VP, Payment Strategies

Austincc; Onalaska (WI); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional growth

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Job summary

Altra Federal Credit Union seeks a VP, Payment Strategies to lead and optimize the credit union's payment ecosystem. You will shape strategy, oversee operations, ensure compliance, and guide digital transformations across payment channels.

You will manage vendor relationships, monitor regulatory changes, and collaborate with Digital Engagement, Marketing, IT, and Talent Development to improve system performance, security, and member experience.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in financial services.
• Experience in payments and regulatory frameworks (Nacha, FedNow, RTP, PCI-DSS).
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Marketing, or Business.
• Leadership and management experience (5+ years).
• Strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills.
• Experience leading large-scale payment initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Payment Operations team across the employee lifecycle.
• Define a comprehensive payment strategy supporting digital transformation.
• Monitor trends, regulatory changes and security risks for compliance.
• Drive entry into Digital Asset and Real-Time payments.
• Evaluate new payment technologies and manage vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Payments domain knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Marketing, Business

High school diploma

MBA or advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

Nacha

FedNow

PCI-DSS

Real-Time Payments (RTP)

Job description

At Altra Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to helping our members achieve financial wellness through innovative products, exceptional service, and a strong community focus. With $3.034 billion total assets and 157,000+ members, we’re growing rapidly and investing in the future of digital payments and member experience.

The VP, Payment Strategies is a key senior leader responsible for defining, executing, and optimizing the credit union’s payment ecosystem. This leader will ensure Altra’s payment systems align with our strategic goals, enhance member experience, and maintain compliance, efficiency, and innovation across all payment channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Payment Operations team throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Develop and lead a comprehensive payment strategy that supports digital transformation and member engagement.
• Monitor payment trends, regulatory changes, and security risks, ensuring full compliance and operational excellence.
• Oversee Altra’s entry into the Digital Asset and Real-Time payment space, including on- and off- Balance Sheet Crypto Assets and Stable Coin.
• Identify and evaluate new payment technologies, partnerships, and vendors to ensure competitiveness and efficiency; manage vendor relationships that support the Payment Operations area.
• Lead or participate in related periodic meetings, including Payment Strategies, Retail Committee, and Marketing Committee.
• Collaborate with Digital Engagement, Marketing, Talent Development, IT, etc., to streamline processes and improve system performances.

Qualifications

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Marketing, Business or related field is required.
• Additional experience in lieu of degree may be considered.
• 10+ years of progressing experience in financial services required.
• Experience in payments is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in leadership and management required.
• Deep understanding of payment systems, networks, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Nacha, FedNow, RTP, PCI-DSS).
• Experience leading large-scale payment initiatives or digital transformation projects.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills.
• VP, Payment Strategies position is located at Altra’s Operations Center in Onalaska, WI
• However, work from home / remote opportunities can be considered for those candidates who live within Altra’s approved remote states: CO, FL, GA, IA, MI, MN, NJ, NC, TN, TX, and WI.
• Position will require some travel to the Operations Center from time to time, as needed.

Pay and Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical / dental / vision coverage, group life insurance, and supplemental life insurance options
• Up to a 6% Employer-matched 401(k) + additional 3% employer contribution
• Paid time off, volunteer time off, paid holidays and your birthday off (paid)!
• Employee-only perks and discounts

At Altra Federal Credit Union, you’ll be part of a team that values people over profits and puts members at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating a supportive and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered to grow, develop their careers, and make a real impact on the lives of others. By joining Altra, you’ll not only gain the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with members and coworkers, but you’ll also be contributing to a mission-driven organization that is dedicated to improving the financial well-being of our members and the communities we serve.

Altra is proud to be a Great Place to Work® certified company seven years in a row; 92% of our employees say Altra is a great place to work! At Altra, we invest in each other and work together to make a difference in the communities we serve and to help people live their best life!