Executive Director, Innovation Banking

Fifth Third Bank • San Francisco, CA

23h • $121,900 - $262,100 • Onsite

About The Position

Fifth Third Bank is seeking an Executive Director for Innovation Banking. This role involves managing a portfolio of VC-backed technology and emerging growth clients, focusing on transaction origination, deal execution, return generation, and risk management. The position requires active participation in industry events to expand the sales pipeline and network, as well as providing sales support to Capital Markets, Investment Banking, and FX verticals. Collaboration with Credit Administration for underwriting and approving credit requests, ensuring proper reporting and risk review, and developing strong relationships with peers and senior leaders are key aspects of the role. The Executive Director will manage multiple high-priority client engagements simultaneously, leveraging a strong background in credit and corporate finance. This role serves as direct support to the Managing Director, involving internal and external presentations, and independent interaction with stakeholders for strategic client engagements.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required, MBA or graduate degree preferred.
• 8 – 10+ years of experience in Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, Technology Finance, Capital Markets or Venture Capital.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience at the Director level.
• Advanced relationship management skills working with technology startups and / or VC firms.
• Forward-thinking strategic client advisory, business development, corporate finance, and risk management acumen.
• Proven track record of success in leading a sales team to originate, structure, negotiate and execute complex financial transactions.
• Leadership experience and history of involvement in key decision making at an established financial services firm.
• Excellent presentation skills, both oral and written, along with the ability to interact effectively with senior executives inside and outside our organization.
• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 79, and 63 license required per Fifth Third guidelines.
• Professional proficiency, generally acquired through 8+ years of relevant work or internship experience in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• High attention to detail and commitment to deliver high-quality work product consistently.
• Ability to understand and evaluate complex technology financial models.
• Strong communication, collaboration, execution, and risk management skills.
• Strong leadership track record mentoring, training, retaining, and developing talent.
• Executing transactions as part of a team in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required securities licenses in accordance with company policy.
• Ability to lead strategic conversations, build trust, and deliver tailored solutions that deepen client relationships.
• Skilled in identifying opportunities, developing pitches, and converting ideas into revenue-generating engagements.
• Proven ability to mentor, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
• Ability to translate technology and venture capital market trends into executable growth strategy.
• Accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and following policies and procedures that protect all valuable assets.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or graduate degree preferred.
• Series 24 license preferred.
• Expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Infrastructure & Applications, Enterprise Software, Cybersecurity, Data Governance, Frontier Technology, or other technology sectors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of VC backed technology and emerging growth clients, with primary responsibility for transaction origination, deal execution, return generation and risk management oversight.
• Attends industry-specific forums, conferences, and/or meetings to expand sales pipeline and broaden relationship network and continually deepen knowledge of trends and practices.
• Provides sales support to the Capital Markets, Investment Banking, and FX verticals by assessing whether the respective products and services would be appropriate for a particular client.
• Works with Portfolio Manager, Analysts, and other members of Credit Administration to underwrite and approve credit requests.
• Ensures proper reporting, documentation, and risk review to determine acceptable ongoing portfolio risk.
• Develops good working relationships with peers and senior leaders in Innovation Banking and the rest of the organization.
• Manages key portfolio priorities while working on numerous high-priority client engagements simultaneously.
• Exhibits a strong background in credit and corporate finance and the ability to apply that knowledge to corporate finance-oriented strategy.
• Serves as direct support to the Managing Director and can make internal and external presentations to support team leadership efforts.
• Interacts independently with all important stakeholders during the development and delivery of a strategic, client facing engagements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings
• Eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan
• Extensive benefits programs designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director