Business Development & Community Engagement Senior Specialist

At Affinity Plus every employee understands how their work affects our members experience and we strive to provide an experience that cant be found anywhere else. Great service starts with great employees and that is why we focus on providing not only the best place our members will ever bank but the best place our employees will ever work. Between our one of a kind culture, incredible benefits, and work/life balance; we believe you will feel the Affinity Plus difference.

Position Summary

The Business Development & Community Engagement Senior Specialist serves as a strategic ambassador for Affinity Plus, driving membership growth, strengthening community relationships, and advancing the credit union's mission through high-impact marketing, partnerships and engagement strategies.

This role leads the development and execution of integrated business development and community engagement strategies that expand Affinity Plus' reach, deepen trust, and deliver measurable value to members and communities. By aligning local market opportunities with enterprise priorities, this role plays a critical part in sustainable growth and community impact.

Working cross-functionally, the the Business Development & Community Engagement Senior Specialist ensures that business development, partnerships, and community initiatives are strategically aligned, scalable, and reflective of the credit union's member-first values.

Duties & Responsibilities

Business Development & Branch Marketing Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of regional business development and marketing strategies to drive membership and loan growth.
• Partner with branch leadership to identify local market opportunities and implement targeted growth initiatives.
• Expand and strengthen Select Employer Group (SEG) and Preferred Partner programs to increase member acquisition and engagement.
• Develop scalable tools, playbooks, and training resources to enable consistent, high-impact marketing and business development opportunities across markets.
• Lead marketing and business development initiatives tied to branch openings, mergers, and market expansions.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to advance and sustain initiatives tied to the credit union's low-income designation goals.

Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive community engagement strategy aligned with enterprise growth and brand objectives.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships that deliver mutual value and strengthen Affinity Plus' presence in the community.
• Oversee community engagement programs, sponsorships, and signature initiatives (e.g., Polar Plunge, Plus It Forward Day), ensuring alignment with brand and impact goals.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to amplify community impact, financial education, and partnership storytelling.
• Expand access to financial wellness programs and resources through community channels and partnerships.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to branch leaders in developing and executing localized engagement strategies.
• Manage community partnership intake, evaluation, and decision-making processes to ensure alignment and impact.

Program Management

• Oversee planning, execution, and continuous improvement of community initiatives, events, and engagement programs.
• Manage community engagement budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and strong return on investment.
• Coordinate organizational presence at key community events and ensure consistent brand representation.
• Support employee volunteer programs and internal engagement initiatives that reinforce culture and community impact.
• Build and maintain systems and processes that improve efficiency, scalability, and visibility of business development and engagement efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

Required Knowledge

• 5+ years of experience in community engagement, business development, or marketing.
• Broad cross-functional knowledge of departments role and how it connects to operations, functions and services.

Qualifications and Skills

Decision Making/Problem Solving/Advising

• Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex problems by analyzing data, identifying root causes, evaluating alternative options, and implementing effective solutions.
• Proven ability to analyze complex situations, recommend tailored solutions, and influence decision-making.
• Ability to anticipate operational risks and recommend and/or implement changes to mitigate impact

Collaboration/Building Relationships

• Strong track record of establishing trusted partnerships across functions.
• Collaborates within team and cross-functionally to achieve shared goals.

Accountability

• Ability to take accountability of responsibilities, commitments, and outcomes.

Communication

• Proven ability to communicate clearly, effectively, professionally; adapting communication style based on audience.

Learning

• Ability to take ownership of personal and professional growth; sets development goals, seeks stretch assignments, and applies new skills to enhance impact.

Adaptability

• Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to take on new responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to show resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges or changes.

Project Management

• Ability to plan, organize, and execute moderately complex initiatives from conception to completion

Technology Experience

• Intermediate computer and technology skills and knowledge, with the ability to navigate between multiple systems with ease.

Other Skills

• Time Management skills and the ability to prioritize workload based on department and member needs.
• Ability to complete tasks with accuracy and thoroughness.
• Demonstrated reliability, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, PR or related field.
• Experience in financial services, sales, or financial wellness outreach.
• Spanish language proficiency.

Work Environment

This role is: Hybrid, requiring reliable internet access and home office setup

Physical Requirements

• Sitting 80% and standing 15-20%.
• Working at a computer 80% of the day.
• Repetitive movements, including but not limited to typing, mousing, phones, etc.
• May require to lift, carry, push or pull up to 30 pounds.
• Bending, twisting, kneeling, stooping, or crouching on occasion.

Requires face-to-face interaction and/or coordination of work with other employees and departments, and in-person interaction.

Location and Travel requirements

This position will be based out of our corporate office in St. Paul, MN. Routine travel in/around the Twin Cities Metro and occasional travel to greater MN required.

Required Work Schedule

Standard Monday through Friday business hours with a willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed. Consistent and reliable attendance is a required essential function of this role to meet the needs of the department/team and organization. This is a hybrid position that requires a minimum of one to two days per week onsite. Additional onsite days may be required based on business needs, team activities, meetings, or other operational requirements.

Compensation

This position has a starting pay range of $76,700 - $97,900 annually.

In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, we are providing a good-faith estimate of the pay range for this position. This range reflects what we anticipate offering a successful candidate based on factors such as the role's responsibilities, required qualifications, and relevant experience. The actual pay may vary depending on the selected candidate's skills, experience, and other qualifications.

Total Rewards

Affinity Plus offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package that goes beyond base pay. In partnership with the State of MN Employer Group, Affinity Plus provides low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance coverage options. Additionally, Affinity Plus frontloads all sick time hours and a portion of vacation hours for all new employees, offers a variety of paid leave options, a monthly wellness benefit, and immediate 401K matching up to 5%. Our Total Rewards philosophy is designed to support your well-being and growth while fostering a fair and inclusive workplace.

Disclaimer

Applicants may be subject to a background and credit check. Employees in this position must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. If requested, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform the position's essential job duties. As markets change and the Organization grows, job descriptions may change over time as requirements and employee skill levels evolve. With this understanding, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Application Deadline

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union accepts applications on a rolling basis.