Senior Director, Operational Risk & Internal Audit

Description The Senior Director, Internal Audit - Operational Risk is responsible for leading the enterprise-wide internal audit strategy and assurance program for operational risk management, governance, and organizational resilience. This role serves as a key member of Internal Audit leadership and a trusted advisor to executive management, providing independent assurance over the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control frameworks across the organization. The Senior Director establishes audit coverage strategies, directs the execution of complex risk-based assurance activities, and provides thought leadership regarding emerging operational risks, regulatory expectations, and governance practices. This role is accountable for ensuring Internal Audit delivers meaningful insights that strengthen organizational resilience, improve risk management capabilities, and support strategic objectives. The Senior Director partners closely with executive leadership, Board and Board Committee members, regulators, and external auditors while providing strategic leadership across the Internal Audit function. Here’s what you can expect from the job and what you need to be successful: What You’ll Do: Lead the enterprise Operational Risk Internal Audit function, establishing audit strategies, priorities, methodologies, and multi-year coverage plans. Develop and execute risk-based assurance strategies covering operational risk management, enterprise risk management, governance, and organizational resilience programs. Provide strategic oversight and direction for the planning, execution, reporting, and issue validation of complex audit and advisory engagements. Advise executive leadership and Board Committees on governance, operational risk, resilience, and emerging risk matters through independent assurance and risk insight. Direct audit coverage and independent assessments of: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Operational Risk Management Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Operational Resilience Model Risk Management (MRM) Enterprise Issue Management Governance and Risk Committees Strategic Change and Transformation Management Incident and Event Management Evaluate enterprise risk governance frameworks and provide independent challenge regarding organizational risk appetite, risk reporting, issue management, and operational effectiveness. Lead interactions with regulators, external auditors, and executive stakeholders regarding operational risk governance, audit results, remediation activities, and emerging risks. Provide independent oversight of significant business initiatives, strategic transformations, mergers, technology modernization efforts, and enterprise-wide risk programs. Drive innovation and continuous improvement within Internal Audit through advanced analytics, risk assessment methodologies, automation, and emerging audit practices. Develop and execute talent strategies, succession planning, leadership development, and organizational capability initiatives across the Operational Risk Audit organization. Essential Skills: Required Experience: 8+ years of internal audit standards, methodologies, and professional practices. 6+ years of experience leading a diverse team including hiring, coaching and performance management. Deep expertise in operational risk management frameworks, governance structures, and risk oversight practices. Demonstrated experience building and leading enterprise-wide audit programs and strategies. Strong understanding of financial services regulatory expectations, governance requirements, and emerging operational risks. Extensive experience evaluating enterprise risk management, operational resilience, third-party risk, business continuity, model risk, and issue management programs. Proven ability to influence executive leadership and provide effective independent challenge on complex risk and governance matters. Experience presenting to Boards, Audit Committees, Risk Committees, regulators, and executive leadership teams. Strong strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and change management capabilities. Exceptional communication, executive presence, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills. Demonstrated ability to lead through multiple layers of management and develop future leaders. Certifications: CIA, CRMA, CRISC, CISA, FRM, CRCM or PMP Preferred Location: Hillsboro Corporate Office | Hillsboro OR 97124 Marlborough Corporate Office | Marlborough, MA Chelmsford Corporate Office | Chelmsford, MA Target Compensation: $190,000 to $220,000 base pay + Annual Bonus Who We Are: Every great journey begins with a bold idea-and ours is no different. First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life. Employees are eligible for: Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage Generous 401(k) match Paid Time Off: You’ll accrue up to 15 days in your first year. In addition, you’ll receive 40 hours of sick time and 3 personal days, which refresh annually Paid federal holidays Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria) Employment Statements: First Tech is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity, inclusion, and equity at our company. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. If you’re applying for a job and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an email to View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. First Tech is not currently offering Visa transfer/sponsorship for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr First Tech Federal Credit Union