Director, Credit Risk — Strategic Risk & Oversight Leader

Sallie Mae; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Sallie Mae is seeking a Director of Credit Risk to lead the Second Line of Defense, overseeing credit risk practices across the lifecycle. You will partner with First Line teams, support regulatory examinations, and elevate risk governance with data-driven insights.

You will guide strategies, analytics, and models/tools governance, while mentoring future risk leaders and ensuring alignment with risk appetite and regulatory expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business or related field; advanced degree or certifications preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in first or second line credit management in financial services, focusing on the credit lifecycle.
• Experience and understanding of lines of defense responsibilities and risk governance frameworks.
• Knowledge of consumer and/or commercial lending products (e.g., student loans, mortgages, credit cards, small business).
• Ability to challenge constructively and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of U.S. banking regulations and supervisory expectations.
• Analytical, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills; ability to think strategically.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective challenge to First Line credit strategies, assumptions, control frameworks, and portfolio actions; document conclusions.
• Conduct independent credit risk assessments and thematic reviews across origination, servicing, loss mitigation, and recovery activities.
• Assess adherence to credit policies, risk appetite statements, underwriting standards, and concentration limits; recommend enhancements.
• Lead oversight of the Risk Appetite for credit risk by monitoring KRIs, portfolio trends, and emerging risks.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Python

SAS

SQL

Excel

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business

Advanced degree or certifications (CRC, FRM, CFA) preferred

Tools

Python

SAS

SQL

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Sallie Mae is seeking a Director of Credit Risk to lead the Second Line of Defense, overseeing credit risk practices across the lifecycle. You will partner with First Line teams, support regulatory examinations, and elevate risk governance with data-driven insights.

You will guide strategies, analytics, and models/tools governance, while mentoring future risk leaders and ensuring alignment with risk appetite and regulatory expectations.