Strategic Partnerships & Ventures Manager; Boston, MA)

The Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Ventures is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and managing relationships with fintechs, venture capital firms, technology providers, startups, universities, accelerators, and other strategic partners that can help advance the bank's growth objectives. Working closely with Innovation, Strategy, and business leaders, this role converts external market insight and ecosystem relationships into actionable partnerships, investment opportunities, and growth initiatives that advance the bank’s strategic priorities.

The role serves as a connector between the bank and the external innovation ecosystem, helping translate market trends, new technologies, and partnership opportunities into actionable business outcomes.

Develop and maintain relationships with fintech companies, technology providers, venture capital firms, industry organizations, accelerators, and startup ecosystems. Identify and evaluate partnership opportunities that enhance client experiences, improve operational capabilities, or create new sources of revenue. Act as a primary liaison between external partners and internal stakeholders. Build and manage a pipeline of partnership, venture, and collaboration opportunities aligned with strategic priorities.

Monitor emerging fintech, banking, payments, AI, and technology trends to identify opportunities relevant to the bank. Build relationships within venture capital and startup communities to increase visibility into market innovation. Participate in industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to expand the bank's innovation ecosystem. Support venture sourcing, due diligence, opportunity evaluation, and relationship management activities.

Collaborate with business leaders to identify customer needs, market opportunities, and strategic challenges that could be addressed through partnerships. Assist in developing business cases and strategic recommendations for new products, services, partnerships, and growth initiatives. Analyze industry trends, competitive activity, and market opportunities to inform decision-making. Support the development of partnership models that drive customer acquisition, market expansion, and non-interest income growth.

Coordinate cross-functional teams including business lines, technology, risk, legal, compliance, finance, and operations to evaluate and implement new partnerships. Support partnership negotiations, onboarding, governance, and performance management processes. Track partnership outcomes against established success metrics and strategic objectives. Prepare reports and executive presentations regarding partnership activities, market trends, and opportunity pipelines.

Provide market intelligence and trend analysis to Innovation and executive leadership teams. Assist in the assessment of emerging technologies, industry disruption, and competitive threats. Contribute to innovation initiatives by identifying external capabilities and partnerships that accelerate strategic objectives.

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in strategy, innovation, corporate development, business development, venture investing, consulting, financial services, technology, or related fields. Proven experience developing and managing strategic partnerships with external organizations. Demonstrated ability to identify growth opportunities and translate ideas into executable business strategies. Strong financial, analytical, and business case development capabilities. Experience influencing senior executives and leading enterprise-wide initiatives.

Exceptional communication, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to navigate complex organizations and drive alignment across diverse functions.

Experience with in banking, fintech, venture capital, technology, innovation, strategy, or corporate development functions. Knowledge of emerging technologies, digital banking, payments, AI, or financial services trends. MBA or other advanced business degrees. Existing networks across fintech, startup, venture capital, and technology ecosystems. Experience evaluating strategic growth opportunities and partnership business models.

$ - $ Annual (USD). M&T Bank is committed to fair,…