Financial Literacy & Consumer Advocacy Program Manager

Financial Literacy & Consumer Advocacy Program Manager

Will consider local candidates and those willing to relocate to New Haven, Connecticut.

Focused exclusively on higher education, Higher One provides refund management services to higher education institutions and banking services to members of their community through a card based solution.  Higher One currently provides services for 900,000+ active banking customers across the nation.  And we do it without a single teller.  All service is provided via web or phone.  Account opening is conducted entirely online without paper signatures.  The self-service web channel is emphasized for transactions whenever possible.

In 2007, Higher One was ranked # 85 on Inc Magazine’s list of the 500 Fastest Growing Companies in the United States. In 2008, we were recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as # 12 on their Hot 100 Businesses!

The Financial Literacy & Consumer Advocacy Program Manager is responsible for the development and ongoing management of financial literacy and consumer advocacy programs for a high growth company. The primary function of this position is to act as a financial literacy expert and spokesperson to further position the company as a thought leader in terms of financial literacy. In collaboration with financial education service providers, our outside public relations firm and teams throughout the company, the incumbent will provide strategic direction and ensure that we offer best in class financial literacy programs.

OBJECTIVES:

• Primary point of contact for all client and media inquiries related to Financial Literacy and Consumer Advocacy initiatives.
• Manage Higher One’s financial literacy efforts through various channels and offerings.
• Oversee relationship with financial literacy education partners.
• Manage relationships with consumer advocacy groups.
• Monitor key sources of higher education grant funding opportunities and develop collaborative relationships with external sources.
• Responsible for writing and managing grants related to financial literacy.
• Ensure awareness of our programs using social media outlets, blogs, webinars, byline articles, and presentations to the college and university market.
• Act as spokesperson and consumer advocate for our clients and students to further enhance best practices at the company.     
• Respond to customer service inquiries and feedback. Generate action plans based on client input.

Collaborate with marketing team to create written materials and presentations on programs

REQUIREMENTS:

• A related Bachelor degree in a relevant field.
• 8-10 years of experience required.
• Fundamental understanding of personal financial management issues required.  Professional experience in this area a plus.
• Excellent public speaking abilities. 
• Previous experience with media and public relations a plus.
• Experience with research and preparation of grant proposals and applications a plus.
• Comfortable operating within an open culture team-oriented environment and interfacing with individuals and teams across the organization.
• Able to be flexible, work under pressure, responsive and organized.
• Strong relationship management, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills required.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending, 401K, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability
• Flexible work hours
• Casual dress
• 20 Paid Time Off Days per year
• 8 Holidays per year
• Fun events