Senior Innovation Strategist

Overview

Chesapeake Bank

We have an opportunity for someone passionate about Innovation and Strategy!

Chesapeake Bank has a long track record of supporting innovation, winning national awards for our Innovation work and routinely launching new product and solution innovations. This new role will be integral in bringing industry insights into the organization and guiding the execution of innovation projects. The ability to develop strong internal relationships and work as a trusted advisor will be critical to success. We are primarily an in-office team, but hybrid may be an option for the right person.

Chesapeake Bank is a perennial top performing company, and on the list of "Best Banks to Work For" in America for 10 years running. In addition to serving our local community for 120+ years, we also have long running success operating Chesapeake Payment Systems, a national merchant acquiring payments business for almost 30 years; Flexent, a national specialty financing and factoring business since the 1990s, and Chesapeake Wealth Management. These diverse businesses keep us strong and offers a variety of opportunities to tackle exciting projects.

Role Overview:

The Innovation Strategist plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and supporting strategy work within our organization. Reporting directly to the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, this individual will be responsible for researching and identifying new technologies, solutions, and industry trends. They will collaborate with various departments and business lines, acting as an internal consultant to offer creative solutions and drive positive change. The ability to build relationships and communicate effectively at all levels is essential. This role is eligible for Officer status, based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions.
• Actively participate in relevant industry conferences, committees and workgroups to industry and peer insights.
• Analyze market data, competitor strategies, and customer needs to identify opportunities.
• Cultivate strong relationships with external partners, startups, and industry experts.
• Develop and promote innovation practices aligned with the bank's goals.
• Set measurable objectives to foster a culture of creativity and forward-thinking.
• Engage with cross-functional teams, business leaders, and stakeholders.
• Facilitate brainstorming sessions and workshops to generate ideas, and innovative approaches to solve problems.
• Propose innovative solutions to enhance processes, products, and services.
• Participate with the bank's fintech investment portfolio partners to gain insights and provide reporting on status and opportunities to leadership.
• Cultivate strong relationships with external partners, startups, and industry experts.
• Present findings, recommendations, and progress updates to senior leadership.
• Create compelling reports and presentations.
• Understand this role as defined by the three lines of defense to maintain a compliance culture that includes risk management processes.

Requirements

• Proven ability to develop creative solutions.
• Minimum 5 years in the financial services industry or relevant experience.
• Experience in Product or Solutions Leadership is preferred.
• Proven ability to develop a network of relationships inside and outside an organization.
• Strong analytical skills and a passion for staying ahead of industry trends.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and collaborative.

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