Basic Function The Emerging Partnerships Analyst will support Velera's emerging partnership efforts by helping execute key partnerships with best-of-breed financial technology (fintech) companies. This critical role will help influence the products and services offered to Velera clients through B2B partnership models while ensuring fintech solutions align with enterprise strategy, client needs, and competitive market pressures. This role will partner closely with internal business units, technology teams, community financial institutions, fintech partners, and external networks to implement new product opportunities into scalable offerings that unlock value across the Velera network.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities- Lead end-to-end cross-functional formation of key fintech partnership initiatives, from ideation and concept validation through pilots all the way to commercialization and scaling.
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging fintech trends, technologies, and market opportunities aligned to Velera's strategic roadmap.
- Assist with the negotiation of key partnership terms through business cases, financial modeling, market sizing, and legal contract terms.
- Serve as a cross-functional change agent for the organization in an ongoing effort to standardize a holistic approach to partnership commercialization that is smooth and easy to maneuver.
- Maintain deep understanding of competitive dynamics and partner needs within the fintech ecosystem.
- Work with Velera technology teams to orchestrate the technical integration design of new products, services, and features through fintech partnerships.
- Translate user needs, market insights, and research into clear product requirements and strategic use cases.
- Ensure commercialization readiness across training, operations, support, compliance, contracting, and delivery teams.
- Track partner performance, risks, and dependencies; communicate progress to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
- Curate and maintain strategic relationships with fintechs, clients, and technology providers to bring innovative capabilities to Velera's ecosystem.
- Champion a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning across the organization.
Physical Demands- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision
- Ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds
- Individuals with a disability who are otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job may request a reasonable accommodation through the Human Resources department.
Other Physical DemandsSupervisory ResponsibilityPosition Specifications- Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or other related field or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
- Five (5) years of experience in partnerships, fintech, banking technology, or related innovation roles.
- Strong understanding of banking technology, the fintech landscape, and emerging banking markets.
- Experience with structuring reseller, whitelabel, OEM, and referral contracts with other businesses.
- Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives with enterprise-level visibility.
- Demonstrated success bringing new banking products or services to market through partnerships.
- Exceptional communication, storytelling, and executive influence skills.
- Ability to exhibit professionalism when working with fintech and financial institution executives.
- Experience working with or supporting credit unions, community banks, or network-based ecosystems.
- Analytical mindset with strong business case and financial modeling capabilities as well as familiarity with structuring legal contracts.
- Entrepreneurial approach with a passion for innovation and customer-centric design.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities- Demonstrate behaviors based on Velera core values: Dedication, Collaboration, Belonging, Curiosity, and Integrity.
- Understanding of the financial services industry and associated fintech industry and products.
- Knowledge of technology integrations and architectural environments.
- Ability to lead and execute on partnership initiatives.
- Ability to quickly and intuitively grasp how new products, complementary business models, and creative transaction structures could impact the company from a product and financial perspective.
- Ability to represent the company to relevant organizations inside and outside the credit union system.
- Excellent communication, professionalism, and project management skills.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to present analysis in an impactful and concise manner.
- Willingness to occasionally travel to industry conferences.
Pay Equity$84,900.00 - $108,200.00
Actual Pay will be adjusted based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Great Work/Life Benefits!- Competitive wages
- Medical with telemedicine
- Dental and Vision
- Basic and Optional Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Maternity, Parental, Family Care
- Community Volunteer Time Off
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Company Paid Disability Insurance
- 401k (with employer match)
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with company provided contributions
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Supplemental Insurance
- Mental Health and Well-being: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Wellness program
- Benefits are subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions
