Director of Innovation

GHS Federal Credit Union•City of Binghamton, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Director of Innovation Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Classification: Exempt, Full-Time, In-Person Effective January 2026 Overview: GHS Federal Credit Union is a not for profit, member owned cooperative committed to financial wellbeing for all. We exist to make banking feel human again by providing practical, accessible financial solutions that support stability today and opportunity for tomorrow. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Member Service, and Inclusion, we serve our members and communities with transparency, empathy, and purpose. Everything we do is designed to meet people where they are, respect their goals, and help them move forward with confidence. At GHS, our team plays a vital role in strengthening communities, building trusted relationships, and delivering modern, people first banking experiences. The Director of Innovation supports the President and CEO in driving organizational transformation, strengthening member value, and modernizing operations across GHS Federal Credit Union. This role blends innovation, operational efficiency, and data-driven execution to help GHS scale effectively across its expanded charter. The Director of Innovation works closely with leadership teams across the organization to identify opportunities, evaluate emerging solutions, support pilots, streamline workflows, and improve member and employee experiences. This role is not purely research-focused; it is hands-on, practical, and embedded in the daily execution of strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate brings curiosity, strong analytical thinking, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping teams build better systems, processes, and member experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Prior experience in innovation, process improvement, project support, analytics, or related fields.
Strong communication, facilitation, and analytical skills.
Experience in financial services or credit unions is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and adapt to evolving priorities.
Trust & Integrity
Demonstrates transparency, reliability, and sound judgment in all interactions. Builds confidence across teams and supports a culture of accountability.
Innovation & Growth
Approaches problems with curiosity and forward thinking. Brings new ideas, seeks continuous improvement, and supports organizational evolution.
Collaboration & Influence
Works productively with leaders across all levels. Facilitates alignment without dictating direction. Acts as a connector, not a silo.
Scalable Thinking
Designs processes and solutions that can grow with the organization. Looks ahead to anticipate capacity needs, workflow impacts, and long-term viability.
Operational Excellence
Understands how work gets done and supports teams in improving systems, processes, and execution.

Nice To Haves

Experience in financial services or credit unions is a plus.

Responsibilities

Partner with the CEO to evaluate, prioritize, and operationalize innovation initiatives.
Conduct research and analysis to identify opportunities to improve member experience, streamline processes, and strengthen competitive positioning.
Coordinate pilot programs for new technologies and services, including VerticeAI, ScienapticAI, and future partners.
Measure impact, track adoption, and help determine whether to scale or adjust innovation initiatives.
Bring forward insights, recommendations, and supporting data that inform executive decision-making.
Support development of member journey maps and experience touchpoints.
Analyze data to understand member churn, satisfaction drivers, and opportunities to deepen relationships.
Collaborate with VerticeAI and internal teams to translate insights into actionable strategies.
Recommend enhancements to products, services, and digital experiences that support GHS’s member-first approach.
Assist in evaluation and integration of data-driven tools and AI platforms that support lending, risk, fraud mitigation, and member engagement.
Coordinate testing, training, and adoption efforts to ensure successful implementation.
Work with IT, lending, and operations to ensure alignment, security, and scalability of implemented solutions.
Help translate strategic initiatives into clear, actionable plans for teams.
Facilitate structured communication across departments to align priorities and expectations.
Assist in building a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
Ensure leaders have the clarity, tools, and support they need to execute transformation efforts.