Retail Program & Communications Specialist Lead

Description

Overview

As a key partner to Sunward’s Retail Leadership team, the Retail Program & Communications Specialist Lead ensures that enterprise initiatives are successfully translated into operational reality. This role leads complex, cross-functional readiness efforts, driving change management strategies that enable sustainable adoption across the branch network, contact center, and retail support functions. If you thrive on orchestrating large-scale projects, anticipating operational challenges, and helping teams embrace change with confidence and clarity, this is your opportunity to shape how Sunward delivers excellence to our members.

What You’ll Do

Project Coordination & Readiness Leadership

• Serve as the subject matter expert for retail operational readiness—creating frameworks, standards, and tools that streamline enterprise execution.
• Lead multiple, concurrent readiness projects from planning through implementation, ensuring milestones are achieved on time and within scope.
• Partner with executives and cross-functional leaders to sequence projects, align resources, and mitigate risks.
• Monitor key readiness metrics and performance dashboards to assess impact and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Anticipate dependencies across business units and influence enterprise prioritization to safeguard retail service continuity.
• Represent Retail in enterprise project planning sessions, providing insight into operational feasibility and resource capacity.

Change Management & Adoption

• Design and oversee retail’s change management framework to ensure consistent adoption of new systems, policies, and practices.
• Guide leaders through organizational transitions, equipping them with tools and strategies to champion change effectively.
• Partner across HR, Project Management, and Communications teams to align messaging, training, and engagement strategies.
• Measure change effectiveness and reinforce adoption through data-driven insights and ongoing feedback loops.
• Establish best practices that sustain behavioral and process change across the retail network.

Strategic Communication (in support of change initiatives)

• Develop operational communication plans that help retail teams understand and implement upcoming changes.
• Craft clear and actionable messages for diverse audiences, including executives, managers, and frontline teams.
• Ensure all communications reinforce alignment with Sunward’s strategic direction and operational priorities.

Requirements

 What You Bring

• 6 years of progressive experience in project management, operational readiness, or change management, preferably in retail banking or large-scale service environments.
• Proven track record of leading complex, enterprise-wide initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Strong ability to advise, influence, and collaborate with senior leaders.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, or related field required; advanced degree or certifications (PMP, Prosci, MBA) preferred.
• Expertise in operational planning, capacity modeling, and project execution methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools (ClickUp, MS Project, or similar).

Why Join Sunward

You’ll join a purpose-driven organization committed to empowering our communities and redefining what a credit union can be. As part of our Retail Operations leadership team, you’ll help shape how change happens—driving clarity, coordination, and confidence across every corner of our retail network. 

Salary : $92,668 - $115,836