and values; demonstrated track record of success in a top management role in a not‐for‐profit setting, preferably with a membership‐based organization; the search committee may also consider corporate or government leaders with extensive not‐for‐profit board leadership and private source fundraising experience; demonstrated excellence in organizational management, strategic planning, and business forecasting, successful fundraising experience; track record of leading change and innovation in an organizational setting; experience interacting with educational institutions; ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a volunteer board of directors; ability to lead and mentor staff, develop high‐performing teams, and set and achieve strategic objectives; financial acumen; entrepreneurial and action oriented; detail oriented; exceptional communications and interpersonal skills; creative problem‐solving skills; comfortable embracing technology to advance an organization; ideally, knowledge of the financial community; an accessible and engaging personal style; patience and flexibility; sound judgment and integrity; bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, a master’s or other professional degree is a plus.