Program Manager, Valley Foundry

vnbcareers; New York (NY, AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Foundry seeks a strategic leader to partner with stakeholders to drive go-to-market strategy, governance, and execution of the Foundry's mission.

You will manage the portfolio, establish operating rhythms, and lead cross-functional programs from concept through implementation in a regulated enterprise environment.

The role emphasizes executive storytelling, KPI development, continuous improvement, and collaboration with internal and external partners to scale innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in program management, strategy, business operations, consulting, or related roles.
• Experience supporting senior leaders on high-visibility strategic initiatives.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Organizational Leadership, Technology, Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Valley Foundry stakeholders to drive go-to-market strategy, strategic planning, operational priorities, and execution of the Foundry's mission.
• Manage the Foundry's portfolio, including prioritization, governance, resource allocation, and progress tracking across initiatives.
• Establish and maintain operating rhythms, including leadership meetings, business reviews, and executive reporting.
• Lead cross-functional programs from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Design and optimize processes, governance frameworks, and ways of working that enable innovation while ensuring accountability.
• Create executive communications, presentations, and strategic updates that effectively communicate progress, results, and recommendations.
• Champion continuous improvement, change management, and organizational readiness efforts to support the successful scaling of innovative solutions.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics to measure innovation outcomes and business impact.
• Facilitate decision-making by identifying risks, dependencies, and opportunities and recommending actionable solutions.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and senior leaders to drive collaboration and adoption.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Executive storytelling

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Execution in ambiguity

Portfolio governance

Innovation operating models

Regulated industry experience

Vendor & ecosystem collaboration

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Leadership, Technology, or Engineering

MBA preferred

Job description

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Partner with Valley Foundry stakeholders to drive go to market strategy, strategic planning, operational priorities, and execution of the Foundry's mission.
• Manage the Foundry's portfolio, including prioritization, governance, resource allocation, and progress tracking across initiatives.
• Establish and maintain operating rhythms, including leadership meetings, business reviews, and executive reporting.
• Lead cross-functional programs from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Design and optimize processes, governance frameworks, and ways of working that enable innovation while ensuring accountability.
• Create executive communications, presentations, and strategic updates that effectively communicate progress, results, and recommendations.
• Champion continuous improvement, change management, and organizational readiness efforts to support the successful scaling of innovative solutions.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics to measure innovation outcomes and business impact.
• Facilitate decision-making by identifying risks, dependencies, and opportunities and recommending actionable solutions.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and senior leaders to drive collaboration and adoption.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in dynamic environments. In particular in the Emerging Technology, Innovation, Tech / Fund Banking, or Ventures space.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technology initiatives in regulated or large scale enterprise environments, driving concepts through full execution and production.
• Strong capability in leading and inspiring cross functional teams--including engineering, data, cyber, and business stakeholders--while fostering a collaborative, challenge positive culture.
• Skilled in engaging and managing internal and external partners--including fintechs, startups, vendors, and ecosystem collaborators; with credibility, clarity, and a deep understanding of co development dynamics in regulated industries.
• Proven operating discipline with experience defining innovation operating models, governance structures, and execution cadences, including in startup or early stage tech environments.
• Exceptional executive presentation and story-telling skills.
• Clear communication skills with ability to communicate both up and down.
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to both navigate and drive execution in ambiguous environments.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Organizational Leadership, Technology, Engineering, or related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, strategy, business operations, consulting, Chief of Staff, or innovation-related roles. Experience supporting senior leaders and managing high-visibility strategic initiatives.

Preferred Experience:

• Master of Business Administration or advanced degree preferred. Experience working in innovation, R&D, digital transformation, venture, startup, or incubation environments. Experience with portfolio management and innovation governance frameworks.
• Prior knowledge and experience (Minimum of 10 years) in the Financial Service industry in any of the following:
  
  • Retail Bank
  • Commercial Bank
  • Payments
  • Insurance
  • Banking as a Service