VP of Risk Management

VP of Risk Management

Middletown, NY, NY (

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Come Join Heritage Financial Credit Union as Vice President of Risk Management

Are you an experienced risk management leader passionate about driving growth while safeguarding the future in the banking/credit union space?

We’re looking for a strategic visionary to take the lead as theVice President of Risk Managementand lead the Credit Union's Enterprise Risk Management program. In this pivotal role, you’ll play an essential part in shaping a comprehensive risk framework that not only protects our financial health, reputation, and regulatory standing but also fuels our mission to empower members and foster growth.

Here's a little about us:Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution that is committed to helping our members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. We believe that everyone deserves access to affordable financial services, and we are dedicated to providing our members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial dreams. Our vision is to be the leading financial institution in the communities we serve, and we are committed to creating a culture of excellence where our employees can thrive. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, and where we can all work together to achieve our goals. We recognize that our employees are our most important asset, and we are committed to providing them with the training, development, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Our Core Values:Experience:Go Above Expectations; Create Positive Moments; Personally AcknowledgeService:Deliver As One Team; Stay A Step Ahead; Guide With Product ExpertiseIntegrity:Do What's Right; Speak the Truth; Own Our ActionsPeople:Grow Together; Respect Every Voice; Build Trusting Relationships; Strengthen Culture & Community

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POSITION PURPOSE

The Vice President of Risk Management is responsible for leading the Credit Union’s Enterprise Risk Management program and ensuring a comprehensive, forward looking risk framework that protects the organizations financial strength, reputation and regulatory standing. This role provides strategic leadership of operational, regulatory, vendor, liquidity, and strategic risks, ensuring alignment with the Credit Union’s growth objectives and member focused mission.

The VP of Risk Management guides policy and procedure changes, strengthens internal controls, supports training and risk awareness initiatives, helps streamline processes, mentors staff, and promotes a strong proactive risk culture throughout the Credit Union. This position is a member of the Senior Management team and advises of emerging risk and consults/guides the Credit Union in the establishment of controls to mitigate identified risks.

This position reports to the CFO and serves as a strategic advisor to Executive Management. This position provides oversight of our Risk, Compliance, Vendor Management, and Legal functions. This role will also partner with key leaders on Business Continuity, Cybersecurity and Data Governance initiatives.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

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.

• Ensure enterprise risk management practices support the Credit Union’s ability to deliver consistent, secure, and high-quality services to members while maintaining operational resiliency and protecting member assets.

• 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 the communities the Credit Union serves.

• 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.

• Provide risk advisory support for major initiatives including system implementations, vendor management initiatives, strategic projects, and potential mergers or acquisitions.

• Provide risk advisory support to leadership that balances 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.

• Promote an organizational 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 qualifications include one or more of the following certifications: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Knowledge:The VP of Risk Management must possess 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. The incumbent must demonstrate fluency in key consumer compliance laws; including BSA/AML, OFAC, TILA, ECOA, FCRA, and TISA — as well as NCUA's prudential risk guidelines covering interest rate, liquidity, and concentration risk. Familiarity with NCUA's Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework, Supervisory Committee requirements, and applicable Dodd-Frank provisions is required. The role also demands 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/influence skills to clearly communicate complex information both written and verbally are required, including reports; presentations; group facilitation skills; ability to develop strong professional relationships and networking internally/externally.

Experience providing leadership and influential oversight of others required.

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

What's in it for you?

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)

• Supplement 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.