Chief Executive Officer

SFERS is searching for an experienced and accomplished executive to lead this $30 billion public retirement system of the City and County of San Francisco.  This is an exciting opportunity to serve the highly regarded plan sponsor with over 73,000 employees and retirees.

Reporting to the Board, and leading a team of 110+, the CEO is the central point of responsibility and accountability for the System.  The CEO will be expected to lead and build upon current initiatives to transform the culture, modernize the operational infrastructure, improve organizational effectiveness, and strengthen stakeholders and constituents’ relationships.

Qualifications and Experience

An executive having foundational institutional investment acumen along with relevant operational and administrative experience is required.  Other requirements and preferences include: 

    Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Advocate of defined benefit plans.
• Minimum of five years of management experience.
• Experience implementing new processes or improvements to improve operational efficiencies or customer service.
• Positive track record of recruiting, hiring, and retaining top talent.
• Experience restructuring an organization to meet the changing needs of the business and to position it for the future.

    Preferences

• Advanced degree or certifications.
• Institutional investment experience gained from working for (or consulting to) an institutional investor with a complex investment program in a senior investment position or directly managing or overseeing an investment department.
• Experience leading an organizational cultural transformation.
• Working knowledge of pension laws.
• Management experience with a defined contribution plan or endowment.

Leadership Competencies and Characteristics

The CEO must be a strategic and forward-thinking executive, who is a dynamic, confident, and inspiring communicator and leader.  An executive who delegates authority and empowers people leading with a participative and collaborative style while establishing clear goals supported by accountabilities is desired. 

The CEO must be a leader with superior social and interpersonal skills and effective at building consensus and negotiating compromise.  In addition to being visible, approachable and a good listener, other important skills and attributes include having:

• Effective political and diplomatic skills to manage key political and stakeholder relationships.
• Confidence to put forward ideas and recommendations while being open to adjusting them based on input from others.
• Commitment to embrace innovation, best practices, and change.
• Poise and presence to expertly represent SFERS.  

For additional information, including minimum requirements, contact Hudepohl & Associates, info@hudepohl.com or (614) 854-7300.