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Senior Manager, External Relations and Strategic Programs


Functional Area: Marketing & Communications

Organization: Center for Financial Services Innovation

Location: Chicago, IL or New York, NY

Metro Region: Chicago or New York

Overview:

The Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI) is a nonprofit organization and the nation’s leading authority on financial services for underbanked and underserved consumers.  CFSI’s programs are based on the belief that addressing the needs of underserved consumers as a market will deliver broad, long-term change throughout the financial services landscape by creating mutual benefit for both the underserved and the companies serving them.  Therefore, CFSI works with leaders and innovators in the business, government and nonprofit sectors to transform the financial services landscape with programs focused on informing, connecting and investing – gathering enhanced intelligence, brokering and supporting productive industry relationships and fostering best-in-class products and strategies.  CFSI seeks to improve the quality and quantity of financial products and services, better shape them to the needs and desires of underserved customers, and expand effective savings and asset acquisition opportunities. The organization spurs innovation to bridge the gaps that remain in creating a path to prosperity for underserved consumers by:
  • Developing market intelligence;
  • Assessing existing products, services and strategies;
  • Promoting and facilitating marketplace partnerships;
  • Influencing public policy;
  • Investing in promising innovations and encouraging others to do so as well
Approaching its 10th anniversary in 2014, CFSI has experienced dramatic growth in the last two years and is poised for further growth in 2012. With offices in Chicago, New York and Washington, DC,. CFSI is a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and highly collaborative environment. We are looking for people who share our values of innovation, passion, excellence, impact and directness. For more on CFSI, go to http://www.cfsinnovation.com

Position:

CFSI is currently hiring a Senior Manager to join the External Relations team and work cross-functionally to enhance CFSI’s mission impact by building a strong, visible brand on a national basis.  The position will have responsibility for building and deepening relationships with industry partners, funders, consulting clients, government leaders, and influencers.  By helping to plan, direct and coordinate marketing, communications, and development activities this position will help position CFSI as a leading brand in the non for profit sector and drive sustainable revenue growth for the firm.  Working closely with the Senior VP, External Relations and colleagues, this position will advise CFSI leadership on how best to influence the marketplace through new ventures and strategic programs that align with our research, policy, and advisory practices.  In addition, this person will work closely with both internal and external partners to develop cutting edge programs focused on the innovation and evolution of high quality financial products for the underserved consumer.

Responsibilities:

  • Work with strategic program partners to build CFSI position as the leading authority on financial services for the underbanked and underserved consumer
  • Develop and implement strategic programs that support and align with CFSI’s brand, line of business objectives, and relationship building initiatives
  • Lead complex projects from inception to completion including partner activation, vendor management, integrated marketing and communications tactics
  • Identify, recommend, and manage new ventures, earned revenue programs, and collaborations that reflect CFSI’s theory of change and point of view
  • Manage brand defining occasions to celebrate CFSI’s leadership and co-branding opportunities to broaden audience reach
  • Track progress against project objectives, timelines, and budgets; evaluate and measure effectiveness, utilizing results to identify continuous improvement opportunities
  • Document business cases, protocols, and operations to promote knowledge management and share winning practices
  • Perform other related duties, including special projects, as requested

Qualifications:

  • 10 years work experience in relevant position; financial or professional services experience desirable.
  • Experience driving thought leadership programs, event & conference planning, sponsorships, and cause marketing is strong preferred.
  • Ability to think strategically with a creative touch; able to design original content for delivery across multiple channels including social media platforms.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of business to business relationships, integrated marketing communications, and product campaign strategy.
  • Superb written and oral communication skills plus excellent presentation skills; high attention to detail is essential.
  • Professionalism, diplomacy & creativity working with internal clients and external stakeholders as well as an ability to negotiate with diverse stakeholders while managing multiple requests in a timely manner.
  • Collaborative spirit, works well with colleagues and leadership in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
  • Intellectual curiosity, sound problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and strength in creative and innovative thinking.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% time
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, economics, communications, or public relations; MBA or similar degree preferred

To Apply:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format, to Erin Reedy athttp://jobs.cgcareers.org/application.aspx?id=1972.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Center for Financial Services Innovation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.