Lutheran Social Service of MN - Position Profile - CEO

Executive Position Description
For
President/Chief Executive Officer
On behalf of our client, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, KeyStone Executive

Search is conducting a retained search for a new President/CEO.
105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 512 • Minneapolis, MN 55401 • 612.375.8900 • www.keystonesearch.com
Position Profile
February 2011
Page 2 of 6
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Since 1865, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS-MN) has responded to

Minnesota's changing needs by being wholly committed to making life better for the
State’s most vulnerable citizens. LSS-MN’s work is grounded in two principles -- God
loves everyone without condition and God yearns for us to love the neighbor.
Lutheran Social Service is the largest, statewide non-profit social service organization in
Minnesota with over 2,400 employees who serve in over 300 communities. It is affiliated
with the six Minnesota synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Services are provided to three populations:
 Children, Youth and Families
 Senior Adults
 Persons with Disabilities
Primary revenue sources include contracts for service, client fees and philanthropic
support. The 2011 budget is $100 million. For fiscal year ending September 30, 2010,
LSS had net assets of approximately $25.5 million. For more detailed background
information, please visit: www.lssmn.org.
Central to LSS is its identity as a Lutheran social ministry organization. In all of its work,
it seeks to express the fundamental Lutheran convictions that God loves all creation
without condition and that God wishes for us to love the neighbor. Centered in these,
LSS welcomes as partner in service anyone who seeks the well-being of the neighbor
and the community.
Mission: LSS expresses the love of Christ for all people through service that inspires
hope, changes lives and builds community.
Vision: All people will have the opportunity to live and work in community with dignity,
safety and hope.
POSITION OVERVIEW
As the chief executive officer of LSS-MN, the President/CEO will plan, organize, lead
and direct all aspects of the organization’s operations and carry forward the
organization’s mission in accordance with the governing documents and Board
directives. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the President/CEO gives voice
and spirit to the purpose and mission of the organization.
Direct reports to the position include the Chief Operating Officer and Chief
Advancement Officer. Other senior leaders that currently report to the COO include the
Chief Financial Officer/Vice President; Chief Human Resources Officer/Vice President;
Vice President Community Service and Vice President Family Service.
Position Profile
February 2011
Page 3 of 6
The new leader will have the opportunity to continue to build the organization’s
statewide and in some cases, national impact. An example of the opportunities for
strategic leadership include LSS’s current imperative to create new, sustainable models
of services and supports for people with disabilities. The model will focus on increasing
choice of service options, encouraging maximum independence and providing each
individual the freedom to create her/his own life by acting as a consumer of services in
the marketplace.
PRIMARY ROLES of the CEO
Visionary Leader-
Champions the organization’s culture and values. Believes in possibilities and develops
a compelling vision for how LSS can address the future; carries optimism and embodies
the LSS values. Is driven to grow the organization and strengthen its capacity. Is able to
envision, create and evaluate alternative futures.
Strategist-
Astute about the internal and external forces that influence LSS’s future and its ability to
be a sustainable force for change. Keen understanding of the community and
knowledgeable about the trends beyond the boundaries of the organization that will
affect its future. Understands the complexity of human services in the community.
Values-Based Leader-
Gives voice and spirit to the purpose and mission of the organization. Ensures that LSS
- MN lives out its values, guiding principles and theological framework. Recognized as a
personal representation of the vision and mission of this Lutheran, faith-based
organization.
Alignment-
Works to create alignment across all parts of the organization. Recruits, retains and
develops the right leadership team and talent to lead LSS. The CEO creates and drives
a high performing team that is engaged, innovative and creates desired results.
External Influencer-
Recognizes the leadership role of LSS in Minnesota. Embraces the challenge of
keeping LSS relevant both locally and nationally and at the forefront of shaping the
dialogue about what the community needs. Gives significant attention to fundraising
and generates a compelling case for government funding sources, donors,
philanthropists, foundations and other funders. Builds relationships with key policy
makers who can affect allocation of resources. The CEO will be an inspirational
communicator to multiple external and internal constituencies.
Position Profile
February 2011
Page 4 of 6
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
The President/CEO of LSS-MN is responsible for strategic and operational leadership

with both internal and external audiences. Major accountabilities include:
1. Key partner with the Board of Directors
 Together with the Board, ensures LSS-MN has a clear mission, direction
and long-range strategy.
 Keeps the Board informed of LSS’s condition so the Board can carry out
its governance function.
 Works with the Board in recruitment and development of new Board
members.
2. Supports LSS’s theological framework

 Serves as an articulate spokesperson for declaring and enrolling others
in LSS’ role and identification with the ELCA.
 Develops and maintains comfortable and engaging relationships with the
bishops and other clergy leadership.
3. Leader of LSS–MN services and staff

 Instrumental in developing new services and initiatives consistent with the
organization’s direction.
 Models leadership behaviors that lead to a mission-centered, engaged,
productive, professionally competent workforce in an environment
respectful of personal well being and cultural diversity.
4. Key oversight on finance and fundraising

 Ensures the fiscal vitality of LSS through monitoring of the organization’s
financial position and fixed assets.
 Drives fundraising strategies and campaigns, which will lead to the future
growth of LSS assets.
5. Leader for legislative, system redesign and public relations efforts.

