Head of Business Development and Partnerships

Description

Who We Are

CD Valet® is a new fintech and online marketplace that connects consumers to financial institutions to compare and open Certificates of Deposit (CDs) with the most competitive rates and terms nationwide. With daily rate updates and earnings calculators, CD Valet gives consumers an array of free tools to help them find the right CD to meet their savings goals. Banks and credit unions can attract more deposits through CD Valet’s advertising, analytics and account opening solutions that enable them to design, price and promote CDs to a targeted market of ready-to-buy savers across the nation. CD Valet is operated by Seattle Bank, and CD Valet and Seattle Bank are wholly owned subsidiaries of Seattle Bancshares, Inc. 

Position Summary

The Head of Business Development and Partnerships’ primary mission is to empower community and regional banks and credit unions to solve one of banking's greatest challenges: generating new customers and growing deposits. This will be achieved by serving as a "player-coach," combining hands-on selling with leading and developing a team of sales professionals.  

This position plays a critical role in driving revenue growth by both generating sales and guiding the team to success. The role will oversee the sales team’s efforts to promote CD Valet’s suite of services—including customer lead generation, advertising, account-opening tools, pricing optimization tools, and ongoing support through our FI Success Team. Leveraging expertise, leadership, and a collaborative approach, the Head of Business Development Partnerships will contribute directly to high-value relationships while coaching and mentoring a team to achieve ambitious sales targets. 

In addition, the Head of Business Development & Partnership will expand CD Valet’s reach by developing partnerships where CD Valet’s offerings are embedded in other providers’ experience, thus reaching more savers and expanding the channels with which CD Valet reaches consumers.  

Reporting to the CEO of CD Valet and collaborating closely with the Marketing, Product, and Operations, the Head of Business Development and Partnerships will be accountable for aligning strategy and execution. 

This position is located in our office on Mercer Island and is remote eligible. Extensive travel required. 

Essential Duties

• Direct Selling ("Player" Responsibilities): 

Personally manage and close sales with high-value financial institutions, demonstrating best practices and setting an example for the team. 

Conduct outreach to top-tier prospects, delivering tailored pitches and leading complex sales engagements. 

Lead online and in-person demonstrations of CD Valet’s offerings, articulating the value proposition and addressing key client questions. 

• Partnership Development 

Identify potential companies (partners) that would benefit from adding CD Valet or a portion of the CD Valet’s offering to their digital assets to expose their end consumers to the strong savings offerings of CD Valet.  

Regularly call on high potential partners to identify ways to work together to enhance the experience of their end consumer.  

Structure arrangements that are mutually beneficial.  

• Sales Leadership and Team Management (“Coach”): 

Serve as a mentor and coach for a team of FI Partner Development Officers, providing guidance, feedback, and training to develop their skills and achieve their targets. 

Set clear goals for your team, monitor their progress, and hold them accountable for results. 

Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture with a focus on learning and continuous improvement. 

• Sales Strategy and Planning: 

Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve team and individual revenue goals. 

Identify market trends, prioritize opportunities, and define tactics to target financial institutions effectively. 

Align team activities with broader company objectives through collaboration with other leaders. 

• Industry Presence and Client Engagement: 

Represent CD Valet at major industry events and conferences as both a leader and contributor, building relationships and enhancing the company’s presence in the financial sector. 

Serve as a trusted advisor to key clients, ensuring satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships. 

Speak at industry events representing CD Valet and providing relevant industry content to attendees. 

• Pipeline and Performance Management: 

Oversee the team’s pipeline to ensure opportunities are actively managed, tracked, and progressed. 

Provide regular updates on team and individual performance, identifying areas for improvement and celebrating successes. 

Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of both your individual contributions and team efforts. 

• Collaboration and Process Optimization: 

Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Product, and Operations teams to share insights, improve processes, and align on strategies. 

Continuously evaluate and refine sales workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. 

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field providing strong financial acumen. 
• 10+ years in B2B sales, with a proven track record of closing high-value deals in financial services, SaaS, or related industries. 
• 3+ years of experience leading and mentoring sales teams, with demonstrated success in coaching others to achieve their goals. 

Demonstrates the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Leadership Skills: 

Ability to inspire and lead a team while maintaining your own sales pipeline and delivering results. 

Strong interpersonal skills, fostering trust and collaboration with both clients and team members. 

• Sales Acumen: 

Expertise in consultative selling, including managing complex sales cycles and closing deals with high-value clients. 

Strategic thinking to identify opportunities, prioritize efforts, and align team activities with company goals. 

• Industry Knowledge: 

Familiarity with the deposit business within financial institutions, account-opening tools, digital marketing technologies & strategies, and relevant regulations.   

• Communication: 

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to senior decision-makers and building rapport with diverse stakeholders. Experience speaking to large groups as a solo expert or part of a panel. 

• Technical Proficiency: 

Advanced knowledge of CRM platforms and tools such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, ShareFile, and e-signature solutions. 

• Adaptability:

Strong multitasking skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

• Willingness to regularly travel nationally for conferences, events, and client meetings as required. 

CD Valet Benefits

We’re committed to delivering our promise of peace of mind to our clients and fostering a collaborative, inclusive and supportive workplace for our team members. Our comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees includes:  

• Medical/Vision, and Dental insurance  
• Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Voluntary Life  
• 401K with Bank contribution, Stock Award, and Incentive Opportunity   
• Paid Time Off: 
• Vacation – 3 Weeks 
• Sick Time – 1 hour per 40 hours worked 
• Holidays – 10 days 
• Transportation and fitness benefits 
• And fun, extra perks such as company social events, paid volunteer hours, quarterly incentive awards, and professional development opportunities.