Job Description

Responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive financial performance for our current and future wholly owned and partially owned Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), fintech fund-related investments, as well as selection and enablement of individual fintech solutions that contribute to strategic objectives and key results while differentiating Sunward and our member experience. Drives Business Development functions on behalf of Sunward in support of wholly owned CUSO business plans and growth objectives.

Maintains a tactical focus on building and sustaining a technical and functional understanding of all fintech enablement opportunities available to Sunward through existing business partners and platforms. Socializes insights to inform vendor selection outcomes across Sunward. Applies a strategic focus on competitive, industry, regulatory and other innovation developments to inform execution of CUSO and fintech participant strategies, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and delivery of key results.

Essential Functions

• Generates and grows non-interest income sources by optimizing wholly owned CUSO functions
• Maximizes investment returns of partially owned CUSO interests through return of capital, dividend, and other investment payouts
• Drives profitability of new and existing Fintech partnerships by achieving material deposit growth, optimized non-interest income growth, and measurable improvement in proactive balance sheet management.
• Develops and maintains enterprise-level knowledge of all existing fintech enablement opportunities available throughout existing ecosystems and through existing business partner platforms.
• Researches, develops, and completes financial modeling that supports recommendations for the future of our partially owned and wholly owned CUSO interests, and fintech investment and/or partner opportunities.
• Stays on top of competitive marketplace changes, industry developments, regulatory changes, and innovation opportunities that align with broader strategies supporting growth, deposit, and lending objectives, and share those insights across Sunward.
• Represents Sunward through a Business Development function within the credit union industry and fintech ecosystems, and on behalf of our wholly owned CUSO interests.
• Acts as a thought leader in the partnerships space, championing a diverse range of opportunities while optimizing the number of partners and fintechs we engage.
• Measures CUSO and fintech investment and partnership performance to identify and pursue growth opportunities and work with key stakeholders to advance new initiatives aligned with business plans and strategies driving growth, core deposits, and lending objectives.
• Work closely with all levels of management and volunteers to support execution of the Credit Union’s mission, responsibilities, and strategic plans.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible experience in partnerships, fintech, CUSO, or related industries, with demonstrated application in regulated or financial services environments.
• Proven record of navigating the partnerships fintech, and/or CUSO industry.

Education

• Bachelor’s or four-year college degree in business or related field, or relevant experience equivalent to a four-year degree.

Knowledge

• Expert understanding of fintech and CUSO business models, operations, financial products, services and delivery systems.
• Thorough knowledge of Credit Union products and services, features, and benefits.
• Advanced proficiency in the use of MS Office and various third-party payment services software, applications and tools.

Skills/Abilities

• Possesses strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, including situational awareness, conflict resolution, and transparency, to support effective collaboration and problem resolution.
• Demonstrates the ability to think holistically when pursuing improvements, regularly considering impacts across departments, systems, and the member experience.
• Able to establish or improve processes and workflows to support effective execution, efficiency, and service quality.
• Demonstrates strong relationship management skills, including the ability to navigate difficult situations and resolve issues in a positive, professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and work proactively with internal teams and external partners to achieve shared objectives.
• Demonstrates exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly and succinctly communicate complex payment-related topics to diverse audiences.
• Possesses strong presentation and influencing skills and is comfortable interfacing with partners at all levels of the organization.
• Exhibits strong business acumen with the ability to quickly understand complex problems, identify opportunities, and define practical improvements.
• Proven problem-solving skills, including assessing issues, evaluating alternatives, and resolving non-standardized situations involving multiple variables.
• Able to manage multiple priorities, prioritize work effectively, and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates adaptability and sound judgment, with the ability to move from ambiguity to actionable plans and adjust effectively to changing priorities.
• Understands and applies departmental best practices and continually seeks opportunities for process and service improvements.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular use of computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to participate in meetings, presentations, and collaborative work in person or virtually.
• May require occasional travel to company offices, branch locations, or industry events.
• Position may require extended periods of sitting, using a computer, and performing repetitive hand/wrist motions.
• Visual and auditory ability sufficient to interact with team members, stakeholders, and members, both in person and virtually.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Occasional need to lift or move materials, such as presentation or conference equipment, typically not exceeding 25 pounds.