Embedded Banking Relationship Manager

Dickinson Financial Corp•Kansas City, MO

7h•$100,000 - $125,000

About The Position

Academy Bank is seeking an Embedded Banking Relationship Manager to join its Embedded Banking group. The role owns the strategic relationship, commercial performance, and lifecycle management for assigned embedded banking partners, driving growth while balancing commercial objectives with risk stewardship in a regulated bank environment. The manager develops partner-specific strategic plans, maintains knowledge of program structures and sponsor-bank responsibilities, and works with internal teams and external partners on partnership terms, pricing, growth initiatives, onboarding, oversight, and issue resolution. The position also engages prospective partners, assesses strategic and risk fit, and manages opportunities from prospecting through program maturity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
5–8+ years of experience in banking, fintech, payments, card programs, BaaS, or technology-enabled financial services.
Experience with financial products, partnership-based business models, or embedded banking programs.
Proven track record in customer development, relationship management, and retention across senior stakeholder groups.
Experience working within or alongside regulated financial institutions and/or fintech companies.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, with strong attention to detail.
Ability to distill complex regulatory, operational, and commercial topics into clear recommendations and actions.
Ability to execute independently while collaborating effectively across functions and levels.
Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, evolving embedded banking environment.
Intellectual curiosity, self-motivation, and comfort asking questions to solve problems.
Ability to balance growth objectives with strong risk discipline and a controls mindset.
Ability to work in a performance-driven environment with sales goals, measurable targets, and a focus on results.
Strong critical-thinking and analytical skills, including comfort working with data and ambiguity.
Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills and executive-level presence.
Sound judgment and a proactive approach to identifying issues.
Alignment with Academy Bank’s values and commitment to responsible banking.
Drive for continuous learning and professional development.
Ability to operate effectively in evolving, non-standard business models typical of embedded banking and fintech partnerships.

Responsibilities

Own the strategic relationship, commercial performance, and lifecycle management for assigned embedded banking partners.
Maintain a strong working knowledge of program structures, regulatory expectations, and sponsor-bank responsibilities to support partner programs.
Develop and maintain partner-specific strategic plans aligned with Academy Bank’s embedded banking strategy and risk appetite.
Partner with internal teams and external partners on contract terms, pricing structures, and growth initiatives.
Advocate for partner opportunities internally and help partners navigate bank governance, risk review, and approval processes.
Identify and drive new growth opportunities; manage the partner pipeline from prospecting through maturity.
Engage prospective partners and assess fit based on strategic alignment, operating model, and risk considerations.
Develop deep knowledge of partner business models, decision-makers, products, customer experience, industry trends, and the competitive landscape.
Partner with Program Management, Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Operations to support onboarding, change management, issue resolution, and ongoing oversight.
Prioritize work based on partner objectives, risk profile, and business impact.
Strengthen partner relationships through regular communication, follow-up, and performance reviews.
Provide timely updates to internal stakeholders on partner performance, agreements, program changes, pricing, and emerging risks or issues.
Coordinate closely with Program Managers to align priorities, manage escalations, and resolve key issues.
Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners and internal stakeholders.
Proactively network, build a prospect pipeline, and develop new partner relationships through outreach and referrals.
Influence decision-makers, advance opportunities, and close complex partnership agreements.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the role.