AVP of Growth and Business Development

University of Michigan Credit Union•Ann Arbor, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The AVP of Growth & Business Development is responsible for building and managing strategic relationships that support UMCU’s growth, visibility, market expansion, and community engagement across Southeast Michigan and Detroit. This role focuses on developing and strengthening partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, universities, community organizations, and strategic affiliates that create opportunities for membership growth, sponsorships, financial education, brand engagement, and long-term community impact. The AVP serves as a key relationship leader and community ambassador for UMCU, helping position the organization as a trusted financial and community partner. The position works closely with marketing, branding, activations, concierge, lending, branch leadership, and member experience teams to connect community relationships to products, services, engagement opportunities, and organizational initiatives. This is a highly relationship-driven and community-facing role focused on business development, outreach, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and expanding market presence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field and/or similar experience.
2-3 years of professional work experience with business development and/or community engagement
Strong negotiation and contract experience
Ability to measure and analyze business impact

Responsibilities

Build, cultivate, and manage strategic relationships across businesses, nonprofits, universities, and community organizations
Serve as the primary point of contact for partner organizations, ensuring a positive and collaborative partnership experience
Identify opportunities that support membership growth, visibility, sponsorships, partnerships, and community engagement
Represent UMCU at community events, networking opportunities, sponsorship activations, and outreach initiatives
Support relationship-building efforts tied to Detroit expansion, emerging markets, and community growth initiatives
Develop and implement strategies that strengthen the UMCU brand and build awareness throughout the communities served
Supports lead generation initiatives by cultivating strategic partnerships, identifying opportunities, and connecting prospective members and partners to the credit union’s products and services.
Supports the development and expansion of concierge and relationship-based service strategies to enhance member experience and differentiate UMCU in the marketplace.
Work closely with branding, marketing, and activations teams to support outreach, visibility, and engagement initiatives
Support and coordinate community engagement opportunities, sponsorship activations, and relationship follow-up efforts
Contribute strategic ideas that strengthen brand presence, storytelling, market engagement, and community impact
Support community-facing initiatives that increase awareness, engagement, and organizational visibility
Collaborate with branch leadership to identify opportunities for local outreach, partnership development, and community engagement within branch markets
Evaluate opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and account growth initiatives that enhance brand awareness and engagement
Supports and cultivates athlete engagement initiatives through NIL partnerships and relationships with professional athletes, athlete ambassadors, and sports influencers to enhance brand visibility, strengthen community connections, and support growth opportunities
Lead partnership discussions and negotiations to establish mutually beneficial agreements and favorable partnership terms
Oversee partnership and sponsorship relationships, including ongoing engagement, contract management, renewals, and performance monitoring
Ensure partnerships, sponsorships, and related initiatives comply with applicable regulations and organizational standards
Collaborate internally to leverage affinity assets and strategic relationships to enhance campaigns, activations, and community visibility
Work collaboratively with marketing, concierge, lending, branch leadership, member services, and financial education teams
Help connect community relationships to products, services, financial education, and member experiences
Support ongoing communication, relationship continuity, and coordinated engagement efforts across teams
Assist in aligning partnership initiatives with organizational goals, market strategy, and member growth objectives
Establish and monitor partnership KPIs and performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and community impact
Monitor and analyze the financial and strategic impact of partnerships, sponsorships, and engagement initiatives
Provide reporting, analysis, and recommendations to optimize partnership performance and resource allocation
Develop and manage budgets associated with partnership and sponsorship activities, ensuring responsible and strategic use of resources
Ensure all partnerships and sponsorships comply with relevant regulations and industry standards.
Volunteers in various activities sponsored by UMCU within the University of Michigan and the communities we serve; responsible for meeting with campus partners’ onsite as needed.
Represents UMCU and attending/working events as necessitated by the position. Also includes attending internal and external meetings/trainings, team building or UMCU events.
Maintains knowledge of and follows all credit union policies and procedures regarding BSA, OFAC, U.S. Patriot Act, Anti-Money Laundering, S.A.F.E Act, CFPB regulations and Customer Identification Program.
Performs other duties as assigned to support organizational success.