The Head of Partnerships and Startup Engagements SVP will take up a key role in the Innovation Lab and CTO Group. This position will require working closely with the global startup ecosystem, leading scouting efforts, and identifying the best startups to assist Citi in solving its foremost business challenges.
The role involves leading a small yet dedicated team of technologists and innovation scouts and overseeing the evaluation process of potential startup partners. The job holder will also collaborate with Citi Strategic Investments and Citi Ventures, ensuring maximized engagements with Academia and fostering new partnerships with trade and technology bodies.
The role holds a significant focus on Generative AI, AI, RegTech, LegalTech, and FinTech, making a solid understanding and interest in these areas essential.
The Head of Partnerships and Startup Engagements SVP will have the responsibility to leverage the world of startups and emerging technology to elevate client experiences, create value for our customers, and ensure the fulfilment of regulatory commitments using the most advanced technology solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership: Lead and inspire a dedicated team of technologists and innovation scouts, technologists, and onboarding. Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration while driving excellence in all operations.
Ecosystem Engagement: Identify potential startups and manage a robust pipeline. Engage actively with industry forums and bodies to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and trends.
Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for startup engagement, aligning with Citi's overall goals and objectives. Identify Citi's important needs through extensive cross-organizational collaboration.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including bankers, Citi Ventures, and other key personnel within the organization. Understand their needs and challenges and identify how partnerships can aid in addressing these.
Partnership Development: Cultivate relationships with startups, academia, and other potential partners. Evaluate their potential for collaboration and manage partnerships from initiation to fruition.
Academic Engagement: Foster strong relationships with academia, maximizing engagement and collaboration. Leverage academic insights and research to enhance Citi's technological capabilities.
Client Engagement: Collaborate with clients to understand their needs. Identify startups or technologies that can provide innovative solutions to their challenges.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all partnerships and technological adoptions meet regulatory requirements, while pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.
Budget Management: Oversee budget allocations, ensuring projects are delivered on budget and meet the planned objectives.
External Partnerships: Engage with external startups and research providers to ensure the adoption of the best and most suitable technologies.
Qualifications:
- Master’s or equivalent experience in a relevant field (Computer Science, Data Science, Business Administration, Innovation Management, etc.).
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in startup ecosystem, partnership roles or innovation-focused positions.
- Proven hands-on experience in developing and managing partnerships, ideally within the startup ecosystem.
- Solid track record of successfully leading teams and delivering results.
- In-depth knowledge of emerging technologies such as Generative AI, AI, RegTech, LegalTech, FinTech.
- Proficiency in understanding and evaluating technological concepts and trends.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.
- Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively work with cross-functional teams.
- Familiarity with the global startup ecosystem and academic research community is a plus.
- Experience in high tech or financial industry is beneficial but not mandatory.
- Engagement with industry forums and bodies, with a record of contributing to the wider innovation community is advantageous.
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Job Family Group:
Technology
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Job Family:
Applications Development
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Time Type:
Full time
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Primary Location:
Jersey City New Jersey United States
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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:
$176,720.00 - $265,080.00
In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.
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Anticipated Posting Close Date:
Aug 01, 2025
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Citi is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Citigroup Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Citi”) invite all qualified interested applicants to apply for career opportunities. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi.
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Citi Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Citi and has not been reviewed or approved by Citi.
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits coverage is positioned as comprehensive, including health, dental, and vision insurance plus on-site clinics, prescription drug support, and disability coverage. Family-building support such as fertility assistance is described as a notable differentiator within the overall package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are framed as strong, highlighted by a 401(k) with matching and additional plan options like a Roth 401(k). Financial support is reinforced through discounts and broader financial guidance resources tied to the benefits ecosystem.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing support extends beyond insurance through programs like an Employee Assistance Program, counseling/legal resources, and gym or wellness reimbursement. These offerings increase the perceived total rewards value even when cash compensation sentiment varies by role.
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