VP of Special Projects

Role: Reporting to the EVP / In-House Counsel, the Vice President of Special Projects is responsible for leading, planning, and completing high-impact projects for the Credit Union. This role requires strong leadership and people management skills, overseeing a small team to ensure projects are executed with precision, accountability, and a strong, get-it-done attitude. The VP of Special Projects must motivate and guide team members, delegate effectively, hold people accountable, not "pass the buck" and foster cross-departmental collaboration to achieve Credit Union goals.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Lead, plan, and execute high-impact projects that drive efficiency and deliver measurable results. Utilize technology, including Smartsheet and other project management tools, to track progress, manage resources, and ensure timely completion. Adhere to PMI standards and best practices, ensuring structured and effective project execution.

• Manage a small team, provide clear direction, mentorship, and accountability to ensure high performance. Foster a results-driven, "get-it-done" project culture throughout the Credit Union, ensuring initiatives stay on track and deliver impact. Delegate effectively and champion team development. Create clarity when there is confusion.

• Communicate clearly and consistently to align internal teams and external vendors. Keep leadership informed on project status, risks, and milestones, while managing vendor relationships to meet goals and stay on budget.

• Ensure all projects stay aligned with business goals, timelines, and financial constraints. Proactively identify and mitigate risks while navigating and avoiding scope creep.

• Leverage technology to boost efficiency and streamline operations. Optimize workflows and resources through process improvements, and drive innovation by applying best practices and emerging methodologies.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Performance Measurements:

1. Project Delivery - Percentage of projects completed on time and within scope, minimizing delays and scope creep.

2. Stakeholder Satisfaction - Positive feedback from executives, teams, and vendors on leadership and collaboration.

3. Operational Impact - Tangible improvements in efficiency, workflows, and successful system or tech implementation.

4. Risk & Issue Management- Proactive identification and resolution of risks to avoid major disruptions.

5. Communication - Maintains clear, consistent updates to all relevant stakeholders.

Knowledge and Skills:

Experience - Eight to ten years of similar or related experience.

Education - (1) A bachelor's degree, or (2) achievement of formal certifications recognized in the industry as equivalent to a bachelor's degree (e.g., information technology certifications in lieu of a degree).

Interpersonal Skills - The VP of Special Projects must excel in negotiation, influence, and relationship-building to align expectations and drive results. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability are essential in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Strong emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills support effective team dynamics and stakeholder collaboration.