[Hiring] Strategic Account Executive @Upstart

Role Description

As a Strategic Account Executive, Capital Partnerships, you will lead efforts to identify, attract, and develop new bank and credit union partnerships to expand our depository capital base, with a focus on new products. You will structure and execute thoughtful deals that align with each financial institution's funding needs, risk appetite, and strategic objectives. Working cross-functionally with teams across Upstart, you will turn high-potential opportunities into durable partnerships and meaningful sources of capital.

• Identify and qualify prospective partners based on their funding needs, risk appetite, strategic priorities, and interest in new products.
• Drive negotiations and close strategic partnerships that expand Upstart’s capital network and unlock new growth opportunities across products and channels.
• Build and cultivate relationships with executives and decision-makers at banks and credit unions.
• Develop compelling partnership strategies and business cases that demonstrate the value of working with Upstart.
• Collaborate with Solutions Consulting, Product, Legal, Credit, Operations, and other cross-functional teams to design and structure lender-aligned deals.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in leading and managing complex lending deals, corporate strategy, or business development strategy roles preferably at financial services institutions.
• 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 across both partner organizations and internal cross-functional teams.
• Strong judgment, executive presence, and communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex, high-visibility transactions.

Requirements

• 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

• Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly.
• Retirement benefits to help you plan for the future, including a 401(k) or Group Retirement Savings Plan with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually (USD in the US, CAD in Canada).
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US only).
• Comprehensive health coverage designed to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for US and supplemental health coverage for Canada.
• Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans (US only).
• Income protection benefits, including life insurance and disability coverage for added financial security.
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirements.
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments (duration varies by country).
• Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources.
• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service (US Only).
• Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you.
• Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from.
• Connection and community through team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs).
• Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).