Director, FinTech Innovation Programs, Filene

TruStage•Dallas, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, FinTech Innovation Programs leads Filene’s fintech testing work, bringing promising solutions to credit unions for real-world trials and evaluating what works for members. FiLab, Filene’s fintech testing program, reviews hundreds of solutions and selects 6–8 annually for testing with more than 30 credit unions. The Director oversees end-to-end field-test delivery over periods of 3–6 months, establishes consistent testing standards and protocols, and directs test leads and contracted resources. The role also manages FiLab’s annual application and selection cycle, helps set fintech scouting priorities, and coordinates with fintech partners through due diligence, contracting, testing, and completion. The Director ensures tests are well designed and consistently executed, and that they generate useful insights for participating credit unions and the broader industry. The position is part of Filene Research Institute, an independent cooperative finance think tank that strengthens organizations through research and incubation to improve consumer financial well-being. Travel of up to 25% is expected, including two annual in-person events, industry conferences, and client visits. The role may involve managing and developing Incubation team members as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, innovation, or a related field.
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in program leadership, innovation, partnerships, product implementation, or a related discipline.
Experience setting direction for work performed by others and maintaining accountability for outcomes, including when leading without formal authority.
Ability to navigate competing priorities, make clear decisions, and align internal and external contributors around expectations, timelines, and results.
Ability to manage a portfolio of active programs, set priorities and sequencing, allocate resources, establish consistent execution standards, and build coordinating systems and processes.
Experience evaluating pilot or program performance and partnering with researchers to design tests, assess results, and produce actionable insights.
Experience managing relationships with multiple stakeholders, including partners, contracted resources, and senior leaders at director and executive levels.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including communicating complex information to varied audiences and facilitating groups in person and virtually.
Intellectual curiosity about credit unions and their members.
Enjoyment of a think-tank environment that values ideation, change, challenging the status quo, and reinvention.
Passion for purpose and precision, including attention to detail.
Willingness to travel up to 25%, including for two annual in-person events, periodic industry conferences, and client visits.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree such as an MBA, PhD, or MS.
Experience in financial services, innovation, FinTech, or the credit union industry, with a deep understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
For candidates without direct credit union or CUSO experience, interest and enthusiasm for learning about the industry.

Responsibilities

Oversee Filene’s fintech testing portfolio and be accountable for execution of every test.
Manage a set of tests directly from cohort launch through field execution and final reporting, partnering with Filene’s research lead on analysis and reporting.
Recruit credit unions for each test cycle and match them with tests aligned to their priorities.
Build and maintain relationships with participating credit unions from onboarding through testing and results.
Improve testing methodology and process standards, and ensure quality across tests.
Review test plans and secure required resources, directing test leads and sourcing contracted support as the portfolio grows.
Run the annual fintech application and selection cycle, including outreach to source applicants and facilitating a committee of credit union executives in narrowing candidates to finalists for the annual Symposium.
Help shape fintech scouting priorities and identify solutions that meet them.
Manage fintech partners through due diligence, contracting, testing, and subsequent reporting.
Build relationships with solution providers, investors, and industry contacts through events, outreach, and referrals to stay current on emerging solutions.
Lead, manage, and develop Incubation team members, as assigned.
Model the Filene Credo and contribute to the organization’s culture through personal and cross-functional accountability.
Support Filene’s strategic objectives, plans, budget, and metrics in alignment with its mission, values, and brand.
Provide service to Filene staff, members, and stakeholders.
Understand and engage with Filene’s research and advisory programs to connect member needs with appropriate Filene solutions.
Prioritize and manage several projects simultaneously, shifting priorities as needed to meet deadlines.
Travel up to 25% for role requirements, including in-person events, industry conferences, and client visits.