Head of CUSO

Job Overview

The Head of Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) Strategy is responsible for leading a newly created strategic growth initiative to build, buy, partner or invest in businesses that expand capabilities, are mission-aligned and create durable financial returns. CUSO is a business-within-business to offer services to other Credit Unions. This role identifies, evaluates, and executes business opportunities where other Credit Unions (CU) could find these services either more economical than their in-house teams or expansion of capabilities.

Working closely with executive leadership, the Head of CUSO Strategy provides strategic insight, market intelligence, build/buy/partner/invest recommendations, and business case analysis to support enterprise decision-making. The role also oversees relationships with CUSOs, fintech partners, and other strategic organizations, ensuring alignment with Citadel's growth strategy and financial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic roadmap creation and execution for Citadel CUSOs.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend build/buy/partner/invest opportunities, including but not limited to expansion of existing Citadel services to other CUs, service partnerships, offshoring, new business models, innovation initiatives, buying a service provider, building new capabilities, and minority/majority stake investments.
• Oversee Citadel's CUSO relationships, investments, and governance activities.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with fintechs, industry organizations, vendors, and other external partners.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and industry trend assessments to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead business case development, financial analysis, and investment recommendations for strategic initiatives.
• Evaluate opportunities to expand membership, diversify revenue streams, and improve long-term organizational performance.
• Support due diligence and evaluation efforts related to acquisitions, partnerships, and other corporate development activities as appropriate.
• Establish performance measures and reporting to monitor the effectiveness and return on strategic investments and initiatives.
• Represent Citadel within strategic partnerships, industry organizations, and CUSO-related activities.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Strategy, or a related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, corporate development, business development, financial services, consulting, or a related field.
• Experience evaluating strategic investments, partnerships, CUSOs, fintech relationships, or growth initiatives preferred.
• Strong understanding of the credit union and financial services industry.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic plans and driving organizational initiatives.
• Strong financial analysis, business case development, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to evaluate complex opportunities and translate strategy into measurable business outcomes

Additional Skills/Notes

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Excellent analytical abilities.
• Data-driven orientation.
• Holistic thinker – able to operate hands on with data as well as larger, strategic view.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and accomplish multiple, high-level projects simultaneously.
• Highly motivated and goal/solution oriented.
• Works collaboratively and independently as situations warrant.
• Excellent partnership and influencing skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• ·Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity.