Chief Innovation Officer

At First Federal Bank, core values speak to the heart of an organization and are the essence of a company's identity. Everything we do is centered around our community , customer service , our stability , and being trustworthy . These values support our mission and vision, shape our culture, and provide a foundation for the future.

Offering a dynamic benefit package that includes but is not limited to:

• Four Medical Plan Offerings to choose from
• Employer HSA Contributions (Coverage/Plan exclusions)
• Employer Provided Life Insurance Policy
• Annual Health Incentive
• Annual Wellness Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Generous Match 401k Retirement Plan
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays based on the Federal Reserve Calendar

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role; we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Purpose

The Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) provides executive leadership for the Bank's innovation strategy and technology-enabled business initiatives. As a key member of the leadership team, the CINO identifies, evaluates, prioritizes, and implements innovative solutions that enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, increase employee productivity, support growth, and strengthen the Bank's competitive position.

The CINO partners with executive leadership, business lines, technology, risk management, compliance, information security, and external vendors to ensure innovation initiatives align with the Bank's strategic objectives, risk management practices, and regulatory responsibilities. The CINO also provides leadership and development to assigned team members and promotes a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Bank's long-term innovation strategy and roadmap in alignment with strategic objectives.
• Partner with executive leadership and business lines to identify opportunities for innovation, growth, process improvement, and enhanced customer and employee experiences.
• Lead the business evaluation, prioritization, implementation, and measurement of innovative products, services, technologies, and processes.
• Monitor financial services, fintech, technology, and customer-experience trends and assess their potential application within the Bank.
• Lead or support the evaluation and selection of vendors, products, platforms, and services that advance strategic and operational objectives.
• Provide business leadership and executive oversight for significant vendor, product, technology, and project implementations.
• Establish performance measures and evaluate innovation initiatives based on adoption, efficiency, business outcomes, customer value, and organizational needs.
• Partner with Information Technology, Information Security, Risk Management, Compliance, Operations, and other functions to address cybersecurity, data protection, privacy, regulatory requirements, third-party risk, operational resilience, and enterprise risk considerations.
• Develop and present business cases, recommendations, strategic proposals, project updates, and performance results to executive and senior leadership.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, fintech providers, consultants, and other strategic partners.
• Promote innovative thinking and cross-functional collaboration throughout the organization.
• Oversee applicable budgets, resources, project priorities, and strategic investments associated with the innovation function.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop assigned team members while establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Bank's strategic objectives.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

• Graduate degree in business administration, technology, strategy, finance, management, or a related discipline preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in innovation, technology, financial services, business strategy, operations, marketing, finance, or related fields.
• Minimum of five years of senior leadership experience in innovation, technology-enabled business transformation, financial services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects and enterprise-level initiatives from evaluation through implementation and performance measurement.
• Experience with fintech, digital solutions, automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other emerging technologies preferred.
• Banking or other regulated financial services industry experience preferred.
• Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, vendor management, and project oversight.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, analytical ability, and sound judgment.
• Knowledge of banking or financial services operations, products, customer delivery channels, and regulatory considerations.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, fintech, digital banking, automation, artificial intelligence, and technology-enabled business solutions.
• Understanding of cybersecurity, data protection, privacy, third-party risk, operational resilience, and enterprise risk considerations associated with innovation initiatives.
• Strong project planning, prioritization, budgeting, implementation, and vendor-management skills.
• Ability to evaluate opportunities from strategic, financial, operational, customer, technology, and risk perspectives.
• Ability to lead organizational changes, and foster adoption of new technologies, products, and processes.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, facilitation, and executive communication skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across business lines and organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives and priorities in a changing environment.
• Forward-thinking, adaptable, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive business information.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and regularly operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and through telephone, video conferencing, email, and other business communication methods.
• Ability to review and interpret detailed written and electronic information.
• Ability to move through out Bank facilities as necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Occasional travel to Bank locations, vendor meetings, conferences, training, or other business-related events may be required.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.


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