The Incubation Manager helps bring Filene’s bold ideas to life by managing the testing and implementation of innovative solutions with credit unions. This role blends project management and strategic experimentation, requiring someone who thrives on turning concepts into action through real-world testing and collaborative implementation.
The Incubation Manager will work closely with credit unions, solution providers, internal teams, and Filene’s innovation communities to execute FiLab test projects and support emerging solution adoption. The role also contributes to growing innovation capacity across the credit union system through support of Filene’s i3 innovation development program. Additionally, the Incubation Manager will help analyze and communicate insights from Filene’s testing work to strengthen the impact of innovation across the industry.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a passion for improving financial lives at scale, a strong grasp of program and stakeholder management, and the curiosity to explore what’s next in cooperative finance.
Role Responsibilities
FiLab Test Execution
- Collaborate with the Incubation team to design and carry out FiLab test projects.
- Manage the full lifecycle of multiple innovation tests – from planning and budgeting to implementation and delivery of results.
- Support the development of tools and processes that ensure testing is thoughtful, efficient, and replicable.
- Create and implement feedback mechanisms such as surveys and data collection instruments to support learning and evaluation.
- Assist in synthesizing and communicating insights from FiLab projects to drive industry-wide impact.
- Align work with Filene’s project management standards and tools to ensure smooth coordination and documentation.
Filene i3 Innovation Program
- Facilitate Filene’s i3 program through coaching, workshop delivery, and innovation content support.
- Provide consistent communication and support to i3 participants throughout their innovation journeys.
- Coordinate logistics and contribute to a high-quality program experience that builds innovation capacity across the credit union system.
Partner Engagement
- Engage Filene’s network to help recruit credit unions and partners for FiLab testing and i3 participation.
- Represent Filene in meetings, webinars, and industry events to strengthen relationships and promote our work.
- Communicate Filene’s mission and innovation initiatives to external audiences in a clear and compelling way.
General & Administrative
- Model Filene Credo and play a key role in maintaining the culture of the organization through personal and cross-functional accountabilities.
- Actively support the achievement of Filene's strategic objectives, plan, budget, and metrics in a manner consistent with Filene’s mission, values, and brand.
- Provide extraordinary service to Filene’s staff, members, and stakeholders.
- Understand and engage in Filene’s complete body of work including research and advisory programs to connect member needs with Filene solutions that can best meet those needs.
- Prioritize and manage workload across several projects simultaneously, demonstrating the ability to shift gears when necessary to meet key deadlines.
The statements above are not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties will be assigned as needed.
Role Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Business, Communications, Research, or related field required.
- 3-5 years of relevant experience in innovation, product testing, program management, or applied research; Familiarity with the credit union industry and/or consumer finance preferred.
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and follow through with timely communication.
- Program Evaluation: Experience designing and executing program or product evaluations, including survey design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and analysis; Familiarity with research tools such as Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Excel, or similar platforms preferred.
- Training: Proven ability to deliver training and implementation support to a wide range of stakeholders, including external partners; Experience facilitating groups and delivering presentations or workshops.
- Organizational Skills: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage deadlines and tasks across multiple projects.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team and contribute to a collaborative, results-driven environment.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences. Ability to develop comprehensive written reports and documents.
- Interpersonal Skills: Confidence working with internal and external partners, including senior credit union leaders and cross-functional teams.
- Curiosity: Intellectually curious about credit unions and their members. Enjoy working in a “think tank” environment where ideation, continually embracing change, being restless with the status quo and seeking reinvention is part of the culture. A passion for purpose and precision – including the details.
- Travel expected up to 10% to fulfill the requirements of the role.
EEO Policy Statement
The Filene Research Institute (Filene) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Filene complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Filene expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Filene employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.