Role OverviewThe Manager, Fintech Innovation Programs leads the execution of Filene's fintech tests, working with credit unions to put promising solutions into real-world environments and determine what works for their organizations and members.
Now in its fifth year, FiLab (Filene's fintech testing program) reviews hundreds of fintech solutions and selects 6-8 each year for testing with more than 30 credit unions across the country. Tests typically run 3-6 months. The Manager leads assigned tests from selection through published findings: onboarding fintech partners, recruiting and supporting participating credit unions alongside the Director, Fintech Innovation Programs, and partnering with FiLab's research lead to turn test results into insights the broader industry can use.
For each test they lead, the Manager serves as the primary point of contact for participating credit unions, guiding them through setup and implementation, maintaining engagement throughout the test, troubleshooting obstacles, and facilitating the cohort so participants can learn from one another as well as from their own results.
In addition to leading individual tests, the Manager coordinates activity across FiLab's testing portfolio, maintaining visibility into milestones, timelines, dependencies, and resource needs across active projects. Working within the priorities and standards established by the Director, the Manager helps anticipate conflicts, surface risks, and keep the portfolio moving on schedule.
This role is a strong fit for someone who has led pilots, implementations, or complex programs- particularly within a credit union or financial services environment - and is excited to deliver that work across multiple institutions and solutions at once.
Role ResponsibilitiesFiLab Test Execution
- Lead the day-to-day execution of assigned fintech tests from selection through published findings, working with the Director, Fintech Innovation Programs to establish scope, approach, and desired outcomes.
- Serve as the primary Filene contact for participating credit unions, guiding them from recruitment and onboarding through implementation, data collection, and results. Maintain regular communication to sustain engagement and resolve obstacles as they arise.
- Manage the day-to-day fintech partner relationship for assigned tests, coordinating diligence and contracting requirements and guiding partners through test preparation, implementation, and completion.
- Facilitate cohort sessions that bring participating credit unions together to share experiences, surface challenges, and learn from what others are seeing throughout the test.
- Partner with FiLab's research lead on test design, data collection, analysis, and synthesis of findings, ensuring the practical experience of participating credit unions informs the research.
- Apply established FiLab testing standards and contribute to the continued development of tools, processes, and practices that make testing thoughtful, efficient, and replicable.
Portfolio Coordination & Program Management
- Coordinate activity across FiLab's active testing portfolio, working with the Director and other test leads to maintain integrated plans and visibility into milestones, dependencies, and deliverables.
- Monitor timelines and resource needs across active tests, identifying risks or conflicts early and recommending adjustments to the Director to keep work on track.
- Coordinate contractors and vendors supporting test execution, logistics, and program delivery.
- Maintain strong 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 translate those improvements into repeatable processes.
FinTech Pipeline Support
- Contribute to FiLab's annual fintech application and selection cycle, including reviewing and evaluating applicants and preparing finalists to pitch at Filene's annual Symposium.
- Support scouting and identification of emerging solutions aligned with FiLab's established innovation priorities and the evolving needs of credit unions.
- Bring insights from active tests and participating credit unions back into the pipeline process to help inform future areas of exploration.
General & Administrative
- Model Filene Credo and play a key role in maintaining the culture of the organization through personal and cross-functional accountabilities.
- Actively support the achievement of Filene's strategic objectives, plan, budget, and metrics in a manner consistent with Filene's mission, values, and brand.
- Provide extraordinary service to Filene's staff, members, and stakeholders.
- Understand and engage in Filene's complete body of work including research and advisory programs to connect member needs with Filene solutions that can best meet those needs.
- Prioritize and manage workload across several projects simultaneously, demonstrating the ability to shift gears when necessary to meet key deadlines.
The statements above are not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties will be assigned as needed.
Role Requirements- Bachelor's degree in business, technology, innovation, communications, or a related field required.
- 4+ years of progressively responsible experience in program or project management, innovation, vendor partnerships, product implementation, or related discipline required.
- Experience in financial services, innovation, FinTech, or the credit union industry preferred, For those without direct credit union or CUSO experience, interest and excitement to learn a unique and growing industry is a must.
- Program Management: Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent programs involving external participants, keeping 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.
- Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders. Skilled at maintaining engagement, navigating challenges, and creating a strong experience for program participants.
- Partner & Vendor Management: Experience coordinating external partners through a defined program lifecycle, including onboarding, diligence, contracting, implementation, and ongoing delivery.
- Program Evaluation: Experience partnering with researchers or other subject-matter experts on test design, data collection, and analysis. Able to bring a practical lens to whether a test is structured to answer the questions it is intended to explore and whether the information being collected will produce useful insights.
- Communication & Facilitation: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with varied audiences and develop well-organized reports and program materials. Experience facilitating group sessions with senior stakeholders, drawing out meaningful discussion, navigating differing perspectives, and creating opportunities for peer learning.
- Intellectually curious about credit unions and their members. Enjoy working in a "think tank" environment where ideation, continually embracing change, being restless with the status quo and seeking reinvention is part of the culture. A passion for purpose and precision - including the details.
- Travel expected up to 15% to fulfill the requirements of the role, including (but not limited to) two annual in-person events and periodic industry conferences and client visits.
