Chief Risk Officer- Nelnet Bank

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

The Chief Risk Officer is a senior executive officer of the bank that establishes the risk management appetite and profile of the bank under the direction of the board and CEO in support of the bank’s strategic plan.  The position will chair the bank’s risk management committee and report the status, findings and recommendations of risk matters regularly to the board's risk management committee.  The position establishes a bank wide program that monitors and reports metrics that identify, assess, escalate and manage existing and emerging risks that impact the bank.  This position leads the banks entire 2nd line of defense in all risk categories that includes, compliance/regulatory, credit, model, operations, technology, liquidity, interest rate and reputation risk.   The position leads compliance professionals and others that are responsible for evaluating and testing compliance with policies and applicable regulations.  The BSA/AML Officer ensures the development and maintenance of a robust bank secrecy act program for the bank with all its required pillars for both the lending and deposit taking activities of the bank.  This position will be particularly focused on the unique facets of a start-up bank including the bank readiness exam and related regulatory interactions, operational, technology, servicing, and product development and execution and other de novo implications required to operate the bank in a safe and sound manner consistent with regulatory expectations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.    Collaborate with the CEO in setting and driving organizational excellence that results in a strong risk management profile that identifies and mitigates risk while delivering an exceptional customer experience, best in class employee satisfaction, and superior shareholder value.
2.    Establish a strong risk culture at the bank and the enterprise that supports effective risk identification and mitigation.
3.    Provide a credible challenge to strategies, programs, operations, policies, risk limits, and all related risk assessments and metrics.  Develop and continuously improve and mature the risk management program and all 2nd line of defense activities.   
4.    Support and provide guidance to the 1st line teams in developing plans, activities and metrics that support a strong risk culture.  
5.    Identify and evaluate economic, regulatory changes and other external factors as well as internal business strategies that could put the bank’s ability to succeed and meet its strategic plan at risk.  
6.    Develop and execute an appropriate Banks Secrecy Act and Anti-money Laundering Program with all its pillars that is commensurate with the size, scope and complexity of the bank.  Ensure the program incorporates oversight of the parent company who provides inputs and directly manages or supports any part of the bank’s compliance framework.  
7.    Collaborate with business, technology, security, vendor and audit professionals to support risk assessments, respond to audits, remediate compliance and operational risks, and ensure the proper implementation of any new or existing system changes or other significant initiatives.   
8.    Timely communicate, escalate and report to the management and board Risk and Compliance Committees any risk or compliance concerns, issues or trends that are identified.
9.    Establish a program that monitors and validates adherence to internal controls and escalate as appropriate.  
10.    Maintain and continuously expand knowledge of industry related regulatory requirements, contract requirements, compliance and risk management best practices.
11.    Evaluate first line practices, and make recommendations to improve policies, standards, guidelines and procedures.
12.    Prepare, monitor, and oversee the budget in accordance with established formats and guidelines.
13.    Manage multiple conflicting priorities & consistently meet deadlines
14.    Analyze both short and long-term impacts of business changes and plans accordingly.
15.    Provide feedback to operational teams, compliance teams and others as appropriate regarding performance. 
16.    Provide coaching and mentoring and an effective performance management process

Note: This role is onsite in our Draper, Utah office.

EDUCATION: 
1.    Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance or Accounting required. Advanced degree and related certifications a plus.  

EXPERIENCE: 
1.    20+ years in risk management, finance, banking, regulatory governance or compliance related field. Experience in holding executive leadership positions.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:
1.    In-depth knowledge of designing and executing risk programs that include enhancements and remediation. 
2.    Extensive banking and regulatory relations experience.
3.    Technical and working knowledge of BSA/AML program requirements.
4.    Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
5.    Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while leading team members and working across the organization with colleagues to achieve results. 
6.    Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with ability to achieve goals.
7.    Demonstrated aptitude for learning new technologies.
8.    Ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects, and work within critical timelines.
9.    Strong leadership ability and personnel development skills.
 

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.  

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.