VP Business Services

The VP Business Services is the strategic designer and driving force behind Credit Union 1's small business program. This leader will be responsible for designing and executing full business services strategy and translating vision into action through thoughtful planning, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous market analysis. Working closely with the Chief Lending Officer, and other senior executives, the VP Business Services will bring business acumen, innovation, and a deep understanding of Alaska's unique economic landscape to the forefront. Tactics may include launching pilot programs, building scalable service models for both urban and rural members, forming strategic partnerships, refining member onboarding experiences, and identifying talent needs to support long-term growth. As a member of the senior management team, the VP of Business Services contributes to the development and implementation of short- and long-term credit union goals and objectives.

This position is located at our Abbott Headquarters (1941 Abbott Rd.). This position offers a Hybrid work schedule and requires a minimum of three days per week to be worked on-site.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Own the Business Services Strategy: Own and develop CU1's business services roadmap. Align strategic initiatives with CU1's mission and vision, providing products and services (deposit and lending) that meet the specific needs of the communities we serve.
• Build Product Suite from the Ground Up: Design, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive portfolio of business deposit and lending products and services, ensuring they are competitive, scalable, and tailored to the needs of Alaskan businesses.
• Champion Underserved Market Access: Prioritize expansion into smaller and rural markets by offering tools and services that fuel local businesses and support economic growth where needed most.
• Market Research & Competitive Intelligence: Lead ongoing market analysis to identify product gaps, evaluate trends, and position CU1's offerings to outperform competitors in the Alaskan business banking space.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Retail, Consumer Lending, Digital Services, Operations, Marketing, and IT to ensure seamless implementation, member experience, and cross-sell alignment.
• Lead Business Sales Strategy: Guide the business development and sales functions with a focus on acquisition, relationship management, and portfolio growth. Define KPIs and measure outcomes.
• Enhance Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key members, business partners, community leaders, and vendors to drive engagement and innovation.
• Develop Treasury and Cash Management Capabilities: Build and launch treasury management offerings and scalable business services that meet the complex needs of business members.
• Establish Strategic Partnerships: Identify and foster alliances with fintech's, community partners, and vendors to expand CU1's service capabilities and reach.
• Report to Leadership and Board: Prepare reports, strategic updates, and business performance presentations for executive leadership and board review.
• Budget Oversight and Financial Management: Lead planning and resource allocation for business services, ensuring return on investment and alignment with strategic goals.
• Supervise and Support Business Services Team: Direct and develop the Director of Small Business Lending and provide leadership to the broader team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Step in to support operational needs and staffing gaps as necessary.
• Represent CU1 in the Community: Serve as an ambassador for Credit Union 1 at industry events, conferences, and within the Alaska business ecosystem.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community service is required of all management staff. While some may occur during work hours, some must also occur outside of normal working hours, at a minimum of twice per year. Community service is defined as serving on a non-profit board of directors, volunteer participation in fundraisers for social services (other than occupying a seat at a Credit Union 1 paid for table), and participation in other social services events. In addition, attendance at management mandated events will be required.

Meets the current standards established for the department in the completion of all assigned duties.

Responsible for department's participation in every aspect of the Record Retention program. This includes the creation, identification, use, storage, and destruction in accordance with the policy.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field required; MBA or similar advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in small business or commercial banking, with demonstrated success in business product development and strategy.
• Minimum of ten (10) years' experience in Member Business Lending (MBL) underwriting and portfolio management.
• At least five (5) years in a supervisory or strategic leadership role.
• Proven ability to create, implement, and scale business product lines from concept to launch.
• Strong understanding of financial products and services for business members, including loans, treasury and cash management.
• Deep knowledge of the Alaska market and an appreciation for the economic and geographic diversity of its communities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and inspire cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Must meet compliance standards for Member Business Lending (MBL), Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Please note: Credit Union 1 does not provide relocation assistance. If selected for an on-site position, candidates will be responsible for relocating to Alaska prior to the agreed upon start date at their own expense.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Credit Union 1 does not provide visa sponsorship.

Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements for this position will be considered for an interview. This position is open until filled.

Thank you for your interest in the opportunity with Credit Union 1!

Background Screening Statement: Candidates selected for a position at Credit Union 1 will be subject to a criminal background check prior to their employment. An offer of employment may be rejected or terminated based on receipt of an unacceptable background screening.

EEO Statement: Credit Union 1 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

E-Verify Statement: Credit Union 1 participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Credit Union 1 is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before Credit Union 1 can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer an completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that Credit Union 1 has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify.