VP of Risk Management

Heritage Financial Credit Union; Headquarters (KY); On-site; USD 157,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401(k) with 5% Employer Match

Educational Assistance

Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

Job summary

A member-owned financial institution in Kentucky is seeking a Vice President of Risk Management to lead its Enterprise Risk Management program. This role involves developing comprehensive risk frameworks, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards, and guiding policy changes across various operational domains. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in compliance, security, and risk management, along with strong communication skills. A competitive salary range of $157,000 – $175,000 annually is offered, along with comprehensive benefits including medical insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in bank compliance, security, AML/BSA/Fraud, and cybersecurity.
• Preferred certifications include Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), ACAMS, or CISM.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal regulatory frameworks governing credit unions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and enhancement of the Enterprise Risk Management framework.
• Partner with business leaders to identify and document risks.
• Promote a strong risk culture through education and collaboration.

Skills

Excellent communication and influence skills

Ability to project a professional appearance

Education

4-year college degree

Job description

Vice President of Risk Management

Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member‑owned financial institution committed to helping members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. We seek a strategic visionary who can lead the Credit Union’s Enterprise Risk Management program and ensure a forward‑looking framework that protects our financial health, reputation, and regulatory standing while fueling our mission to empower members and foster growth.

Position Purpose

The Vice President of Risk Management leads the organization’s Enterprise Risk Management program and is responsible for establishing a comprehensive, proactive risk framework. This role provides strategic leadership over operational, regulatory, vendor, liquidity, and strategic risks, ensuring alignment with the Credit Union’s growth objectives and member‑focused mission. The VP guides policy and procedure changes, strengthens internal controls, supports training and risk awareness initiatives, mentors staff, and promotes a strong risk culture. The position reports to the CFO, advises executive management, and oversees Risk, Compliance, Vendor Management, and Legal functions, partnering with key leaders on Business Continuity, Cybersecurity, and Data Governance initiatives.

Responsibilities

Enterprise Risk Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the Credit Union’s Enterprise Risk Management framework, including operational, regulatory, vendor, physical security, and strategic risk components.
• Establish and maintain risk assessment methodologies that identify, evaluate, and monitor enterprise‑wide risk exposures.
• Develop tools, processes, and reporting mechanisms that allow leadership to measure, monitor, and communicate risk across the organization.
• Ensure alignment of risk management practices with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
• Support the Credit Union’s ability to responsibly innovate, expand services, and deepen community relationships while maintaining a safe and sound operating environment.

Risk Identification, Monitoring & Reporting

• Partner with business leaders to identify, assess, aggregate, and document risks and controls across operational areas, including new or modified products, services, delivery channels, regulatory requirements, and third‑party relationships.
• Evaluate operational and strategic risks associated with new products, services, delivery channels, and partnerships to ensure they are introduced responsibly and continue to deliver value to members and communities.
• Monitor key risk indicators and performance metrics to identify emerging trends or potential areas of exposure.
• Communicate risk assessment results and recommendations to executive leadership, governance committees, and business unit leaders.
• Support the development and execution of stress testing and contingency planning activities in coordination with relevant departments.

Governance, Policy & Internal Controls

• Recommend and guide policy and procedural changes that strengthen the Credit Union’s internal control environment and risk posture.
• Ensure enterprise policies and risk management practices remain aligned with regulatory guidance and organizational strategy.
• Collaborate with Information Technology leadership to strengthen cybersecurity controls and support data governance initiatives.
• Support enterprise governance practices that reinforce the Credit Union’s fiduciary responsibility to safeguard member assets and maintain institutional stability.

Organizational Risk Advisory

• Serve as a consultative partner to executive and senior leadership in evaluating business risks and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Provide guidance to business units in identifying, evaluating, and managing operational and regulatory risks.
• Offer risk advisory support for major initiatives including system implementations, vendor management initiatives, strategic projects, and potential mergers or acquisitions.
• Balance prudent risk management with the Credit Union’s mission to deliver accessible financial services and meaningful value to its membership and communities.

Regulatory & External Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between the Credit Union and regulatory agencies regarding enterprise risk management matters.
• Support regulatory examinations and provide guidance to management on regulatory risk expectations.
• Assist leadership in maintaining a risk governance framework consistent with regulatory expectations and sound financial institution practices.

Leadership & Risk Culture

• Promote a strong and proactive risk culture throughout the organization through education, communication, and collaboration.
• Build organizations’ understanding that effective risk management strengthens the Credit Union’s ability to serve members, protect their financial well‑being, and sustain long‑term community impact.
• Identify and coordinate training initiatives to strengthen organizational awareness of risk management principles and responsibilities.
• Build strong working relationships across departments to facilitate effective risk identification and resolution.
• Provide leadership and development support to staff within the Risk Management and Compliance functions.

Qualifications

Education / Certification: 4‑year college degree preferred plus 5‑10 years of experience in bank compliance, security, AML/BSA/Fraud, and cybersecurity or a comparable combination of education and experience. Preferred certifications include Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Association of Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the federal regulatory framework governing federally chartered credit unions, including the Federal Credit Union Act, NCUA rules and regulations, and the CAMEL(S) rating system used in examinations. Fluency in key consumer compliance laws (BSA/AML, OFAC, TILA, ECOA, FCRA, TISA) and NCUA prudential risk guidelines. Familiarity with NCUA’s Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework, Supervisory Committee requirements, and applicable Dodd‑Frank provisions. Working knowledge of FFIEC cybersecurity guidance, third‑party vendor management expectations, and model risk management best practices. Experience navigating NCUA examinations is essential.

Experience: Excellent communication and influence skills to clearly convey complex information both written and verbally, including reports, presentations, and group facilitation. Experience providing leadership and influential oversight of others. Proven ability to develop strong professional relationships and networking internally and externally.

Skills / Abilities: Ability to project a professional appearance and positive attitude at all times.

Salary

Salary: $157,000 – $175,000 annually, based on experience.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) / Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Supplementary Benefits: Critical Illness Care, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Legal Services
• BenefitsPlus+ perks program (travel, entertainment, gift cards and so much more)
• CareNet – benefits concierge service
• 401(k) with 5% Employer Match
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Time to Volunteer
• HFCU Logo‑wear (that our employees wear with pride!)

Equal Opportunity Statement
Employment at our Credit Union is based upon merit, ability, and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.