Sr. Director, Risk Program Governance

Sr. Director Of Risk Program Governance

At Early Warning, we've powered and protected the U.S. financial system for over thirty years with cutting-edge solutions like Zelle, Paze?, and so much more. As a trusted name in payments, we partner with thousands of institutions to increase access to financial services and protect transactions for hundreds of millions of consumers and small businesses.

Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to allow for a more collaborative working environment.

Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States, for any employer, at the date of hire. This position is ineligible for employment Visa sponsorship.

Overall Purpose

The Sr. Director of Risk Program Governance is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and oversight of risk governance frameworks, policies, and programs that support the organization's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) strategy. The Sr. Director role drives alignment between risk appetite, business objectives, and regulatory expectations to enable informed decision-making and sustainable risk management.

Essential Functions

Leads the management and maturity of the enterprise risk management program, including overall risk governance, risk program management and oversight, risk identification and assessment methodology.

Leads the development, implementation, and oversight of risk program governance frameworks across enterprise risk programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.

Establishes and oversees governance routines (working groups, risk forums, etc.) to provide oversight and decision-making across the risk lifecycle.

Drives consistency, standardization, and accountability across risk programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Collaborates with first- and second-line leaders to ensure governance frameworks are embedded and effective at all organizational levels.

Monitors risk program execution and adherence to governance requirements through key metrics, risk reporting, and assurance activities.

Leads the creation, standardization, and review of program documentation, standards, and procedures.

Identifies governance-related gaps and coordinates remediation plans and continuous improvement efforts.

Supports strategic risk initiatives, including risk transformation and change readiness.

Leads or influences cross-functional teams to enhance governance effectiveness and risk culture across the organizations.

Aligns ERM program with annual strategic planning process, budgeting, and project prioritization.

Conducts enterprise and other risk assessments, as needed to identify and assess significant risks, including working with the analytics team to model risks and understand all impact, worst case scenarios, etc.

Collaborates with risk SMEs and other first- and second-line teams to identify, report, and monitor emerging risks to the company.

Contributes to the reporting of enterprise-level risks and the company's overall risk profile to the company's functional business leaders, executives, and governance committees.

Leads a small team of risk practitioners, ensuring clear accountability and delivery excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and experience typically obtained through completion of a bachelor's degree in business or related field.

A minimum of 12 years or more experience in risk management, preferably in a regulated industry.

Minimum 5+ years of experience in a leadership role with direct reports.

Proven in-depth knowledge of risk management programs, best practices, methodologies, and frameworks typically gained through related experience.

Demonstrated experience within a three-lines of defense program.

General knowledge of regulatory requirements specific to the financial services industry.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to influence and guide others at all levels of the organization.

Proven strategic thinker and creative problem solver who also demonstrates strong attention to detail and efficiency.

Ability to navigate ambiguous situations and drive decision-making.

Ability to manage change and learn quickly in a dynamic business environment.

Strong relationship building skills.

Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Background and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., JD, MBA, PhD).

Knowledge of the payments and / or financial services industries, regulatory trends, and competitive environment.

Knowledge and understanding of COSO's Enterprise Risk Management framework.

Experience with Integrated Risk Management Platforms.

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.

The base pay scale for this position in Phoenix, AZ / Chicago, IL in USD per year is : $190,000 - $215,000. New York, NY / San Francisco, CA in USD per year is : $200,000 - $240,000. Additionally, candidates are eligible for a discretionary incentive plan and benefits. This pay scale is subject to change and is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific candidate, which is always dependent on legitimate factors considered at the time of job offer. Early Warning Services takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining a competitive salary offer, including, but not limited to, the job scope, market rates and geographic location of a position, candidate's education, experience, training, and specialized skills or certification(s) in relation to the job requirements and compared with internal equity (peers). The business actively supports and reviews wage equity to ensure that pay decisions are not based on gender, race, national origin, or any other protected classes.

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 6% deferral immediately upon eligibility.
• Paid Time Off Flexible Time Off for Exempt (salaried) employees, as well as generous PTO for Non-Exempt (hourly) employees, plus 11 paid company holidays and a paid volunteer day.
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• 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. Our team can share more during the interview process!

Early Warning Services, LLC ("Early Warning") considers for employment, hires, retains and promotes qualified candidates on the basis of ability, potential, and valid qualifications without regard to race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and as such affirms in policy and practice to support and promote equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and municipal laws. The company also prohibits discrimination on other bases such as medical condition, marital status or any other factor that is irrelevant to the performance of our employees.

Early Warning Services LLC is a proud participant in E-Verify, a federal program to help ensure a legal and authorized workforce. As part of our hiring process, we electronically verify the employment eligibility of all new hires through E-Verify. For more information on your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify please visit Home | E-Verify.