Project Manager, Core Banking Conversions

The Project Manager is accountable for the full lifecycle delivery of credit union core banking system conversions. Serving as the central orchestrator across credit union stakeholders, internal data conversion engineers, and third-party core vendors, the IPM drives on-time, on-scope core implementations—including core processor cutover, data migration, GL configuration, and third-party interface connectivity. This role demands deep familiarity with credit union core platforms and operations, a disciplined project management approach, and the communication skills to guide credit union staff through high-impact core system transitions with confidence and clarity. Coordination with the digital products implementation team occurs where core interfaces intersect, but the primary accountability of this role is the core conversion.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end core system conversions for credit union clients, managing all phases from discovery and data mapping through parallel processing, cutover, and post-go-live stabilization.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for credit union stakeholders—including CEOs, COOs, IT Directors, and Operations leads—maintaining clear, consistent communication at every phase of the core conversion.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans covering data conversion timelines, milestones, resource allocation, member data mapping, GL balancing schedules, parallel processing windows, and cutover strategies.

• Coordinate third-party interface integrations that connect directly to the core—including card processors, ACH/NACHA, shared branching, ATM networks, and teller/back-office platforms—ensuring all interfaces are tested and validated before go-live.

• Partner with internal data conversion specialists and core configuration engineers to ensure accurate member, account, loan, and GL data migration from the legacy core to the new platform.

• Manage and document user acceptance testing (UAT), parallel processing runs, and data balancing activities, coordinating credit union staff alongside internal conversion analysts.

• Guide credit unions through core-related business process changes, policy mapping, GL chart configuration, and operational procedure updates required by the new core platform.

• Monitor critical-path tasks, proactively identify risks—data integrity issues, regulatory compliance gaps, interface failures—and drive resolution before cutover.

• Liaise with the digital products implementation team at integration touchpoints (e.g., core APIs, SSO/SAML handoffs) to ensure aligned timelines without owning digital product delivery.

• Develop and distribute biweekly status reports, executive dashboards, and cutover readiness summaries for both credit union leadership and internal stakeholders.

• Manage scope changes and change requests in coordination with the Director of Implementation and Account Management.

• Support post-go-live stabilization, coordinating rapid-response triage between the credit union, core vendor support, and internal teams during the warranty period.

• Maintain accurate project documentation in Jira, Smartsheet, or equivalent platforms; contribute lessons learned and conversion best practices to the internal knowledge base.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/ Abilities:

• Deep, hands-on knowledge of credit union core banking platform, including core configuration, member/account structures, and GL architecture.

• Thorough understanding of credit union operations: share/draft accounts, loan products, ACH/NACHA processing, shared branching, card processing, and regulatory compliance (NCUA, BSA/AML, Reg E, Reg CC).

• Demonstrated experience managing data conversion activities: legacy-to-target field mapping, data cleansing, balancing reports, GL reconciliation, and parallel processing validation.

• Strong ability to coordinate and validate core interface integrations (card processors, ATM networks, ACH originators, teller systems) without owning the digital product layer.

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent core conversion projects across varying credit union sizes and complexity levels.

• Proven ability to facilitate high-stakes client meetings, translate core technical concepts for non-technical credit union staff, and de-escalate tension during cutover or UAT challenges.

• Analytical mindset to interpret data balancing reports, audit logs, and system reconciliation outputs to confirm migration accuracy.

• Skilled at building trust-based relationships with credit union executives, IT directors, and operations managers.

• Proficiency with project management platforms (Jira, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project) and productivity suites (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).

• Comfortable with rotating go-live weekend schedules and after-hours support requirements during cutover windows.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Computer Science, Finance, or a related field.

• 3+ years of direct experience managing core banking conversions at a fintech, CUSO, or core vendor (e.g., Jack Henry & Associates, Fiserv, FIS, Corelation, or similar).

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with at least one major credit union core platform (Symitar/Episys, Corelation KeyStone, Fiserv DNA, or equivalent).

• Proven experience coordinating data conversion activities: member/account data mapping, GL balancing, and parallel processing validation.

• Familiarity with credit union regulatory requirements and NCUA examination readiness as they relate to core system changes.

• Experience coordinating core-adjacent interface integrations (card processors, ACH, shared branching, ATM) is required; digital product implementation experience is a plus but not a requirement for this role.

• PMP, CSM, or PMI-ACP certification preferred.

• Credit union or CUSO industry background strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods working at a computer (remote or office environment).

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.

• Ability to travel up to 20% for on-site credit union visits, go-live support, or company events.

What We Offer:

• Health, fully covered: Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.

• Life & AD&D: Company-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment coverage.

• Income protection: Company-paid short- and long-term disability.

• 401(k) with match: Save for the long run, and we’ll match.

• Remote allowance: Cell phone and internet connectivity expenses support.

• Flexible spending: FSA and Dependent Care (DCSA) accounts to stretch your pre-tax dollars.

• Unlimited PTO: Take the time you actually need.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for life’s harder moments.

• Supplemental benefits coverage: Voluntary insurance options to round out your plan.