Belle Sherman Elementary School Students

On a Tuesday afternoon, students in the Cornell Cooperative Extension's directed SIFE (Students with Interrupted Formal Education) program at Belle Sherman Elementary can be found hard at work learning about money and getting hands-on banking experience depositing money into their Student Credit Union accounts at Alternatives. The students, all refugees from Burma, range in age from 2nd to 5th grade. more»

Alternatives Federal Credit Union, in Ithaca, NY, will welcome a progressive, dynamic, growth-oriented, innovative and experienced leader as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of our unique community development credit union.

Our next CEO will share our dedication to economic justice and take us to the next level in our growth while maintaining our mission. Solid financial management, leadership and communication skills are essential. The CEO directs the overall operations of Alternatives and ensures that our vision, mission, and strategic plan are realized.

The ideal candidate:

• will provide the visionary and strategic leadership to maintain Alternatives' position as a recognized leader in the community development credit union field;
  
• will have the proven ability to lead Alternatives in its strategy for planned growth, while assuring financial sustainability;
  
• will be a skilled communicator, facilitating open and constructive communication with our board, staff, peers, regulators and members, continuing our culture of inclusiveness, diversity and participation;
  
• will possess leadership skills to motivate and support staff to provide innovative products and services to move our members along the Credit Path Credit Path to financial self-sufficiency;
  
• will represent Alternatives within the local and the greater Community Development Credit Union community.

About Alternatives
Alternatives Federal Credit Union is a $50 million dollar community development financial institution (CDFI) serving the Ithaca community and surrounding region. Founded in 1979, Alternatives is a complex financial institution composed of four interrelated groups (including three nonprofits) working together to provide asset-building opportunities for our community. Alternatives vision is to build wealth and create economic opportunity for underserved people. Beyond traditional credit union services, Alternatives combines loan products and investment opportunities with financial education. Alternatives is a leader in CDFI work and is recognized worldwide for its contributions in this arena.
Annual reports, financial statements, Alternatives history and more information about Alternatives programs and services can be found on this website.

Our Community
Ithaca, NY is a special place to live and work, combining a vibrant culture, spectacular scenery and a politically progressive community. We are home to Cornell University. and Ithaca College. On several "Best Places to Live" lists, Ithaca's most controversial moniker is "most enlightened city." More recently, Ithaca was one of the top ten in Kiplinger's 50 Smart Places to Live. Go to Visit Ithaca and Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce for information about Ithaca and Tompkins County.

Qualifications
Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree and have at least five years experience in a similar or related field. Higher priority will be given to candidates with previous senior-level management experience in the CDFI, credit union or community development field and experience with growth. Computer proficiency is essential.

Application Process
Alternatives Federal Credit Union offers a competitive salary, and a benefits package including medical, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and liberal paid time-off programs.
To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter with the answer to these questions:

1. Why do you want to be the CEO of Alternatives?
   
2. What do you feel you would bring to this position?
   
3. Tell us three things about yourself not already on your resume.

We will conduct phone interviews with qualified candidates in October, and face-to-face interviews with finalists in the late Fall. We will make a job offer by the end of the year, and begin the position early in 2007.

We will contact all applicants.

Alternatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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