Risk Management Specialist - Assistant Director

What You'll Do This Risk Management Specialist - AD role is a critical part in strengthening risk management practices across selected corporate and business functions, with primary focus supporting global financial resources and retirement and income solutions. You will serve as a trusted risk advisor, leading second-line risk initiatives by aligning with business strategies and applying the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework, standards, policies and tools. You will partner with business and functional leaders to build the risk program (within the ERM framework), in alignment with strategic objectives, to assess risk, evaluate control environments, report on risk, and influence effective mitigation strategies to balance risk and reward. Risk Consulting & Advisory Partner with business units and functional leaders to provide risk consulting and influence on risk strategies, projects, higher-risk processes, emerging risks, and regulatory change. Build a risk program in alignment with business and functional strategic objectives to identify, assess, monitor, and report risk for prioritized management action. Influence the development of corrective action and mitigation plans, assessing effectiveness and recommending enhancements when needed. Support enterprise and business-specific risk initiatives using ERM frameworks, risk methodologies, and best practices. Risk Programs & Assessments Lead risk assessments and control reviews across varying levels of complexity and risk exposure. Evaluate the design and effectiveness of processes, policies, procedures, internal controls, and EUA tools. Apply strong risk and control thinking to identify gaps, prioritize risks, and influence actions to strengthen control structures. Governance & Oversight Support governance, standards, and oversight activities that drive consistency and accountability across ERM programs. Maintain ERM documentation and recommend improvements to risk standards, processes, and controls. Reporting & Communication Partner with leadership and risk program teams to develop and deliver risk reporting and insights that support informed decision-making. Identify areas where risk exposure may exceed tolerance levels and elevate issues as appropriate. Communicate complex risk concepts clearly to non-risk audiences. Who You Are Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience. 8+ years of experience in risk management, audit, compliance, legal, or direct business oversight with accountability for risk and compliance. Experience in risk management, having built risk programs. Strong analytical, problem-solving, strategic, and critical thinking skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. Knowledge of corporate functions and internal business operations preferred. Ability to provide on‑call support as needed. Why This Role This role offers the opportunity to operate at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution—shaping how risk is identified, managed, and communicated across critical enterprise functions. You’ll gain broad exposure to key business areas and corporate functions while partnering closely with senior leaders to influence decisions that matter. If you enjoy solving complex problems, strengthening control environments, and serving as a trusted advisor in a dynamic, evolving risk landscape, this role provides both impact and visibility. Salary Range Information Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non‑sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Salary Range (Non‑Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly) $127000 - $160000 / year Time Off Program Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short‑term illness. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided. Pension Eligible Yes Work Authorization/Sponsorship At this time, we’re not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but is not limited to: F1‑OPT, F1‑CPT, H‑1B, TN, L‑1, J‑1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs use the following links: Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment‑Based Immigrants. Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Principal Financial Group