Director, Model Risk Management

Come build the next-gen fintech at Zelle®, where we're relentlessly focused on empowering prosperity in all its forms.

From fast money movement for over 100 million people who can access Zelle® directly through their banking app to new account opening and beyond - we make a difference in the lives of consumers and businesses every day and enable them to live their best financial lives. And we're only getting started.

With a new, state-of-the-art HQ in Scottsdale, AZ - plus growing presences in San Francisco, New York City, and Chicago - we're entering our next big chapter.

Make your mark on what's next in fintech with Zelle®.

Overall Purpose

The Model Risk Management Director is responsible for the development, implementation, and coordination of a centralized second line of defense (LOD2) to govern all models, and capabilities for Early Warning's Model Governance program. This role is designed to ensure first-line and second line have identified potential risks with controls that are implemented consistently and operating effectively across the business lines as it relates to all risk types including strategic, operational, compliance and financial.

The role will be required to align with the company's Enterprise Risk Management Leadership around the structure of the 3LOD (three lines of defense) Program to ensure the consistency in the implementation and operationalization across the enterprise.

Essential Functions

• Design, implement, and manage an effective model risk management program to identify and address model risk, including:
  • Tracking regulatory developments related to model risk management and governance,
  • Reviewing all model components and development processes, and
  • Providing effective challenges to model soundness and validity.
• Develop and maintain policies, standards, and processes for model risk management and governance in line with regulatory requirements.
• Organize and facilitate key governance groups such as the Model Risk Management Committee to ensure effective model governance.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key model stakeholders, particularly Data Science, Fraud Analytics and Product teams. Facilitate communication among model validation teams and other relevant stakeholders, including model owners.
• Present and effectively support findings to model developers, model users, and senior management. Develop and prioritize actionable recommendations for model changes or enhancements.
• Contribute to the development of model risk training and awareness materials, as needed, to ensure adequate stakeholder knowledge of key model risk concepts.
• Establishes a risk-aware culture and change management across the organization.
• Creates "model readiness" within the organization, including but not limited to, a robust model inventory, appropriate model testing and validation approach, model governance (approval and changes), deployment of models and ongoing assessment of models
• Participates/ supports/ leads/ internal/ external audits to ensure appropriate identification, control, mitigation and accountability for risks
• Support business-line leadership in managing and reporting its related risks; provide reports and explanations for use in Business Reviews, Audit or Committee meetings.
• Collaborate with Business Intelligence to design and implement risk reports for management.
• Continually monitor and update assessments of the control environment, keeping abreast of significant control issues, trends, and developments.
• Perform internal control effectiveness test plans and procedures.
• Support the company's commitment to protect the integrity and confidentiality of systems and data.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or other related field of specialty.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Model Risk Management, data management or related field.
• Working knowledge and proven application of SR11-7 Guidance of Model Risk Management is required.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate and build trust in business partners.
• Demonstrated successful experience in audit, operational risk, and risk management.
• Demonstrated success leading risk functions in a 3LOD environment.
• Experience developing frameworks and processes to drive legal or regulatory compliance.
• Experience with policy development as it relates to meeting compliance requirements.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented; excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to influence and guide others.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a complex, highly regulated environment.
• Excellent problem solver with effective change management skills
• Effective influence management skills.
• Background and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep understanding of (Data Management Association) DAMA Principals and ability to customize for the environment
• Experience in Data Risk Management (highly preferred)
• Expertise in documenting end-to-end Process Map, Risk, and Controls
• Ability to engage with various cross functional teams in bringing together holistic perspective (upstream/downstream)
• PMP certifications or lean six sigma certifications are beneficial

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow instructions and perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Physical Requirements

Working conditions consist of a normal office environment. Work is primarily sedentary and requires extensive use of a computer and involves sitting for periods of approximately four hours. Work may require occasional standing, walking, kneeling, and reaching. Must be able to lift 10 pounds occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently. Requires visual acuity and dexterity to view, prepare, and manipulate documents and office equipment including personal computers. Requires the ability to communicate with internal and/or external customers.

Employee must be able to perform essential functions and physical requirements of position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States at the date of hire.

Some of the Ways We Prioritize Your Health and Happiness

• Healthcare Coverage - Competitive medical (PPO/HDHP), dental, and vision plans as well as company contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA) or pre-tax savings through flexible spending accounts (FSA) for commuting, health & dependent care expenses.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Featuring a 100% Company Safe Harbor Match on your first 5% deferral immediately upon eligibility.
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off - Unlimited Time Off for Exempt (salaried) employees, as well as generous PTO for Non-Exempt (hourly) employees, plus 11 paid company holidays
• Maven Family Planning - provides support through your Parenting journey including egg freezing, fertility, adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, postpartum, early pediatrics, and returning to work.

And SO much more! We continue to enhance our program, so be sure to check our Benefits page here for the latest.

*Unlimited Time Off available to regular, full-time exempt roles only. Our team can share more during the interview process!

Early Warning Services is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.