JOB TITLE: Innovation & Inclusion Manager
Department: Community Impact
FLSA Status: Exempt
Why Join Us?
Seattle Credit Union is proud to be an employer committed to the growth and prosperity of its employees, members, and the community. We work in a culture where voices are amplified to drive meaningful change and generate non-stop impact. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, such as employee-paid medical benefits, 401k matching, and generous time off, such as for volunteering and even to celebrate your birthday! We provide opportunities for employees to learn and grow while fostering an inclusive work culture, and we have a tremendously diverse workforce that drives our ability to innovate and maintain excellence.
Seattle Credit Union is dedicated to helping our members achieve financial prosperity by providing education and banking services that meet their personal goals. We are Inclusive, Inventive and Invested. We are Seattle Credit Union - we build strong and trusting relationships in service of our Mission. Seattle Credit Union is proud to be intentional in recruiting, hiring, and promoting a workplace that is inclusive.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that celebrates our collective differences and encourages all to apply, including those with different backgrounds, disability, ages, ethnicities, races, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, or veteran status’ protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Innovation & Inclusion Manager to join our dynamic team. This role is responsible for driving the development, enhancement, and continuous improvement of products with a strong focus on integrating community voice and employee insights into the product lifecycle. You will lead the creation of road maps and member journeys, manage cross-functional processes and supplier relations, and use feedback from both internal and external sources to ensure our offerings advance equity and meet the needs of diverse communities.
The ideal candidate will have expertise in assessing product effectiveness, adaptability, journey mapping and diversity, equity and inclusion frameworks to enhance user experience. The position requires a forward-thinking leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation and inclusion, and is passionate about building equitable, culturally resonant solutions and driving accountability for a more inclusive financial products and services.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Lead cross-functional projects that integrate inclusive design principles into product and service development, from concept through implementation.
- Lead the ideation, design, and execution of innovative products that align with company goals and member needs.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (including marketing, lending, and support services) to ensure seamless product development from concept to launch.
- Track and report on progress of DEI-aligned product development, internal culture initiatives, and ERG outcomes to internal and executive stakeholders.
- Identify members’ and future members’ needs. Build and refine product lifecycle and experiences to meet identified needs.
- Partner with all areas of the credit union to explore, develop and implement new products and experiences.
- Build organizational cultural readiness by holding teams accountable to DEI goals and embedding equity into operational processes.
- Drive improvements in existing products and experiences or retire products and experiences as the credit union deems necessary.
- Implement and manage user testing initiatives, gathering qualitative and quantitative feedback to enhance the product experience.
- Develop and maintain systems to continuously collect and incorporate employee and community feedback into product ideation, development, and enhancement.
- Conduct regular community outreach through surveys, focus groups, and community partnerships to gather insights and ensure inclusiveness in product offerings.
- Influence decision makers that advance diverse user needs, ensuring that products are culturally competent, accessible, and tailored to diverse audiences.
- Advise on and track supplier and vendor diversity efforts in partnership with procurement teams to ensure inclusive sourcing practices.
- Conduct ongoing product evaluations and performance assessments to ensure products are meeting business objectives and user expectations.
- Analyze product performance data, user feedback, and market trends to measure product success and identify areas for improvement.
- Develop reports and presentations for leadership, highlighting key performance metrics and actionable insights for future product iterations.
- Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and evolving user preferences to ensure products remain competitive and adaptable.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the team, encouraging creative problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.
- Work closely with senior leadership and community development to align inclusion goals and product strategies with organizational objectives.
- Consistently meets deadlines and product deliverables.
- Effectively adjusts to changing and evolving priorities and expectations.
- Demonstrates decisiveness, integrity, flexibility, and critical thinking that advances team, department, and organizational success.
- Demonstrates commitment to SCU Values.
- Other duties as assigned.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING:
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Product Management, Marketing, Social Sciences or equivalent experience.
- Six (6)+ years of experience with product managemen t, financial services, community development or innovation roles.
- Proven track record of integrating community feedback and user insights into product development.
- Expertise in product performance analysis and the ability to assess effectiveness and adaptability.
- Strong understanding of agile methodologies and product development life cycles.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data and insights into actionable strategies.
- Leadership experience and ability to mentor and inspire a diverse team.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with diverse, underserved, or underrepresented communities.
- Experience in the banking and financial services industry.
- Familiarity with design thinking, human-centered design, and other innovation methodologies.
- Proficiency in journey mapping software, and data analysis platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or similar tools).
- Experience working in an organization focused on social impact or community-driven initiatives.
- Deep understanding of the importance of employee and community feedback in shaping product solutions and a passion for amplifying diverse voices.
- Strong ability to assess product performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
- Ability to think creatively, adapt to new challenges, and bring innovative solutions to product and user experience challenges.
- Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams to drive successful outcomes.
- Willingness to pivot and innovate as product demands and market needs evolve.
- Working Conditions:
- This is a hybrid role with work performed remotely as well as in an office and/or branch environment in the Greater Seattle area of Washington State.
- Team members may attend special off-hour meetings and seminars.
- The nature of work may include prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Benefits:
Seattle Credit Union supports and invests in our employees. We offer many great benefits, including low-cost medical contributions and zero contributions for dental and vision plans. Additionally, SCU offers a generous paid time off program and a 401k plan with a dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 5%.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.