Chief Credit Officer: Strategic Risk & Portfolio Leader

American Federal Bank; Fargo (ND); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

American Federal is seeking a visionary Chief Credit Officer to lead credit risk strategy, portfolio management, and credit administration as part of the executive team. This senior role balances growth with asset quality and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will orchestrate risk-aware decision-making, build high-performing teams, and drive governance across lending, compliance, and finance functions, while partnering with the Board on strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field required. MBA or JD is a plus.
• Seven plus years of increasingly responsible experience focusing on commercial, agricultural, and consumer credit.
• Minimum five years direct line lending experience is preferred.
• Strong background in credit administration, portfolio management, loan review and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent presentation, customer relations, interpersonal, communication, organizational, delegation, and team building skills.
• Proven ability to influence executive leadership, regulators, and Board members.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the Bank's overall credit risk management framework.
• Develop and execute strategies balancing portfolio growth, profitability, and risk management.
• Oversee loan portfolio quality and performance reporting to executives and the Board.
• Monitor credit concentrations, industry trends, and regulatory changes.
• Lead governance of credit policies, procedures, and examinations.
• Direct development of credit analysis tools and risk reporting systems.

Skills

Credit administration

Portfolio management

Loan review

Regulatory compliance

Executive leadership

Presentation and communication

Team building and mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/finance/accounting

MBA or JD preferred

Tools

Word

Excel

Lotus Notes

Job description

American Federal is seeking a visionary Chief Credit Officer to lead credit risk strategy, portfolio management, and credit administration as part of the executive team. This senior role balances growth with asset quality and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will orchestrate risk-aware decision-making, build high-performing teams, and drive governance across lending, compliance, and finance functions, while partnering with the Board on strategic initiatives.