Relationship Manager I Startup Banking

First Citizens; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

First Citizens Innovation Bank in San Francisco embraces a hybrid model with time in the SF and Menlo Park offices. The role focuses on managing relationships with pre-Series A tech clients, owning the client experience, and driving portfolio growth within the venture ecosystem.

You will engage founders, accelerators, law firms, universities, and venture investors, coordinating with internal teams to deliver a cohesive go-to-market strategy and exceptional client experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of RM in the venture startup ecosystem.
• High school diploma or GED plus 6 years of RM experience.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of VC ecosystem and maintain strong relationships with local ecosystem partners, acting as an enabler and connector.
• Act as a thought leader within the venture ecosystem and internally across the RM team.
• Own and manage a portfolio of pre-Series A tech clients, including owning the client experience, supporting their growth, and achieving portfolio KPIs.
• Champion a proactive client-first mindset by building deep, trusted relationships, anticipating client needs, and delivering exceptional client experiences. Drive organic growth within the portfolio by identifying opportunities to deepen relationships, expand partnerships and leverage a strong network of satisfied clients as a strategic source of referrals and new business.
• Think like an owner: manage the P&L for your portfolio, including budgets and GP targets.
• Drive business development and client origination of venture-backed early-stage companies.
• Provide expert knowledge on products and services and collaborate with internal partners to deliver a cohesive go-to-market approach.
• Organize and host exclusive events to increase portfolio engagement and provide value beyond banking; engage in public speaking opportunities.

Skills

Client Management

Builds Productive Relationships

Business Development

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years RM in venture startup ecosystem

High school diploma or GED + 6 years RM experience

Job description

Overview

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of our SF and Menlo Park office.

At First Citizens Innovation Bank, formerly known as Silicon Valley Bank, you'll join a team dedicated to supporting the ambitions of innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors. Backed by more than 40 years of innovation economy expertise and the strength of First Citizens, we help clients navigate growth and opportunity. Join us in building what's next.

Our Startup Banking team is focused on engaging and building deep and authentic client relationships with early-stage founders, clients, prospects, and partners. Early-stage partners include accelerators/incubators, law firms, universities, industry groups and pre-Series A stage VC investors. The role is responsible for financial performance and risk management of the client portfolio. The role is also responsible for leading engagement with high potential prospects, clients, and ecosystem channel partners. This is a perfect fit for someone who is committed to supporting founders along their Pre-Seed and Seed stage journeys, and values meaningful relationship building in the ecosystem.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Duties & Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of VC ecosystem and maintain strong relationships with local ecosystem partners, acting as an enabler and connector.
• Act as a thought leader both within the venture ecosystem and internally across the RM team.
• Own and manage a portfolio of pre-Series A tech clients, including owning the client experience, supporting their growth, and achieving portfolio KPIs.
• Champion a proactive client-first mindset by building deep, trusted relationships, anticipating client needs, and consistently going above and beyond to deliver exceptional client experiences. Drive organic growth within the existing portfolio by identifying opportunities to deepen relationships, expand partnerships and leverage a strong network of satisfied clients as a strategic source of referrals and new business.
• Think like an owner: manage the P&L for your portfolio, including managing expense budgets and achieving GP targets.
• Drive business development and client origination of venture-backed early-stage companies.
• Provide expert knowledge on products and services and collaborate with internal partners across our Business Development, Relationship Advisor, Solutions Advisor, Accelerator/Growth, Marketing, Risk, and Operations teams to deliver a cohesive go-to-market approach.
• Organize and host exclusive events to increase portfolio engagement and provide value beyond banking to our clients; engage in public speaking opportunities.

Position Specific Skills

Client Management

Builds Productive Relationships

Business Development

Qualifications

Bachelor’sdegree plus 2years of Relationship Managementexperience in the Venture Start Up Ecosystem, OR Highschoolor GED plus 6 years of Relationship Management experience.

Preferred Experience

• Highly skilled relationship builder with a passion for creating a strong client experience.
• Strong communication, negotiation, marketing, and closing skills.
• Collaborative team player, with a desire to build internal relationships and partnerships.
• Strong ability to manage time, priorities, and work independently.
• Banking experience working with high growth, VC backed companies.
• Prior experience as a tech startup founder, operator, investor, or ecosystem builder.
• Possess a strong network in the tech startup ecosystem.
• Strong understanding of the trends impacting the startup ecosystem and venture capital.
• Strategic thinker with an ability to develop a go-to-market and portfolio management plan.

Additional Information

The base pay for this position is generally between $117,000 - $156,000 annually. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.