Digital Banking & Payments Innovation Intern (Summer Internship)

Where it all began…

In 1951 SF Fire Credit Union first opened its doors from a modest 10′ × 15′ office space in 17 Engine. It was from those humble beginnings—where everyone pitched in to help one another in their community—that the organization forged its way of business forever. Today, the San Francisco-based credit union has grown to $1.7B in assets and a membership that extends from the regional firefighters we trace our roots back to throughout our many neighbors in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. Our members benefit from the ideas and principles that have shaped us: Shared trust, continuous innovation of products and services, competitive rates, and excellent member service. These qualities foster a true sense of member-ownership and strengthen the credit union’s bond with the people for whom this credit union was created.

What We Stand For…

There are a few things we look for those we hire at SF Fire Credit Union, regardless of role or team.

First, do they align with our values?

• We win together
• We are of service to members above all else
• We are authentic, transparent, and honest
• We challenge the conventional with creativity
• We embrace diverse voices
  
  

Second, will they thrive in a culture like ours, where we default to trust, embrace feedback, and desire to innovate? Finally, do they share our vision to help empower members to accomplish their dreams and build lasting financial security in whatever way is most relevant to their role?

What It Feels Like…

Most days it feels more like going to work with a big family. Whether it’s a potluck lunch, baking birthday cakes for colleagues in the kitchen, or after-hours get-together, we’re here to do a great job and have a good time while doing it! We value a good sense of humor, are motivated by a higher purpose, and always bring an “in-this-together” attitude. While we’re driven to do great work, we also value real work/life balance.

Is This the Career for You?

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented college intern to work with our Digital and Payment’s Banking teams. This internship offers hands-on experience in financial technology, with a primary focus on implementing Zelle, a leading peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platform, and helping implement a forward-thinking payment strategy that aligns with consumer trends.

• What You’ll Be Doing Assist in the implementation and execution of Zelle integration, including consumer experience, technical coordination, and operational readiness
• Conduct competitive analysis of P2P platforms and digital payment solutions including RTP (Real-Time Payments), FedNow and BNPL (Buy Now Pay Latter)
• Research digital currencies exploring banking applications and benefits
• Support cross-functional teams (IT, compliance, marketing, payment operations, fraud, cyber security) during implementation phases
• Help define KPIs and create reporting dashboards to track Zelle usage and adoption
• Contribute to the execution of our long-term payment strategy, including identifying opportunities for innovation in digital and mobile banking services
• Conduct user research and surveys to gather insights on customer payment behavior
• Prepare presentations and briefs for internal stakeholders on progress and strategic recommendations
  
  

What We Look For In You

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, or related field
• Strong interest in fintech, digital banking, and payment systems
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data analysis tools
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and in a team environment
  
  

Preferred Skills (Not Required):

• Knowledge of payment networks (ACH, RTP, etc.) or experience with digital banking tools
• Familiarity with agile project management or product development lifecycle
• Experience using tools like Power BI, SQL, or project management platforms (e.g., Jira, Salesforce)
  
  

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Customer Focus - Is dedicated to meeting the expectations of internal and external customer
• Approachability - Is easy to approach and talk to; Spends extra effort to put others at ease
• Peer Relationships - Is seen as a team player and is cooperative
• Decision Quality - Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, experience and judgment
• Problem Solving - Uses rigorous logic to solve difficult problems with effective solutions
• Drive For Results - Steadfastly pushes self and others for results
• Interpersonal Savvy - Relates well to all kinds of people; builds constructive and effective relationships
• Integrity and Trust - Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct truthful individual
• Listening - Practices attentive and active listening; Has the patience to hear people out
• Action Oriented - Full of energy for things he/she sees as challenging, not fearful of actin
• Personal Learning - Seeks feedback; Displays a high level of curiosity and translates it into new approaches to problem solving
• Creativity - Challenges conventional practices in a constructive manner
  
  

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience with a real-world implementation of Zelle, from planning through execution, giving you insight into how complex fintech integrations happen in banking
• A deep understanding of digital payment ecosystems, including peer-to-peer transactions, payment rails (ACH, RTP), and digital banking trends
• Exposure to cross-functional collaboration between product, engineering, compliance, marketing, and operations teams
• Opportunities to develop strategic thinking by contributing to the creation of a long-term payment strategy that could influence the credit union’s future direction
• Insight into regulatory and security considerations in financial technology, including customer authentication, fraud prevention, and compliance with banking standards
• One-on-one mentorship with executive management and credit union leaders
• Presentation and communication skills through regular updates and final project presentations to leadership
• A chance to leave a measurable impact by helping shape how members interact with the credit union’s digital payment offerings
  
  

Note: This job description is non-contractual and is not an exhaustive list. It may be added to or changed from time to time.

Salary

This compensation range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At SFFCU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range for the San Francisco Market is an hourly rate of $20 to $25.

Our Benefits

We have a competitive compensation and benefits package, but the true reward of working for SF Fire Credit Union goes beyond what you’ll see on a paystub. We genuinely care about our employees and we strive to invest in their professional and personal growth. We’re a relatively small organization with about 200 employees, so you can see the impact of your efforts and the value your contributions bring to our members and fellow employees.

• 401(k) and Employer Match
• Health, Vision, Dental, STD/LIFE/AD&D and Life Insurance
• Annual Incentive/Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 11 Paid Holidays CompetitivePTO package
• Home & Consumer Loan Program (Discounted Rates)
• Professional development and training programs
• On-demand personal coaching resource
• Wellness Program (Discounted Gym Membership)
  
  

“Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.”

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