Relationship Manager I- Technology Startup Banking

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of our Boston office.   

Together, Silicon Valley Bank and First Citizens offer you the strength and stability of a diversified financial institution with a 125-year tradition of service and the personalized approach of a nimble financial partner. 

First Citizens Bank helps business, commercial, personal, and wealth clients build financial strength that lasts. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., First Citizens has built a unique legacy of strength, stability and long-term thinking that has spanned generations. First Citizens offers an array of general banking services including a network of more than 550 branches in 23 states and commercial banking expertise delivering best-in-class lending, leasing and other financial services coast to coast. Parent company First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA) is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets.  

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First-Citizens Bank, is the bank of many of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital, and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights, and connections.   

SVB’s Startup Banking team is focused on engaging and building deep and authentic client relationships with early-stage founders, clients, prospects, and partners. Early-stage partners include accelerators/incubators, law firms, universities, industry groups and pre-Series A stage VC investors. The role is responsible for financial performance and risk management of the client portfolio. The role is also responsible for leading engagement with high potential prospects, clients, and ecosystem channel partners. This is a perfect fit for someone who is committed to supporting founders along their Pre-Seed and Seed stage journeys, and values meaningful relationship building in the ecosystem. 

Specifically, the Relationship Manager 1 will:  

• Apply knowledge of VC ecosystem and maintain strong relationships with local ecosystem partners, acting as an enabler and connector. 

• Act as a thought leader both within the venture ecosystem and internally across the RM team. 

• Own and manage a portfolio of pre-Series A tech clients, including owning the client experience, supporting their growth, and achieving portfolio KPIs. 

• Think like an owner: manage the P&L for your portfolio, including managing expense budgets and achieving GP targets. 

• Drive business development and client origination of venture-backed early-stage companies. 

• Provide expert knowledge on SVB products and services and collaborate with internal partners across our Business Development, Relationship Advisor, Solutions Advisor, Accelerator/Growth, Marketing, Risk, and Operations teams to deliver a cohesive go-to-market approach. 

• Organize and host exclusive events to increase portfolio engagement and provide value beyond banking to our clients; engage in public speaking opportunities. 

Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of Relationship Management experience in the Venture Start Up Ecosysm, OR High school or GED plus 6 years of Relationship Management experience. 

Preferred Experience:

• Highly skilled relationship builder with a passion for creating a strong client experience. 

• Strong communication, negotiation, marketing, and closing skills. 

• Collaborative team player, with a desire to build internal relationships and partnerships. 

• Strong ability to manage time, priorities, and work independently.
• Banking experience working with high growth, VC backed companies. 
• Prior experience as a tech startup founder, operator, investor, or ecosystem builder.  
• Possess a strong network in the tech startup ecosystem. 
• Strong understanding of the trends impacting the startup ecosystem and venture capital. 
• Strategic thinker with an ability to develop a go-to-market and portfolio management plan. 

The base pay for this position is relative to your experience but the range is generally $112000 - $150000 per year. This position is eligible for variable compensation, which may be in the form of incentive or bonus pay, in addition to a competitive and comprehensive benefits program.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.