Executive Director

Background:

The American Federation of Musicians and Employers' Pension Fund ("AFM-EPF") is a multi-employer fund established for the exclusive purpose of providing pension benefits to qualified members of the American Federation of Musicians, a labor union representing professional instrumental musicians in the United States and Canada with more than 70,000 members. The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees with an equal number of representatives from AFM and employers. The Union Trustees are all working or retired musicians, and the Employer Trustees come from various industries that employ AFM members.

The Position:

The Board of Trustees of AFM-EPF is seeking a highly skilled and experienced leader to become the next Executive Director (ED). Reporting to and in partnership with the Board, the Executive Director has overall responsibility for the effective and efficient management of the Fund and provides strategic direction, oversight, and guidance for all aspects of AFM-EPF’s work, including overseeing its $20 million annual budget and serving as the primary contact and Board liaison with the Fund’s professional advisors. These include the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO), legal counsel, actuaries, accountants, custodian and investment managers, insurance brokers and other professionals. The Executive Director oversees a Fund office staff of 70 employees and provides leadership and guidance to four direct reports: Director of Benefits, Director of Finance, Director of Information Technology and Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services.

The ED ensures that the retirement benefits meet the needs of the participants at the most efficient and cost-effective level. The Executive Director also provides guidance in the best practices of communicating eligibility requirements, coverage options, and plan updates to participants. The ED must take a leadership role in effectively communicating with the individuals who benefit from the Fund as well as with Trustees, Fund Professionals, and benefit partners to drive forward the overall goals and mission of the Fund.

The ED must be able to work closely and collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and staff in a transparent, honest fashion and promote inclusiveness, cooperation, and teamwork. The successful candidate must be able to fit into the culture and integrate smoothly into AFM-EPF. The Executive Director must be able to lead the organization in a collegial, supportive, and direct manner in a spirit of mutual trust. In addition, they will be bright, diplomatic, analytical, creative, of the highest integrity, and possess sound judgment as well as a sense of humor, humility, and compassion.

Specific Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership and direction of all aspects of the Fund, including financial management; investments; technology; staff oversight, support, and development; leasing and real estate; and communication with the Board, staff, and participants.
• Act as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the Board is fully informed on the condition of the Fund; provides the Board with immediate notice of matters of potential concern and makes recommendations to the Board on all matters affecting the organization.
• Ensure fiduciary responsibilities are being met by the actions and processes of the Fund's operations.
• Make recommendations to the Board concerning levels of insurance in consultation with insurance professionals and Fund Co-Counsel.
• Represent the interests of the Board and of the operations of the Fund Office in all contacts with representatives of government agencies, representatives of employers and employer associations, and attorneys representing individuals.
• Work closely with the OCIO to manage investments.
• Review drafts of annual financial statements, tax returns and management letters with the Fund’s Auditor.
• Serve as the primary individual to disclose plan documents in accordance with disclosure guidelines.
• Lead the effort to improve member service and service delivery satisfaction.
• Answer/coordinate requests for information, advice, and services with AFM and AFM Local Unions as well as with both current and prospective employers. Assist Union Representatives with development of accurate and specific contract language as well as current benefit information.
• Attend the AFM Convention, Conferences of Local Unions, and Player Conferences upon request; meets with employers and/or their attorneys to explain benefits and answer questions regarding Fund rules, contribution requirements, collection policy and benefit calculations.
• Interact with leadership from other funds both in the entertainment industry and other multi-employer funds to keep current on pension and employee benefit trends as well as to maintain and enhance existing working relationships.
• Maintain knowledge of significant legislative and accounting changes affecting the pension, investment, and employee benefit fields through membership in appropriate organizations, including the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) and the National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans (NCCMP).
• Attend professional development events and conferences.
• Oversee the Fund's information technology infrastructure, including the primary pension processing database and systems, and the Fund’s website.
• Ensure that the Fund's office space and infrastructure is optimal to meet the needs of the Fund Office Staff in performing their job functions, including working with landlords, real estate brokers and the Fund’s professional advisors regarding the Fund’s lease for office space.
• Maintain a climate which attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse Staff of top-quality people, including oversight of human resources practices and employee benefits for the Fund’s Staff. Sees that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession is in place.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or another related field. Advanced degree highly preferred.
• Minimum of ten years’ senior level experience in a multi-employer benefit fund or a related organization, and/or equivalent business experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment in providing leadership for the development of strategic vision.
• Experience with multi
• employer fund operations and regulatory environments applicable to administering pension benefits.
• A professional with demonstrated leadership skills, proven “hands-on” managerial style, excellent judgment, and strong work ethic.
• Strong decision-making and organizational skills with the ability to optimize the use of all available resources and deliver multiple priorities.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively in order to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact with staff, at all levels of the organization, as well as outside professionals and service providers.
• Detail oriented with strong analytical skills, including ability to interpret financial and operating information.
• Highly organized with the ability to motivate others to be organized.
• Flexible, team player that can lead effectively as well as provide support to others in leadership roles.
• Innovative and creative thinker, including the ability to identify tasks that may be automated and implement necessary changes.
• Appreciation for regulatory and political environment.
• Ability to establish priorities that align with a strategic plan and manage multiple agendas and programs effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including experience speaking publicly in diverse forums.
• Fluency using and understanding data to inform decision making.
• Proven ability to work in culturally and ethnically diverse environments.

Other Information:

Projected salary range is: $475,000 to $525,000. Hybrid work environment. Excellent benefits.

All positions at AFMEPF are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

The American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:

Anne McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer

Harris Rand Lusk

260 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Email cover letter and resume to: amccarthy@harrisrand.com. Please include “AFM-EPF ED” in the subject line of the email.