Sr. Director, Risk Program Governance

At Early Warning, we’ve powered and protected the U.S. financial system for over thirty years with cutting‑edge solutions like Zelle®, Paze℠, and so much more. As a trusted name in payments, we partner with thousands of institutions to increase access to financial services and protect transactions for hundreds of millions of consumers and small businesses.

Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to allow for a more collaborative working environment.

Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States, for any employer, at the date of hire. This position is ineligible for employment Visa sponsorship.

The Sr. Director of Risk Program Governance is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and oversight of risk governance frameworks, policies, and programs that support the organization’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) strategy. The Sr. Director role drives alignment between risk appetite, business objectives, and regulatory expectations to enable informed decision‑making and sustainable risk management.

• Leads the management and maturity of the enterprise risk management program, including overall risk governance, risk program management and oversight, risk identification and assessment methodology.

• Leads the development, implementation, and oversight of risk program governance frameworks across enterprise risk programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.

• Establishes and oversees governance routines (working groups, risk forums, etc.) to provide oversight and decision‑making across the risk lifecycle.

• Drives consistency, standardization, and accountability across risk programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Collaborates with first‑ and second‑line leaders to ensure governance frameworks are embedded and effective at all organizational levels.

• Monitors risk program execution and adherence to governance requirements through key metrics, risk reporting, and assurance activities.

• Leads the creation, standardization, and review of program documentation, standards, and procedures.

• Identifies governance‑related gaps and coordinate remediation plans and continuous improvement efforts.

• Supports strategic risk initiatives, including risk transformation and change readiness.

• Leads or influences cross‑functional teams to enhance governance effectiveness and risk culture across the organizations.

• Aligns ERM program with annual strategic planning process, budgeting and project prioritization.

• Conducts enterprise and other risk assessments, as needed to identify and assess significant risks, including working with the analytics team to model risks and understand all impact, worst case scenarios, etc.

• Collaborates with risk SMEs and other first‑ and second‑line teams to identify, report, and monitor emerging risks to the company.

• Contributes to the reporting of enterprise‑level risks and the company’s overall risk profile to the company’s functional business leaders, executives, and governance committees.

• Leads a small team of risk practitioners, ensuring clear accountability and delivery excellence.

• Education and experience typically obtained through completion of a bachelor’s degree in business or related field.

• A minimum of 12 years or more experience in risk management, preferably in a regulated industry.

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a leadership role with direct reports.

• Proven in‑depth knowledge of risk management programs, best practices, methodologies and frameworks typically gained through related experience.

• Demonstrated experience within a three‑lines of defense program.

• General knowledge of regulatory requirements specific to the financial services industry.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to influence and guide others at all levels of the organization.

• Proven strategic thinker and creative problem solver who also demonstrates strong attention to detail and efficiency.

• Ability to navigate ambiguous situations and…