SVP Digital Innovation & Strategy

Approaching $1.7 Billion in assets, 7 17 Credit Union is a progressive and community-minded financial institution in Ohio offering credit union membership to those who live or work in Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, Portage, Summit and central Stark counties. With 13 branches, state of the art technology and a solid team, 7 17 Credit Union is able to provide banking services to more than 100,000 members in the greater Youngstown, Warren, Howland, Cortland, Vienna, Kent, Ravenna, Canfield and Canton areas. The credit union has become one of the most respected and financially sound institutions in the industry and has been awarded the NorthCoast 99 which recognizes the credit union as one of the top workplaces in Northeast Ohio for top talent.

 

The Credit Union is in search of a strategic executive to join their team as the Senior Vice President: Digital Innovation, Data, & Strategy.  Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is a senior leadership role for 717 Credit Union responsible for developing and managing innovative deposit and lending products with a primary focus on the members’ digital experience.  Additionally, the SVP is responsible for shaping and implementing the credit union’s data governance strategy, policy, and efforts, collaborating with IT and Finance. This role also involves close coordination with marketing and compliance to develop and promote products, and with IT to ensure the necessary architectural support. The SVP will oversee non-core vendor relationships (related to digital and data strategy) and ensure a “systems thinking” approach for integrating solutions to enhance the member experience, focusing on automation, efficient service delivery, and member value.  The position will oversee the credit union’s digital capabilities, including payment solutions such as ACH/Wire transfers, debit and credit card platforms, and building out the RTP, FedNow, and P2P networks.  The role will be over Data Systems and Operations, Corporate Strategy & Project Management Office, and Payments.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

  1. Product Development:

    • Lead the development of new deposit, payments, and lending products, ensuring they meet member needs and align with the credit union’s strategic objectives.

    • Analyze market trends and member feedback to identify opportunities for new product offerings or enhancements to existing products.

    • Coordinate with marketing to develop and execute strategies for product promotion, ensuring clear communication of product benefits and features to members.

 

  1. Digital Strategy:

    • Develop and implement a comprehensive digital strategy that enhances the credit union’s online and mobile presence, providing a seamless and intuitive member experience.

    • Drive digital transformation initiatives, including the integration of digital channels to create an omni-channel experience.

    • Collaborate with IT to ensure the digital architecture supports current and future product and service requirements.

    • Develop credit union plan relating to A.I. and determine roadmap for future utilization and implementation of A.I. into core business processes, daily functions, and member interactions to ultimately improve the member experience, lower operating costs, and enhance employee productivity and creativity. Such initiatives may include implementation of chat bots, automated underwriting, automated loan processing and funding, e-contracts, A.I. generated marketing collateral and social media content. 

 

  1. Data Management and Analytics:

    • Oversee the development and implementation of data management strategies to ensure accurate, timely, and secure data handling.

    • Utilize data analytics to drive decision-making, improve member experience, and identify growth opportunities.

    • Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and industry standards.

 

  1. Vendor Management:

  • Oversee relationships with external vendors, ensuring they align with the credit union’s strategic goals and provide value.

  • Lead the selection and evaluation of vendors, emphasizing integration and system compatibility to support the credit union’s operational and member service needs.

  • Negotiate contracts and agreements, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for the credit union.

 

  1. System Integration and Automation:

  • Advocate for and implement systems thinking approaches to ensure seamless integration of new systems and technologies.

  • Focus on automation initiatives, such as process automation, automated underwriting, automated processing, and funding, to enhance operational efficiency.

  • Lead efforts to streamline online account opening and membership processes, enhancing the member journey and reducing friction.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Information Technology, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree or certification (in data analytics, digital strategy, or AI Innovation, etc.) preferred.

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, digital strategy, or a related field within the financial services industry, preferably in a credit union or bank.

  • Proven leadership experience with a track record of developing and launching successful financial products and digital solutions.

  • Strong knowledge of data management principles, analytics, and regulatory requirements. This includes extensive experience in database design, data mapping from core and peripheral systems, and data visualization and dashboard presentation (Microsoft BI or Tableau).

  • Excellent vendor management skills, with experience in negotiating and managing vendor contracts.

  • Familiarity with “systems thinking” and integration methodologies, with a focus on creating an omni-channel member experience.

  • Proficiency in leveraging technology for process automation and improving operational efficiencies.

  • Must have experience working at the senior or executive team level. Experience reporting to the CEO and supporting Board of Directors reporting and communication preferred. 

 

Key Competencies:

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term strategies that align with organizational goals.

  • Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve common objectives.

  • Collaboration: Excellent collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing and IT.

  • Innovation: A mindset geared towards innovation, constantly seeking ways to improve products, processes, and member experience.

  • Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make data-driven decisions.

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas and information clearly and persuasively.


To apply submit your resume here.