 Represents and interprets LSS to community leaders, government
officials, corporations and other welfare/social service organizations
locally, state-wide and nationally.
 Lead spokesperson for LSS to ensure that its mission and position are
properly presented to the public and media.
 Liaison to all levels of government, providing testimony, advocacy plans,
and recommendations for positions on issues as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this position is a seasoned and visionary professional with a
passion for delivering results-driven solutions in response to the unmet needs of
persons, families and communities. The successful candidate will be a person of
integrity and stature in the community with proven leadership and senior management
Position Profile
February 2011
Page 5 of 6
experience, exemplary business and/or nonprofit management skills. Community

relations and partnerships, fundraising and board development are all key components
of this challenging role. Above all, the candidate must be committed to the important
work of inspiring hope, changing lives and building community.
An appropriate undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college

is required, and a graduate degree in social work, behavioral sciences, or business
management is preferred. It is the Board’s expectation that candidates have at least 7 to
10 years of senior management/business experience leading an organization or a
department similar in size and/or complexity to Lutheran Social Service of MN.
Knowledge of the Lutheran faith and high levels of credibility with the Lutheran
community is a requirement for the position.
The core competencies required for this position are as follows:

Mission Driven: Leads with Passion for the Mission and with Personal Integrity
 Demonstrates the highest level of personal integrity, is trustworthy, authentic, and
credible. Models a genuine passion for the mission.
 Exudes self-confidence while putting organizational results and others ahead of self.
Motivated by helping others versus receiving accolades or rewards.
 Acts as a keeper of the culture; models admirable organizational citizenship in
his/her behavior. Approaches work as a calling.
 Infuses leadership style with passion and spirit, not just functional expertise.
Long-Term and Strategic Thinker:

 Brings a broad, longer-term, and informed perspective to bear on issues and
problems.
 Has an active external focus; considers political, community, client, and competitor
information.
 Understands the organization and the national or global context in which it operates.
 Critiques strategy, not just develops it. Evaluates implications of decisions and
choices. Critically evaluates important costs, risks, and benefits of alternatives.
 Creates focus and stays the course; has a practical and sensible approach to using
resources.
Creates Alignment:
 Inspires understanding and commitment to the organization's mission, priorities, and
imperatives.
 Demonstrates superior analytical skills; is comfortable with ambiguity and recognizes
patterns and connections in complex information.
 Motivates people to work together across service or functional boundaries.
 Works as the principal organizational architect.
Builds Strong Relationships, Innovation, and Collaboration:

 Fosters innovation throughout the organization.
 Solicits input in devising innovative solutions.
Position Profile
February 2011
Page 6 of 6
 Enrolls employees at all levels to work together effectively across organizational

disciplines in achieving breakthrough growth with velocity.
 Demonstrates that maintaining strong working relationships (inside and outside the
organization) is a priority.
 Skilled at resolving conflict that maintains respect for people and leads to stronger
relationships.
 Works well with the Board and creates an open, trusting relationship.
Has Financial Acumen:

 Demonstrates significant financial understanding and uses it to evaluate
opportunities and alternatives and to make strategic choices.
 Maintains a clear focus on the priorities and has a strong perspective on balancing a
large budget, strengthening the organization’s financial position.
 Uses key financial information to measure organizational performance, manage risk,
and makes decisions regarding best blend of services.
Leads Courageously / Champions Change:

 Demonstrates strength of conviction, character, and personal resolve.
 Shoulders leadership responsibility for addressing new challenges, controversial
issues, difficult tradeoffs, or necessary changes.
 Brings difficult issues to the table and challenges others to think broadly.
 Strong, effective and involving change leader who advocates integrated change that
aligns the structure, systems, and processes in support of organizational goals.
 Does not accept the status quo.
 Devoted to innovation.
 Builds breakthrough and velocity in the organization’s culture.
COMPENSATION
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and competitive with
similar nonprofits. A full benefits package includes: health and dental insurance, 403(b)
retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off and an employee
assistance program.
CONTACT
Rebecca Driscoll, Principal or Marcia Ballinger, PhD, Principal

Phone: 612-375-8841 Phone: 612-375-8895
Email: rebeccad@keystonesearch.com Email: marciab@keystonesearch.com
KeyStone Search is a prominent Minnesota executive search firm with a special

emphasis on organizational culture fit.

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Executive Position Description

President/Chief Executive Officer

On behalf of our client, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, KeyStone Executive

Since 1865, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS-MN) has responded to

PRIMARY ROLES of the CEO

The President/CEO of LSS-MN is responsible for strategic and operational leadership

2. Supports LSS’s theological framework

3. Leader of LSS–MN services and staff

4. Key oversight on finance and fundraising

5. Leader for legislative, system redesign and public relations efforts.

experience, exemplary business and/or nonprofit management skills. Community

An appropriate undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college

The core competencies required for this position are as follows:

Long-Term and Strategic Thinker:

Builds Strong Relationships, Innovation, and Collaboration:

 Enrolls employees at all levels to work together effectively across organizational

Has Financial Acumen:

Leads Courageously / Champions Change:

Rebecca Driscoll, Principal or Marcia Ballinger, PhD, Principal

KeyStone Search is a prominent Minnesota executive search firm with a special

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