If you have proven strong business development skills with a solid leadership presence and strategic mindset, this position offers you some very compelling opportunities. You will:

• Make an impact taking point on a key strategic initiative to expand our select employer group (SEG) base in Northwest Arkansas. Your successes will be visible to senior leaders.
• Take advantage of a variety of available resources, as we are investing in this market. For example, you will have opportunities to host prospects in our suite at home games of the Northwest Naturals.
• Help shape a new approach to building our SEG business; historically this market is very strong, and we believe a boots-on-the-ground presence can take it to new levels. 
• Showcase your potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance in an organization committed to strong growth.
• Enjoy a unique, positive culture. As a credit union, we answer to members rather than shareholders, which promotes and upbeat, collaborative and service-oriented atmosphere.

UNIFY Financial Credit Union is one of the LARGEST 100 credit unions in the U.S. With $3.3 billion in assets, branches nationwide coast-to-coast, and close to 250,000 account holders, we've earned a reputation for being financially sound and growth-oriented. We're continuing to rapidly expand to meet the needs of a growing member base.

To meet the basic qualification for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. In addition, to be a good fit for the Senior Business Development Representative opportunity, you will have:

• 3+ years of experience in a business development/sales role.
• 5+ years of financial institution experience is strongly preferred, and credit union experience would be ideal.
• Strategic planning abilities.
• Experience with community involvement and networking.
• Existing contacts in this region.
• Professional certification, such as consumer lending and/or NMLS/mortgage certification, is strongly preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred. Quick question for you - click here Bilingual ability is a plus.

Just as important will be the following competencies and characteristics:

• Highly effective written/verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and interface with internal/external contacts at all levels.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to influence and motivate others.
• A "people-first" approach to service.
• Strong self-motivation and a results orientation.
• Self-initiative and the ability to achieve goals with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills.

You will primarily serve the Northwest Arkansas area, which includes branches in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Lowell, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Springdale. For the duration of the COVID pandemic, travel will be limited. However, once it is safe to do so, you should expect to travel 20% to 30% of the time, not only in this region but also to other states. You'll need a valid driver's license and the use of a personal vehicle. You'll work from home, and you'll need to live within the territory.

Reporting to the Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for strategically targeting the acquisition of new select employer groups (SEGs) and deepening existing SEG relationships to enhance UNIFY’s presence and utilization. You'll also have responsibility as a community liaison within this market.

You'll "own" all SEGs, existing and new, headquartered in Northwest Arkansas, as well as any locations for these SEGs in other parts of the country. The role does involve account management, but we'll expect you to focus on acquiring new SEGs and expanding our partnerships with existing ones.

More specifically, you will:

• Identify gaps within your market, including current SEG engagement, preferred SEG Groups, and community brand awareness, and develop strategies to promote the Credit Union’s brand including its products, services, and UNIFY Investment Solutions.
• Spearhead partnerships with appropriate departments to develop and execute strategies focused on market share growth.
• Schedule and facilitate impactful on-site/virtual membership events, loan sessions, and financial seminars/presentations at SEGs.
• Support loan growth through training and participating in organizational initiatives including being consumer lending certified and NMLS/Mortgage certified.
• Support revenue growth through training and participating in organizational initiatives including enhanced training or certification as new programs roll out.
• Foster and enhance relationships with SEG contacts to build out robust strategies that keep UNIFY engaged from new hire orientation through all ongoing internal communication channels and employee engagement events. This will include having regular strategic interaction with SEG contacts including phone calls, emails, visits, and virtual/face-to-face meetings.
• Use sales tools and reports to analyze successes and engagement gaps with SEGs and develop a monthly strategic plan to communicate with individual SEG contacts to grow memberships.
• Actively represents UNIFY in community events, chambers of commerce and civic associations supported by the Credit Union as part of the market development plan.
• Recommend product and service enhancements based upon member and SEG feedback.
• Ensure full compliance with UNIFY Financial Credit Union service standards, policies, and procedures, and with the Bank Secrecy Act.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Make an impact
We have not had a business development representative reside in the Northwest Arkansas market for several years, and UNIFY is investing in order to grow market share. In addition, companies are gearing up for employees returning to work. That means the time is great for you to create strong momentum in short order.

Career options
This role can provide you with challenges and opportunities for years to come. At the same time, depending on your performance and aptitude, you might take your career at UNIFY in multiple directions. You could move up within the business development organization, or pursue opportunities in UNIFY.

Growth and stability
While most credit unions operate in just one state, UNIFY has branches in 18 states, and we continue to open new ones. Our success is based in part on a diversified model that includes stand-alone branches as well as on-site branches with SEGs. Nationally our SEG partners include big-name companies like Toyota and Northrup Grumman.

Fun and caring group
Our service-based, values-driven culture attracts those who enjoy helping and connecting with others. That carries over in everything we do, from providing outstanding service to truly listening to our members and suggesting the products that best fit their unique situations to interacting effectively with one another.

Commitment to community
Giving back to the community isn't just something we say, it's something we do. Our programs support both educational and charitable activities. We care about making our communities and members stronger while providing our UNIFY team members opportunities to give back.

Strong benefits
We take care of our team and provide a generous and rewarding benefits package, including a tuition assistance program. We want to make sure UNIFY team members feel how much we value them. Benefits include:

• Medical (HMO & PPO), dental (DMO & DPO) and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick, personal and holidays
• A 401(k) with employer match
• UNIFY banking privileges for you and your family
• And much more

Video: UNIFY team members, including CEO Gordon Howe, talk about how UNIFY's member service may look a little different in the "new normal," but the commitment to delivering at high levels remains as true as ever.

We're looking for a resourceful, independent professional with the initiative to see what needs to be done and acts on it. We'll provide support and resources when you need it, but you should bring a strong sense of ownership along with an entrepreneurial spirit. Rather than waiting to be told what to do, you should come to the Business Development Manager with well-thought-out plans based on solid market research.

Relationship-building and networking will be essential in this role. You should have a leadership presence that commands attention in any situation, whether meeting with a new HR associate, presenting to C-level executives, or attending a chamber of commerce mixer. We'll also look to you to be creative in developing networking strategies.

If you're coming from a financial services background other than credit unions, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the unique, member-first mindset. That's one of our strongest value propositions, so you should adopt it quickly and ensure it comes through in all your interactions, externally and internally. Strong follow-through and follow-up habits will go far in demonstrating your commitment to service.