Innovation Program & Project Leadership

• Lead enterprise innovation projects from concept through implementation.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear project plans and roadmaps.
• Drive collaboration across departments to ensure organizational alignment.
• Manage project timelines, milestones, resources, risks, and deliverables.
• Apply continuous improvement principles and lessons learned to future initiatives.

Innovation Activation & Employee Engagement

• Launch and oversee innovation initiatives that encourage idea generation and collaboration.
• Lead programs such as:
  • Innovation challenges
  • Tech jams
  • Hackathons
  • Employee recognition programs
• Develop and manage employee idea submission and feedback processes.
• Scale successful pilots and innovation initiatives across the organization.

Strategic Governance & Advisory Support

• Provide leadership with project updates, recommendations, and innovation insights.
• Support innovation governance and advisory processes.
• Ensure innovation priorities remain aligned with organizational objectives and business strategy.

Culture & Change Leadership

• Champion a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Engage employees at all levels in innovation efforts.
• Create an environment where employees feel empowered to share ideas and embrace change.
• Support enterprise-wide adoption of new processes, technologies, and ways of working.

Operational Excellence & Performance

• Develop project management standards, templates, and operational playbooks.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and innovation outcomes.
• Measure project effectiveness and return on investment (ROI).
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and organizational effectiveness.

Product & Service Growth

• Support the growth and success of assigned member-facing products and services.
• Help identify and implement solutions that enhance member experiences and drive organizational growth.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in:
  • Program management
  • Project management
  • Innovation delivery
  • Digital transformation
  • Organizational change initiatives
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and enterprise projects.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with innovation frameworks and innovation management programs.
• Experience implementing employee engagement or idea generation programs.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting enterprise transformation initiatives.

Leadership Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Cross-functional leadership and influence
• Innovation and creativity
• Project and program management expertise
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Business and financial acumen

Who Are We?

AmeriCU is a not‑for‑profit credit union based in Rome, NY with assets in excess of $3.0 billion and serving more than 200,000 members across Central New York, the United States, and beyond. For over 75 years, we have been committed to our members, our employees, and our communities.

In 2026, AmeriCU was once again recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State and named by American Banker as one of the best credit unions in the United States to work for.

Why Join AmeriCU?

We support your growth, value your ideas, and empower you to make a difference. At AmeriCU, you’ll join an inclusive, community‑focused organization driven by purpose and collaboration.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Generous Health Savings Account contributions (with eligible HDHP enrollment)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Appreciation Events
• 401(k) matching after 1 year of employment
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement for full‑time employees after 1 year
• Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (free to full‑time employees)
• Enhanced Short‑Term Disability — at no cost to you