Director, Growth Innovation

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Director, Growth Innovation 🔹 Company: Thrivent 🔹 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States 🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time 🔹 Category: Financial Services 🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: 1. Strategic Leadership: Drive innovation strategy aligned with long-term growth objectives. 2. Portfolio Management: Balance and prioritize initiatives across core, adjacent, and transformational categories. 3. Human-Centered Innovation: Lead innovation efforts using design thinking principles and execute projects across the pipeline. 4. Performance Management: Evaluate and track innovation initiatives, ensuring strong ROI. 5. Market Analysis: Monitor market trends and competitive landscapes to uncover growth opportunities. 6. Stakeholder Alignment: Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and drive change. 7. Team Leadership: Develop and manage a high-performing innovation team, fostering a culture of shared accountability and partnership. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of innovation practices and tools. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Innovation Strategy & Portfolio Management: - Develop and execute an innovation strategy aligned with enterprise goals. - Manage a diversified innovation portfolio, balancing short-term, mid-term, and long-term initiatives. - Prioritize initiatives based on potential value, impact, complexity, risk, and alignment with strategic choices. ✅ Human-Centered Innovation & Execution: - Lead human-centered innovation efforts using design thinking principles. - Convert new ideas and strategic priorities into actionable concepts, validating them through prototyping and gathering feedback. - Ensure smooth transition to implementation teams for launch and scaling. ✅ Innovation Evaluation & Performance Management: - Establish evaluation criteria and track progress using clear innovation metrics. - Monitor the performance of innovation initiatives, ensuring strong ROI through successful commercialization and market adoption. - Manage budgets, resources, and timelines to deliver projects efficiently and maximize value. ✅ Market & Trend Analysis: - Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes to identify innovative opportunities. - Leverage client insights to inform strategy and track trends within and outside the financial services sector. ✅ Strategic Cross-Functional Leadership: - Collaborate with the internal strategy team and engage with senior leadership to align efforts and maximize innovation value. - Work seamlessly with peers and manage relationships across the enterprise, engaging key business and product teams in the innovation journey. ✅ Stakeholder Alignment & Communication: - Collaborate closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders to align innovation efforts with enterprise priorities and business objectives. - Communicate progress, results, and key insights effectively to executives and cross-functional teams. ✅ External Collaboration & Innovation Program Development: - Engage with external innovation programs to uncover synergies, new insights, and potential partnerships. - Explore the design and implementation of internal innovation programs to highlight talent, generate fresh ideas, and foster an innovative mindset. ✅ Culture & Mindset: - Cultivate a culture of innovation throughout the organization, inspiring teams to challenge the status quo, embrace experimentation, and drive value creation. - Encourage a mindset of agility, adaptability, and resilience in navigating ambiguity. ✅ Team Leadership & Development: - Lead a high-performing innovation team, fostering an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking. - Foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the team to drive individual growth and achieve innovation objectives. ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership and mentoring abilities, a bias for action, and a passion for driving innovation. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, engineering, or a related field; master’s degree is a plus but not required. Experience: - 10+ years in innovation, product development, or strategic leadership roles. - 5+ years in a leadership capacity with team oversight. - Proven track record of leading high-impact, transformative initiatives. Leadership Skills: - Strong leadership and mentoring abilities. - Bias for action and a passion for driving innovation. - Skilled in building and managing high-performing teams. - Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving alignment. - Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. - Expertise in business development processes, market research, financial analysis, and testing new solutions. - Proficient in setting and communicating a clear vision for innovation. - Familiarity with design thinking, lean startup principles, and Agile methodologies. - Strong understanding of market trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes. - Ability to track and measure innovation success and ROI. - Proven ability to drive value creation and business growth. - Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to influence and inspire diverse teams and senior leadership. - Proven experience in managing executive-level relationships. - Comfort presenting strategies and results to senior leadership and external partners. - Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment. - Comfort with managing risk and fostering a team that embraces experimentation. - Demonstrated resilience and courage in navigating ambiguity. - Highly analytical with the ability to turn insights into actionable strategies. - Experience in financial modeling and ROI assessments for innovation projects. - Ability to foster and sustain a culture of innovation within the organization. - Skilled in conflict resolution, decision-making, and motivating diverse teams. Preferred Qualifications: - Familiarity with financial services or fraternal benefit societies is a plus. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $158,271 - $214,132 per year (USD) Benefits: - Medical, dental, and vision insurance. - Health savings account and flexible spending account. - 401k and pension. - Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. - Disability insurance. - Supplemental protection insurance. - 20 days of Paid Time Off each year. - Sick and Safe Time. - 10 paid company holidays. - Volunteer Time Off. - Paid parental leave. - Employee Assistance Program (EAP). - Well-being benefits. - Other employee benefits. Working Hours: 40 hours per week. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Financial Services Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees Founded: 1902 Company Description: Thrivent is a Fortune 500 company with a 100-year legacy, committed to helping people build their financial futures and live more generous lives in their communities and beyond. They offer financial advice, insurance, investments, banking, and generosity programs. Company Specialties: - We offer financial advice, investments, insurance, banking, and generosity programs. Company Website: https://www.thrivent.com 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Executive Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the VP, Growth & Generosity Strategy & Enterprise Growth Innovation; Chief of Staff to CGGO role. Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time. Growth Opportunities: - Drive innovation strategy and portfolio management for a Fortune 500 company. - Lead a high-performing innovation team and foster a culture of shared accountability and partnership. - Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align efforts and drive change. - Develop and execute innovation roadmaps and action plans, tracking and measuring innovation success and ROI. ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for experienced innovation leaders looking to make a substantial impact on a large-scale organization. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Corporate headquarters Office Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Geographic Context: - Minneapolis is located in the northern part of the state of Minnesota. - It is situated on both banks of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. - The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues. Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for project needs. ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional work outside of standard business hours to meet project deadlines. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission. 2. Phone or video screening. 3. In-person or virtual interviews with hiring managers and team members. 4. Final interviews with senior leadership. 5. Background check and offer extension. Key Assessment Areas: - Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. - Leadership and team management abilities. - Innovation expertise and experience. - Communication and presentation skills. - Cultural fit and alignment with Thrivent's values. Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 2. Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation expertise. 3. Research Thrivent's mission, values, and culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the organization. ATS Keywords: Innovation Strategy, Portfolio Management, Human-Centered Design, Market Analysis, Stakeholder Alignment, Team Leadership, Cultural Innovation, ROI Tracking, Financial Modeling, Strategic Thinking, Leadership Skills. ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their strategic leadership abilities, innovation expertise, and cultural fit with Thrivent's mission and values. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello) - Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Tableau) - Design thinking tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD) - Collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack) ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable using a variety of tools and technologies to support their work in this role. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Care: We care about people and put their needs first. - Trust: We build trust through integrity and reliability. - Generosity: We give back to our communities and the world. - Courage: We have the courage to do what's right and make a difference. - Wisdom: We use our wisdom to make informed decisions and guide others. Work Style: - Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals. - Adaptable: We embrace change and find new ways to succeed. - Accountable: We take ownership of our responsibilities and deliver results. - Innovative: We continuously seek new ideas and solutions to improve our work. Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you embody Thrivent's value of 'Care' in your daily work? 2. Describe a time when you demonstrated 'Courage' in a professional setting. 3. How do you ensure 'Trust' in your relationships with colleagues and clients? 4. Can you provide an example of when you demonstrated 'Generosity' in your community or workplace? 5. How do you balance 'Wisdom' and 'Innovation' in your approach to problem-solving? ASSUMPTION: Applicants should reflect on their personal values and how they align with Thrivent's company values to demonstrate a strong cultural fit. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Role-specific challenges: * Balancing short-term, mid-term, and long-term innovation initiatives. * Managing stakeholder expectations and aligning efforts across the enterprise. * Ensuring successful execution and commercialization of innovation projects. 2. Company-specific challenges: * Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple divisions and teams. * Managing change and driving innovation in a well-established company. 3. Industry-specific challenges: * Keeping up with rapid technological advancements and evolving client expectations in the financial services sector. * Competing with agile startups and established competitors in the innovation space. 4. Location-specific challenges: * Attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive job market. * Adapting to seasonal weather conditions and potential travel requirements. ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic, complex environment. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Role differences: * This role focuses on driving innovation strategy and portfolio management, while other related positions may focus more on execution, implementation, or specific product development. * This role requires a strong strategic mindset and leadership abilities, while other roles may prioritize technical or functional expertise. 2. Industry-specific context: * Financial services companies often have complex organizational structures and multiple lines of business, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration and alignment skills. * Innovation in the financial services sector may involve regulatory considerations and compliance requirements not present in other industries. 3. Career path comparison: * This role can serve as a stepping stone to senior leadership positions within the innovation function or broader enterprise roles. * Applicants should consider their long-term career goals and how this role can support their growth and development. ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles and industry trends to understand the unique aspects of this position and how it aligns with their career aspirations. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Innovation Strategy & Portfolio Management: * Developing and executing an enterprise-wide innovation strategy aligned with long-term growth objectives. * Prioritizing and balancing innovation initiatives across core, adjacent, and transformational categories. * Monitoring and adjusting innovation portfolios based on strategic shifts or external factors. 2. Human-Centered Innovation & Execution: * Leading a design thinking workshop to identify and validate new innovation opportunities. * Developing and testing prototypes to gather user feedback and iterate on product concepts. * Managing the transition of successful innovation projects to implementation teams for launch and scaling. 3. Innovation Evaluation & Performance Management: * Establishing evaluation criteria and tracking progress using clear innovation metrics. * Monitoring the performance of innovation initiatives and ensuring strong ROI through successful commercialization and market adoption. * Managing budgets, resources, and timelines to deliver projects efficiently and maximize value. ASSUMPTION: Applicants should provide specific examples of their experience with similar projects to demonstrate their fit for this role. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role Responsibilities: * How would you balance short-term, mid-term, and long-term innovation initiatives? * How do you ensure successful execution and commercialization of innovation projects? * How would you manage stakeholder expectations and align efforts across the enterprise? 2. Company Culture: * How does the company support innovation and encourage a culture of experimentation? * How do senior leaders engage with and support the innovation function? * How does the company foster collaboration and cross-functional teamwork? 3. Growth Opportunities: * What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days? * How does this role contribute to the company's long-term growth objectives? * What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the innovation function or broader enterprise? 4. Work Environment: * How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role? * What resources and tools are provided to support innovation efforts? * How does the company approach remote work and flexible scheduling? ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful, informed questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role, company, and industry, and their eagerness to contribute to the organization's success. 📝 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the provided link: https://thrivent.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/MN---Minneapolis/Director--Growth-Innovation_REQ-42603 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 3. Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation expertise. 4. Research Thrivent's mission, values, and culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the organization. 5. Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative after your interview to express your continued interest in the position. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.