Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

People.  

At the end of the day, you need the right people to succeed.  

But how do you find them?  And then, how do you keep them?  

But really, you have to find them first, right?  

In the past few weeks, we've been talking about the kind of organization NAFCU wants to be, and the kind of values we hold close to our hearts.  

Kudos to my colleagues Lisa Cox and Irene Cardon.  They took those values, and they weaved them into a an existing job advertisement that wasn't generating many resumes. Here's what they came up with:

EXHIBITS AND SPONSORSHIP MANAGER 

NAFCU (Arlington, VA) seeks a Manager to take a leadership role in the planning and execution of exhibits and sponsorships.

Requires:

• BA in event management, marketing, business, communications, advertising, English or closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts, comfortable with change, ability to lead project teams and develop programs which are creative, accessible to members and on the cutting edge of the financial industry’s educational needs.
• Excellent customer service, outstanding written and communication skills; be a strong team player; able to juggle multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and be flexible with changing priorities.
• Ability to travel.

 The right person will have:

• An outgoing personality with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Proven writing ability and good organizational skills.
• Eagerness to improve processes and experiences and up for the challenge.
• Knowledge of basic research techniques and outstanding computer skills.

And might also have:

• iMIS association database experience.
• Knowledge of financial institutions, particularly credit unions.
• Prior experience in a trade association. 

The ideal candidate:

• Likes to improve things, always leaving processes, people, and places better than s/he found them.
• Is enthusiastic and positive, always seeing the best in colleagues and members, and striving to help both in any way possible.
• Isn’t afraid of failing, but is deathly afraid of not trying.
• Understands that trade associations are businesses that need to make money; understands the need to grow revenues; and is driven to accomplishing that goal.
• Works hard and plays hard, and isn’t afraid of getting their hands dirty.

We have an unbridled enthusiasm for serving our members and their mission, and we are looking for a passionate and forward-thinking individual who is ready to deliver the association's brand promise and value proposition. To apply, email resume w/cover letter and salary expectations to hr@ nafcu.org.  EOE.

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When the new job advertisement went live, it was as if some hidden faucet was turned on.  Wonderful candidates came forward, and we had a very tough time making a final choice. 

Here's my challenge for you this week.  Take a look at your job advertisements.  Do they reflect the kind of workplace you offer? Or the type of folks you want to attract?

If the answer is no, don't fret.  That's a problem that can be fixed with a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and a list of your credit union's values. 

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Related posts:

1. Is brainpower overrated? 
2. Well,  because WE'VE ALWAYS done that way.  That's why.