Manager, FinTech Innovation Programs - Filene

TruStage•Dallas, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, FinTech Innovation Programs leads execution of Filene’s FiLab fintech tests, taking assigned tests from solution selection through implementation and published findings. FiLab selects 6–8 fintech solutions each year for testing with more than 30 credit unions nationwide; tests typically run 3–6 months. The Manager works with the Director, Fintech Innovation Programs, participating credit unions, fintech partners, contractors, and FiLab’s research lead to deliver tests and turn results into insights useful to the broader industry. For assigned tests, the Manager is the primary Filene contact for participating credit unions, guiding them through recruitment, onboarding, setup, implementation, data collection, and results. The role maintains participant engagement, resolves obstacles, manages day-to-day fintech partner relationships, and facilitates cohort sessions where credit unions share experiences and learn from one another. The Manager also partners with the research lead on test design, data collection, analysis, and synthesis of findings. Across the portfolio, the Manager coordinates milestones, timelines, dependencies, deliverables, and resource needs for active tests; identifies risks and conflicts; coordinates contractors and vendors; and maintains project documentation in accordance with Filene’s project management standards. The role also contributes to FiLab’s annual fintech application and selection cycle, scouting emerging solutions and bringing insights from current tests into future pipeline decisions. The position supports Filene’s strategic objectives, mission, values, and service to staff, members, and stakeholders. It requires managing several projects at once and may include other duties as needed. Travel is expected up to 15%, including two annual in-person events and periodic industry conferences and client visits. Compensation is listed as a base salary range of $73,100–$109,700. TruStage describes its workplace as flexible and intends to make hybrid working normal, while noting that work location flexibility is important.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, innovation, communications, or a related field.
At least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in program or project management, innovation, vendor partnerships, product implementation, or a related discipline.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent programs involving external participants and keep timelines, milestones, dependencies, and deliverables organized and on track.
Experience building or improving practical systems for tracking and coordinating work.
Familiarity with Smartsheet, Asana, Jira, or similar project management tools.
Ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, and to maintain engagement, navigate challenges, and create a strong participant experience.
Experience coordinating external partners through a defined program lifecycle, including onboarding, diligence, contracting, implementation, and ongoing delivery.
Experience partnering with researchers or subject-matter experts on test design, data collection, and analysis, and assessing whether tests and collected information will produce useful insights.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with varied audiences and develop organized reports and program materials.
Experience facilitating group sessions with senior stakeholders, drawing out discussion, navigating differing perspectives, and enabling peer learning.
Intellectual curiosity about credit unions and their members.
Interest in learning the credit union industry is required for candidates without direct credit union or CUSO experience.
Enjoyment of a think tank environment involving ideation, change, challenging the status quo, and reinvention.
Passion for purpose and precision, including attention to detail.
Ability to travel up to 15% to meet role requirements, including two annual in-person events and periodic industry conferences and client visits.

Nice To Haves

Experience in financial services, innovation, FinTech, or the credit union industry.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day execution of assigned fintech tests from selection through published findings, establishing scope, approach, and desired outcomes with the Director, Fintech Innovation Programs.
Serve as the primary Filene contact for participating credit unions from recruitment and onboarding through implementation, data collection, and results.
Maintain regular communication with participating credit unions to sustain engagement and resolve obstacles.
Manage day-to-day relationships with fintech partners, coordinating diligence and contracting requirements and guiding partners through test preparation, implementation, and completion.
Facilitate cohort sessions for participating credit unions to share experiences, surface challenges, and learn from one another.
Partner with FiLab’s research lead on test design, data collection, analysis, and synthesis of findings.
Apply established FiLab testing standards and contribute to the development of testing tools, processes, and practices.
Coordinate activity across FiLab’s active testing portfolio, maintaining integrated plans and visibility into milestones, dependencies, and deliverables.
Monitor timelines and resource needs across active tests, identify risks or conflicts, and recommend adjustments to the Director.
Coordinate contractors and vendors supporting test execution, logistics, and program delivery.
Maintain project documentation and align work with Filene’s project management standards, systems, and tools.
Identify opportunities to improve coordination and execution across tests and help create repeatable processes.
Contribute to FiLab’s annual fintech application and selection cycle, including evaluating applicants and preparing finalists to pitch at Filene’s annual Symposium.
Support scouting and identification of emerging solutions aligned with FiLab’s innovation priorities and credit unions’ evolving needs.
Bring insights from active tests and participating credit unions into the fintech pipeline process.
Model Filene Credo and support the organization’s culture, strategic objectives, plan, budget, and metrics in a manner consistent with its mission, values, and brand.
Provide service to Filene staff, members, and stakeholders, and engage with Filene’s broader research and advisory work.
Prioritize and manage workload across concurrent projects, shifting focus as needed to meet deadlines.

Benefits

Flexible workplace intended to support work-life balance.
Career growth opportunities.
Retirement assistance.
Potential eligibility for an annual incentive (bonus) plan.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Employee assistance program.
Life insurance.
Disability plans.
Parental leave.
Paid time off.
401(k).
Tuition reimbursement.
Flexibility to work in a preferred location, supported by technology and other tools for hybrid working.