Business Development Manager, Bank & Lending Partnerships

The role

You will lead efforts to identify, attract, and develop new bank and credit union partnerships to expand the depository capital base. You will structure and execute deals that align with financial institutions' funding needs, risk appetite, and strategic objectives.

What you will do

• Identify and qualify prospective partners based on funding needs, risk appetite, strategic priorities, and interest in new products
• Drive negotiations and close strategic partnerships
• Build and cultivate relationships with executives and decision-makers at banks and credit unions
• Develop compelling partnership strategies and business cases
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and structure lender-aligned deals

Required qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in leading and managing complex lending deals, corporate strategy, or business development strategy roles
• Established relationships with senior decision-makers across banks, credit unions, and related financial institutions
• Strong understanding of how depository institutions evaluate lending partnerships, including funding needs, risk appetite, economics, and strategic priorities
• Ability to independently build pipeline, develop a market strategy, and drive complex deals from initial outreach through close
• Demonstrated ability to develop compelling business cases and influence stakeholders
• Strong judgment, executive presence, and communication skills

Nice to have

• Prior experience in HELOC, auto lending, or other secured consumer lending markets
• An established network of senior relationships across banks, credit unions, and related financial institutions
• Experience using AI tools to improve prospecting, account research, deal strategy, or sales execution

Benefits

• Base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
• 401(k) or Group Retirement Savings Plan with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for eligible employees (US only)
• Medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources
• Health Savings Account contributions for eligible plans (US only)
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays
• Paid family and parental leave
• Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial wellness resources and financial concierge service (US Only)
• Annual wellness allowance

Before you apply

• For roles based in Canada, Upstart is not currently able to hire in Quebec

About the company

Upstart is an AI lending marketplace that partners with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. The company is digital-first with employees located in over 80 cities across the US and Canada.