Officer, Model and AI System Risk Management

Wintrust Financial Corp; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Company 401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Wintrust Financial Corp. seeks an Officer, Model and AI System Risk Management to independently validate AI systems, ML models, and traditional models across enterprise risk areas including CECL, stress testing, and AML/sanctions.

This role collaborates with stakeholders, documents methodologies, and supports model governance and regulatory examinations. The position requires 2–5 years in data science and model validation with a Master’s degree or PhD preferred; on-site work in Chicago is

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in data science, AI systems, ML models, development and validation related to credit risk (Consumer and Commercial).
• Master’s degree or PhD preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent validation of bank-wide AI and ML models and traditional models per SR 26-02/OCC 2026-13 and internal policies.
• Develop validation plans, conduct quantitative/qualitative tests, and assess data integrity and model performance.
• Provide challenges during validation and document governance, testing results, and remediation plans.

Skills

Data science & ML

Model validation

Credit risk knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master’s degree or PhD

Job description

Wintrust provides community and commercial banking, specialty finance and wealth management services through its 16 bank charters and nine non-bank businesses. Wintrust delivers the sophisticated solutions of a large bank while staying true to the relationship-focused, personalized service of our community banking roots. We serve clients in all 50 states with more than 200 branch banking locations in Illinois, southwestern Florida, northwestern Indiana, west Michigan and southern Wisconsin and commercial banking offices in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Mich., and in key branch banking locations throughout Illinois. Our people are the heart of our business and we are proud to rank consistently as a top place to work.

Wintrust is a $66 billion financial institution based in Rosemont, Illinois, and listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “WTFC.”

Why join us? An award-winning culture! We are rated a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune (past 12 years) and Employee Recommended award by the Globe & Mail (past 6 years). Competitive pay and discretionary or incentive bonus eligible. Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, a 401k plan with a generous company match and tuition reimbursement to name a few. Promote from within culture. Why join this team? We foster an inclusive environment for an individual to grow and work independently. Opportunity to interact with management level, experienced professionals - higher visibility. Wintrust has a great culture that comes from the top down. Gain experience and further your career by joining a growing organization.

Position Overview

The Officer, Model and AI System Risk Management will conduct various activities related to enterprise model risk validation and model governance for AI Systems, Machine Learning models, as well as conventional models. This individual is accountable for independently validating the technical and functional soundness of bank-wide models including AI Systems, Machine Learning, CECL, Stress Testing, Anti-Money Laundering, Economic Sanctions, Customer Risk Ratings, Fair Lending, as well as valuation models.

What You’ll Do

Perform independent and comprehensive validation of bank-wide AI systems/Machine Learning/statistical/econometric/ mathematical and qualitative (expert judgment) models in compliance with SR 26-02/OCC 2026-13, Model Risk Management (MRM) policy, AI policy, and internal procedures. Develop a model validation testing plan commensurate with the model risk tier and perform quantitative and qualitative tests to assess models for conceptual soundness, implementation accuracy, data integrity, and performance accuracy, including back testing, sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, benchmarking, and governance. Provide effective and meaningful challenges during the following processes of model validation: Review of conceptual soundness; Review adequacy of modeling data; Materiality analysis of model assumptions and limitations; Review of model theoretical framework and design; Review of model performance. Review of Model Documentation to ensure compliance with regulation/policy. Model documentation review should consist, amongst others, the following: Assessing the quality of model documentation; Reviewing documentation of developmental evidence; Review documentation of model governance; Review testing results in the model methodology document. Design and execute a comprehensive and granular program for the following: Data Validation; Model theoretical framework and design; Assumptions and Limitations testing; Model Conceptual soundness; Back-testing; Model Effectiveness Testing, Sensitivity Analysis; Benchmarking for material portfolios; and developing benchmark Machine Learning models. Maintain status updates and facilitate resolution/escalations of issues in a timely fashion. Use MRM Model Validation tool to perform model validation activities. The analyst in collaboration with the VP of Model Risk Management interfaces with key stakeholders throughout validation process to discuss justification and reasoning behind validation and review findings. Manage activities related to model governance and assist VP model risk management in creating reports for the senior management, executive management, risk committees, and regulatory exams. In collaboration with VP, Model Risk Management, determine whether response and remediation plan received from model owners and users in response to a finding adequately address findings. Follow up with model owners to ensure findings are remediated in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• 2-5 Years of experience related to data science, AI systems, machine learning models, model development, and validation experience related to credit risk (Consumer and Commercial), Liquidity, Compliance (BSA/AML, Fair Lending), CECL.
• Master’s degree or PhD preferred.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Short-term and long-term Disability Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan at 5% discount
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Transportation and Commuting Benefits
• Banking Benefits
• Pet Insurance Compensation

The estimated salary range for this role is $100,000-$120,000, along with eligibility to earn an annual bonus. Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, such as a candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience. #LI-ONSITE

From our first day in business, Wintrust has been proud to serve a variety of unique communities and people from all walks of life. To build a company that reflects the communities we serve, we believe that fostering a unique and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed will support our ongoing success.

Wintrust Financial Corporation, including community banking and financial services subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

Wintrust may collect personal information from you in connection with the application process. Wintrust complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, and its policy may be found here Click here for Equal Opportunities.