How will this role impact First Command?
First Command is expanding its innovation capability to accelerate how ideas move from concept to impact. The Manager, Innovation Portfolio & Strategy plays a pivotal role in executing and managing this enterprise innovation process; from workshop facilitation and idea testing to funnel management, prioritization, and cross-functional execution.
Working at the intersection of strategy, design, technology, and governance, this leader drives innovation initiatives that shape how First Command delivers value to our nation’s military families. The role partners proactively with Risk, Vendor Management, Enterprise Architecture, UX/CX, and executive leadership to create fast, compliant pathways for experimentation and ensure promising ideas advance quickly through the innovation lifecycle.
The financial services industry is highly competitive, but we believe that First Command provides a unique value proposition for our nation’s military families and therefore must sharpen our insights so that how we approach and communicate with clients and prospects makes our value proposition relevant.
What will the employee do in this role?
- Lead the intake, prioritization, and tracking of innovation initiatives; ensure clarity of scope, evidence, and progression throughout the innovation funnel.
- Maintain visibility into UX/CX capacity, resource utilization, budgets, and timelines; report on portfolio health and progress to governance bodies and executive leadership.
- Design and facilitate high-impact innovation workshops using frameworks such as Strategyzer’s Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, and Design Thinking.
- Engage cross-functional stakeholders to define opportunities, explore concepts, shape testable hypotheses, and translate strategy into actionable experiments.
- Partner with UX researchers, designers, and analysts to validate ideas through structured, rapid testing cycles; optimize the process for speed, learning, and measurable outcomes.
- Identify and secure technologies needed to enable pilots; collaborate with Enterprise Architecture, Vendor Management, and Risk to fast-track proofs of concept.
- Build strong relationships with the Risk team to proactively address regulatory and compliance considerations early in the innovation process; develop fast-track protocols that balance speed with responsible risk mitigation.
- Serve as the central coordinator between Marketing, Product, IT, Risk, UX/CX, and other teams to drive alignment, remove obstacles, and sustain innovation momentum.
- Act as a cultural ambassador for innovation across the enterprise; influence decision-making at multiple levels and help teams adopt new ways of thinking and working.
What skills/qualifications do you need?
Education
- A Degree in related studies (Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Data Science, Interaction Design, Cognitive Science, Psychology, etc.), or equivalent real-world experience
- Master’s degree or equivalent real-world experience preferred.
Work Experience
- 7+ years of experience in innovation, UX/CX strategy, product strategy, or related roles.
- Demonstrated success managing innovation portfolios and leading cross-functional initiatives.
- Experience facilitating structured innovation frameworks, including Strategyzer Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas, Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile.
- Proven ability to design and lead workshops that produce actionable outcomes.
- Familiarity with portfolio management, innovation funnel metrics, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Experience collaborating with risk/compliance teams to enable rapid testing within regulated environments.
Certifications(Preferred)
- Strategyzer Masterclass Certification, IDEO Design Thinking Certification, or equivalent innovation facilitation credentials.
- Agile or Lean certification a plus.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Exceptional facilitation and storytelling skills; able to bring energy and clarity to complex problems.
- Strategic systems thinker who can manage competing priorities and resource constraints.
- Ability to work closely with executives and cross-functional teams to drive alignment and decision-making.
- Strong understanding of UX/CX research methods and their role in validating innovation opportunities.
- Empathetic leader who builds psychological safety and encourages creative contribution.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (preferred)
- Financial Services experience
- Military experience
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LI-Hybrid
