Director, Collections Strategy — AI-Driven Recoveries Leader

Sallie Mae Bank; Newark (DE); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

401k with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Sallie Mae seeks a Director of Collections Strategy to design and lead post-default recovery programs for its private student loan portfolio. This role requires strategic vision, cross-functional influence, and hands-on execution to maximize asset recovery while controlling costs.

You will mentor a high‑performing team, implement testing of regulations, and partner with legal and external agencies. Located in Newark, DE or Sterling, VA with a future Arlington move, the position combines

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in financial services with collections/recovery risk.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. consumer protection laws (FDCPA).
• Proficient in SAS, SQL and Microsoft Office products.
• Experience with financial forecasting, modeling processes and managing internal & external control requirements.
• Strong analytic & problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute post-default recovery strategies across all collections channels (in-house collections, external agencies, attorney network).
• Lead and mentor a high-performing collections team and implement training programs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align collections strategy with risk policies and regulatory guidance.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure performance and drive continuous improvement across channels.

Skills

SAS

SQL

Microsoft Office

Financial forecasting

Modeling

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics or related field

Job description

Sallie Mae seeks a Director of Collections Strategy to design and lead post-default recovery programs for its private student loan portfolio. This role requires strategic vision, cross-functional influence, and hands-on execution to maximize asset recovery while controlling costs.

You will mentor a high‑performing team, implement testing of regulations, and partner with legal and external agencies. Located in Newark, DE or Sterling, VA with a future Arlington move, the position combines