VP of Corporate & Government Engagement

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Vice President of Corporate & Government Engagement leads the development and execution of strategies that continue to establish First Tech as a trusted, mission-driven credit union; driving success of First Tech’s business, Select Employer Group (SEG) development and social impact objectives. This position will work through a broad and diverse coalition of internal & external parties to build a long-term business and brand advantage through creative strategies spanning communications, SEG Engagement, corporate giving, public relations, and government affairs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the corporate communications, community, and public affairs functions by developing and executing strategies that position First Tech as a trusted, mission-driven credit union while actively driving business growth and other corporate objectives
• Lead the community, advocacy, and government affairs activities of the Credit Union, building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with key community, political, and industry leaders within the communities First Tech serves
• Demonstrate practical and advanced understanding of emerging corporate citizenship trends and incorporate these insights into enterprise programs and practices
• Represent the credit union as a thought leader and influencer though engagement with government leaders, professional associations, and non-profit partners.
• Aggressively drive, and ensure success of a legislative agenda that provides the Credit Union with benefits of more than $600k through increased access to markets (e.g. Mortgage, consumer) and/or reductions in regulatory expense. This will require National leadership with CUNA, and other trade associations, along with League leadership in states covered by First Tech
• In partnership with business development, aggressively develop, renew and/or maintain direct corporate relationships and persistent communications with more than 900 corporate SEG relationships across the United States. Success in this effort with be measured through the incumbent’s ability to secure and maintain access to the employees of these SEGs and the level growth in new memberships from this channel. Incumbent will be expected to report their success on the no less a quarterly basis to the senior leadership of FT and all SEGs in the caseload. This will be a primary duty for the incumbent and will be viewed as the highest-ranking determinant of success during annual performance reviews
• Ensure consistency and execution across First Tech’s communications, regulatory affairs, and government relations efforts
• Lead through influence as much as through formal authority in a complex, matrixed organization
• Partner with internal leaders across the legal, finance, marketing, compliance, etc., on matters related to corporate governance and sustainability
• Manage corporate events in partnership with other functional groups within the Credit Union
• Lead and drive strategy toward advancing the credit union’s vision of America’s Most Admired Credit Union and develops an innovative portfolio of high-impact grants and measurement, engagement, and communications strategies in support of those philanthropic efforts.
• Develop programs that seek to engage employees in serving local and national organizations/communities and seed innovative approaches to complex social issues

Corporate Communications

• Develop and execute a corporate communications strategy that promotes brand awareness, reinforces the organizational vision, values, and long-term goals, and drives high levels of employee engagement
• Lead the Internal Communications function and team, ensuring critical messages related to strategic initiatives effectively reach the appropriate employee segments in a timely manner
• Establish overall vision and standards for internal communications to ensure employee base is consistently informed and connected to the organization, driving employee engagement, culture and action / behavior as needed
• Establish best practices for internal communication, using both traditional and innovative vehicles, including intranet, videos, digital screens, presentations, global town halls, etc.
• Support management team in preparing and delivering key employee communications.
• Draft memos, emails, and other communications on behalf of the senior leadership team, including the CEO

Corporate Citizenship

• Partner with executive leadership and board stakeholders to define an enterprise-wide Corporate Citizenship strategy aligned to First Tech’s corporate priorities and long-term ambitions, calibrating goals and KPIs, tracking progress, and reporting results
• Work with executive leadership to link Corporate Citizenship plans and results to member acquisition and retention, employee engagement and retention and brand awareness goals
• Deepen impact and promote business opportunities and community relationships with SEGs to seek alignment and collaboration, increase brand awareness, create access for business development efforts, and drive connection and engagement with existing and prospective members
• Serve as a thought leader for the organization, engaging in networks and with corporate, including SEG, counterparts to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration

Community Engagement

• Oversee the credit union’s community engagement and corporate giving strategy in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, values, and long-term goals
• Provide strategic direction to the credit union’s grantmaking process, ensuring best practices including embracing the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by ensuring the use of an equity lens.
• Provide strategic counsel to board members, executives, and key leaders to optimize impact while raising the visibility and maintaining the reputation of the organization
• Identify opportunities for funding collaborations and partnerships that strengthen First Tech’s leadership role as a corporate citizen, SEG relationships and member growth
• Establish a vision for social impact programs, including community relations and philanthropy across all company locations

Public Affairs

• Build external relations and communications programs to address key risks impacting First Tech’s brand reputation and business objectives
• Oversee external relations programs for key corporate stakeholders including government officials, partners, and key credit union influencers to ensure consistency and alignment
• Provide strategic direction for communications, advocacy and other activities with policymakers, legislators, regulators, and peer companies
• Build strong relationships to enhance First Tech’s reputation and image as a trusted resource with key external parties such as government entities, NCUA, credit union leagues, multilateral organizations, advocacy groups, academic institutions, etc.
• Develop advocacy materials, position papers, and briefing documents as appropriate to aid in external affairs strategies and ensure consistency and alignment with First Tech’s strategic objectives
• Convene and lead cross-functional efforts to help position the credit union as a thought leader

Experience and Education Requirement:

• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree and typically 10 or more years' related work experience. Master's degree and typically 8 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Substantive experience in policy and regulatory issue areas affecting the technology or financial sectors, including experience working through trade associations and lobbying efforts, and/or overseeing government and public relations for a national or global organization
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish credibility and build trusted relationships across a diverse network of internal and external stakeholders including policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, etc.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in strategic communications, crisis management, and media relations, with an ability to design high-leverage strategies across the evolving landscape
• Experience managing and developing diverse, high-performing teams and enabling people to reach their fullest potential
• Ability to manage complex relationships diplomatically and consultatively
• Ability to think innovatively; develop creative solutions and new programs
• Ability to lead through influence and work as part of a collaborative team across geographies
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, providing strategic direction and feedback to stakeholders in a timely manner
• Experience in leading and managing the technical and leadership skills of multi-disciplinary team members and support their professional growth and development
• Exceptional writing and communication skills
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform via written, oral, digital, and visual media
• Ability to handle multiple tasks on deadline, and a desire and ability to work in a team environment

Location: Hillsboro, OR 97124 (HYBRID)

Target Compensation in Hillsboro: $175k - $200k salary annual bonus

Benefit options include:

• Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401k matching up to 5% per pay period
• Flexible time off - FTO
• 11 paid federal holidays
• Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility for special employee pricing is subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria)

What makes First Tech different? Click here to learn more!

First Tech is not currently offering Visa sponsorship for this position