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Sallie Mae · 2 weeks ago

Director, Credit Risk – Loss Mitigation and Portfolio (Second Line of Defense)

Sterling, VA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

7+ years exp

Sallie Mae is on a mission to empower students through their educational journey. The Director, Credit Risk – Loss Mitigation will oversee the bank’s loss mitigation activities, ensuring strategies are data-driven and aligned with regulatory expectations while enhancing portfolio quality.

Financial ServicesHigher Education

Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Provide 2LOD independent oversight of the bank’s loss mitigation activities, including collections, charge-offs, recoveries, and payment programs

Evaluate the effectiveness of first-line controls and ensure adherence to internal policies

Conduct credit risk assessments and thematic reviews for collections operations, collection strategy, and portfolio review

Lead oversight of the Risk Appetite for Loss Mitigation by monitoring and reporting on key risk indicators (KRIs), emerging risks, and trends in delinquency and default management

Deliver independent oversight and effective challenge to business line strategies, risk assessments, and control frameworks

Support governance and validation of Allowance for Credit Losses (ACL) methodologies and assumptions

Collaborate with Compliance, Internal Audit, and Operational Risk to ensure comprehensive risk coverage. Prepare and present risk reports to senior management, risk committees, and regulatory bodies

Drive adoption of advanced analytics and reporting tools to enhance risk identification, monitoring, and reporting

Mentor and develop future risk leaders within the organization

Qualification

Credit risk managementLoss mitigation strategiesData analysisRegulatory complianceCredit loss forecastingStakeholder managementConsumer lending knowledgeAdvanced analytics toolsCommunication skillsProblem-solving skillsInterpersonal skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications (CRC, FRM, CFA) preferred

Minimum 7+ years of experience in first line or second line credit management within the financial services industry, with a strong focus on loss mitigation and collections

Demonstrated experience and strong understanding of lines of defense responsibilities and risk governance frameworks

In-depth knowledge of consumer and/or commercial lending products (e.g., student loans, mortgages, credit cards, small business)

Experience with credit loss forecasting and allowance for credit losses (CECL)

Proven ability to challenge constructively and influence cross-functional stakeholders

Strong understanding of U.S. banking regulations and supervisory expectations

Exceptional analytical, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to think strategically and make informed decisions

Proficiency in analytics, using Python, SAS, SQL, and Microsoft Office Suite

Proven ability to communicate complex analytics to executive audiences

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence across functions