VP, Strategy & Operations Innovative

About The Position

As the Vice President, Payment Strategy and Operations, you will provide strategic leadership for overall vision, design, and execution of the Bank’s payment operations strategy. Your role ensures the delivery of scalable, secure, and innovative payment solutions that align with the Bank’s growth objectives, regulatory expectations, and customer experience goals.

You will be accountable for the modernization, optimization, and governance of all payment-related functions, including ACH, wire transfers, real-time payments, card operations, and fintech partner payment integrations. You will also collaborate closely with executive leadership to define long‑term payment strategies, drive innovation, and position the Bank as a leader in digital payment capabilities while maintaining strong operational controls and compliance.

• Develop and lead the Bank’s enterprise‑wide payment operations strategy, including modernization initiatives such as real‑time payments, Fed Now, and digital payment capabilities.
• Partner with senior leadership to align payment operations with the Bank’s strategic growth objectives and fintech strategy.
• Identify emerging trends, technologies, and industry shifts and translate them into actionable strategies and solutions.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across payment platforms, processes, and customer experiences.
• Provide oversight of all payment operations functions through leadership of the Vice President, Payment Operations.
• Ensure operational scalability, efficiency, and resiliency across all payment channels.
• Establish governance frameworks, performance metrics, and reporting to monitor operational effectiveness and risk.
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery strategies for critical payment functions.
• Maintain accountability for payment‑related risks, ensuring alignment with the Bank’s risk appetite and regulatory expectations.
• Oversee compliance with all applicable regulations (e.g., NACHA rules, Reg E, BSA, Reg D, and other federal/state requirements).
• Provide strategic oversight of fintech payment partnerships, including risk management, onboarding standards, and ongoing monitoring.
• Partner with Risk and Compliance leadership to strengthen internal controls and enhance the control environment.
• Lead the strategic evaluation, selection, and implementation of payment technologies and platforms.
• Partner with IT and digital teams to drive automation, system integration, and advanced payment capabilities.
• Champion data‑driven decision‑making through enhanced reporting, analytics, and performance insights.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in banking operations, payments, or financial services, with leadership experience overseeing payment operations.
• Proven experience designing and executing payment strategies, including digital and real‑time payment initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead operational teams through transformation and growth.
• Extensive knowledge of payment systems, fintech integrations, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership and influencing enterprise‑level decision‑making.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation while maintaining strong risk and compliance discipline.

• Professional office setting.
• Primarily sedentary position requiring long periods of time working at a computer.
• Must be able to move throughout the office and buildings to obtain or relay information.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for Full‑Time employees - Eligibility begins on day one of employment.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Generous Match for Full‑Time and Part‑Time employees - Eligibility begins on day one of employment.
• Professional Development Reimbursement.
• At least 3 weeks paid vacation annually - For new employees, paid vacation is adjusted based on start date.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer time.
• Annual First Internet Bank‑branded merchandise allowance.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Women, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.