Head of Partnerships - Avvance

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head of Partnerships - Avvance

🔹 Company: U.S. Bank

🔹 Location: Remote, CA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Banking & Finance

🔹 Date Posted: April 24, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing strategic partnerships with SaaS providers, eCommerce platforms, and fintechs focused on embedded finance
• Overseeing the integration of banking solutions into partner platforms
• Driving revenue generation and customer acquisition through partnership channels
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to design seamless embedded financial solutions
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and risk management policies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of industry expertise and experience in partnership roles within fintech, SaaS, or banking. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of identifying and monetizing partnership opportunities at scale.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Partnership Strategy Development: Create and execute a scalable partnership strategy to integrate our POS lending solution into SaaS and embedded finance platforms.

✅ Market Research: Identify emerging trends in embedded finance and SaaS that align with our growth objectives.

✅ Relationship Management: Build and nurture strategic relationships with high-potential prospects focused on high growth and targeted industries.

✅ Negotiation & Deal Structuring: Lead negotiations, ensuring win-win agreements for all parties involved.

✅ Product Integration: Collaborate with internal product, engineering, and compliance teams to design seamless embedded financial solutions, and see partnership through activation and GTM activities.

✅ API Integration: Oversee the integration of banking solutions into partner platforms, ensuring deep understanding and use of APIs and end-to-end integration processes.

✅ Revenue Growth: Drive revenue generation and customer acquisition through partnership channels.

✅ Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all partnerships comply with regulatory requirements and align with risk management policies.

✅ Leadership: Build and manage a high-performing matrixed performance culture across bank areas required for long-term success.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership skills, as well as the ability to navigate complex organizations and drive results through cross-functional collaboration.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

Experience: 7+ years in partnerships, business development, or product marketing roles within fintech, SaaS, banking, or related industries. Strongly preferred candidates with evidence of success identifying partnership opportunities that have monetized at scale.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in partnership roles within fintech, SaaS, or banking
• Strong knowledge of embedded finance, point of sale lending / BNPL, and API-driven integrations
• Demonstrated understanding of API architecture, integration processes, and SaaS business models
• Proven ability to develop and implement scalable partnership strategies
• Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Ability to assess partnership impact on business KPIs and adapt strategies accordingly
• Experience building strong cross-functional relationships across large organizations with demonstrated and sustainable success

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in a related field
• Experience working in a startup or de novo business environment
• Fluency in multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a master's degree and experience working in a startup or de novo business environment may be beneficial for this role, as would be fluency in multiple languages for working with diverse partners.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $159,970 - $207,020 per year (based on the primary location)

Benefits:

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
• Basic term and optional term life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Pregnancy disability and parental leave
• 401(k) and employer-funded retirement plan
• Paid vacation (from two to five weeks depending on salary grade and tenure)
• Up to 11 paid holiday opportunities
• Adoption assistance
• Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 80 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the primary location. The actual range for the role may differ based on the location of the role.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: U.S. Bank operates in the banking industry, with a focus on commercial and institutional banking, business banking, payments, wealth management, and consumer banking.

Company Size: U.S. Bank is a large company with over 10,000 employees, providing a diverse mix of businesses and a wide range of career opportunities.

Founded: U.S. Bank was founded in 1863 and has since grown to become the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States.

Company Description:

• U.S. Bank helps millions of clients achieve their goals with a balance of best-in-class technology and human expertise tailored to individual needs.
• The company has built a reputation for strength and stability across a diversified mix of businesses, including commercial and institutional banking, business banking, payments, wealth management, and consumer banking.
• U.S. Bank has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute and the most admired superregional bank by Fortune.

Company Specialties:

• Asset-based lending
• Commercial lending
• Custody services
• Equipment financing
• Foreign exchange
• Fund services
• Global payments and receivables
• Liquidity and asset management
• Loan syndication
• Market risk management
• Payment processing
• Treasury management
• Supply chain financing
• Wealth management
• Mortgage
• Home equity
• Deposits
• Loans
• Banking and Financial services

Company Website: https://www.usbank.com/index.html

ASSUMPTION: U.S. Bank is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the banking industry. The company's size and diverse mix of businesses provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring extensive experience and expertise in partnership roles within fintech, SaaS, or banking.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Partnerships will report directly to the CEO of U.S. Bank Avvance and work closely with cross-functional teams across the organization.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements and the ability to work with partners across different time zones.

Growth Opportunities:

• As U.S. Bank Avvance continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Head of Partnerships to expand their team and take on additional responsibilities.
• The successful candidate may have the opportunity to shape the partnership strategy and team structure as the business evolves.
• U.S. Bank offers a range of benefits and professional development opportunities to support career growth and success.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to shape the partnership strategy and team structure as the business evolves.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Minneapolis, MN, with additional offices in Cincinnati, OH. However, this role can be performed remotely from anywhere in the United States.

Geographic Context:

• The United States has a diverse and dynamic fintech ecosystem, with numerous opportunities for partnerships and growth.
• The remote nature of this role allows for flexibility in working with partners across different time zones and geographic locations.
• U.S. Bank has a strong presence in the United States, with a network of branches and offices across the country.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work arrangements.

ASSUMPTION: The remote nature of this role provides flexibility for working with partners across different time zones and geographic locations, while also offering a high degree of autonomy and work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with cross-functional team members
• Final interview with the CEO of U.S. Bank Avvance
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Industry expertise and knowledge of embedded finance, point of sale lending / BNPL, and API-driven integrations
• Strategic thinking and partnership strategy development
• Relationship management and negotiation skills
• Leadership and team-building abilities
• Analytical skills and ability to assess partnership impact on business KPIs

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on partnership strategy development, market research, relationship management, negotiation, and leadership.
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the embedded finance landscape and your ideas for growing the partnership program at U.S. Bank Avvance.
• Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and navigate complex organizations.

ATS Keywords: Partnership strategy development, market research, relationship management, negotiation, leadership, embedded finance, point of sale lending, API-driven integrations, revenue growth, compliance, risk management

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's industry expertise, strategic thinking, relationship management, negotiation, leadership, and analytical skills, as well as their ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and navigate complex organizations.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• API integration tools (e.g., Postman, Swagger)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role will depend on the specific needs of the organization and the candidate's areas of expertise. However, strong proficiency in CRM software, project management tools, communication and collaboration tools, API integration tools, and data analysis tools will be essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Putting customers first
• Acting with integrity
• Fostering an inclusive environment
• Collaborating effectively
• Driving with a growth mindset

Work Style:

• U.S. Bank values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
• The company encourages a growth mindset and continuous learning and development.
• The remote nature of this role requires strong self-motivation, time management, and communication skills.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of success in partnership roles within fintech, SaaS, or banking?
• Are you comfortable working remotely and managing your time effectively?
• Do you have strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with a focus on building and nurturing strategic relationships?
• Are you comfortable working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and navigating complex organizations?
• Do you have a deep understanding of the embedded finance landscape and a strategic approach to partnership strategy development?

ASSUMPTION: U.S. Bank values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork. The ideal candidate for this role will have a proven track record of success in partnership roles within fintech, SaaS, or banking, with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the embedded finance landscape.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The embedded finance landscape is rapidly evolving, requiring the Head of Partnerships to stay up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies.
• Navigating complex organizations and building relationships with high-potential prospects can be challenging, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.
• The remote nature of this role may present challenges in terms of time management and work-life balance.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and risk management policies can be complex and time-consuming.

ASSUMPTION: The Head of Partnerships will need to be proactive in staying up-to-date with emerging trends in the embedded finance landscape and navigating complex organizations to build and maintain strategic relationships with high-potential prospects. Strong leadership and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of regulatory requirements and risk management policies, will be essential for success in this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other partnership roles in the fintech industry, this role requires a higher level of industry expertise and experience in partnership roles within fintech, SaaS, or banking.
• The embedded finance landscape is unique, with its own set of challenges and opportunities. A strong understanding of this landscape is essential for success in this role.
• Career paths for partnership roles can vary depending on the organization and industry. In this role, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to shape the partnership strategy and team structure as the business evolves.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to shape the partnership strategy and team structure as the business evolves. A strong understanding of the embedded finance landscape and a proven track record of success in partnership roles within fintech, SaaS, or banking are essential for success in this role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive partnership strategy for U.S. Bank Avvance, including market research, target partner identification, and negotiation tactics
• Integrating banking solutions into partner platforms, ensuring deep understanding and use of APIs and end-to-end integration processes
• Designing and implementing a revenue growth model for partnership channels, with a focus on customer acquisition and retention

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of initiatives the Head of Partnerships may be responsible for in this role. The specific projects and priorities will depend on the organization's needs and the candidate's areas of expertise.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current partnership landscape at U.S. Bank Avvance and the company's priorities for growth in the next 12-24 months?
• How does U.S. Bank Avvance support its partnership team, and what resources are available to help me succeed in this role?
• Can you describe the company's approach to risk management and compliance, and how it relates to partnership activities?
• How does U.S. Bank Avvance approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to support these values?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the partnership team and the broader organization?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are intended to help the candidate better understand the organization's priorities, resources, and culture, as well as the opportunities for growth and development in this role. The specific questions asked during the interview may vary depending on the candidate's areas of expertise and the organization's needs.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on partnership strategy development, market research, relationship management, negotiation, and leadership.
• Prepare for your interview by researching the embedded finance landscape and developing your ideas for growing the partnership program at U.S. Bank Avvance.
• Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and navigate complex organizations.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role and ask about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.