Chief Risk Officer

At Kirtland Credit Union, we're committed to helping our employees build rewarding and meaningful careers. As one of New Mexico's leading financial institutions, we foster a culture of collaboration, professional growth, innovation, and service excellence. We believe our success starts with our people and we're proud to invest in their development and success.

We are currently seeking a Chief Risk Officer to Join Kirtland Credit Union! This is a regular, full time position based in at our Kirtland CU Headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Join the rest of our teammates and become eligible for a generous benefits package that we offer:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Profit Sharing Program
• Paid Time Off Beginning on Day One
• 11 Paid Holidays Annually
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Wellness Reimbursement Program (up to $300 annually)
• Employer-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employer-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Travel Assistance Program
• Employee Clothing Advance Program
• Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Plans

This is what we would like you to do:

The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is a strategic executive responsible for leading and advancing Kirtland Credit Union’s enterprise risk management framework and related functions, including Risk Management, Compliance, Legal, Fraud Prevention, Quality Assurance, Vendor Management, and Account Resolutions. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will identify, evaluate, mitigate, and monitor operational, financial, regulatory, compliance, and strategic risks while ensuring alignment with the Credit Union’s mission, strategic objectives, and risk appetite. The CRO serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board, providing strategic guidance on risk governance, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience. This role partners across the organization to foster a culture of accountability, integrity, compliance, and risk awareness while supporting sustainable growth and exceptional member service.

Primary Job Duties:

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Compliance, Legal, Fraud Prevention, Quality Assurance, Vendor Management, and Account Resolutions functions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain ERM tools, policies, practices, reporting mechanisms, and risk assessments across the organization.
• Identify, evaluate, monitor, and mitigate operational, financial, regulatory, compliance, strategic, and reputational risks.
• Oversee regulatory compliance programs and evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, including the NCUA, and external audit firms to ensure successful examinations and audits.
• Lead the vendor management program, providing risk assessment guidance and oversight of third-party relationships.
• Direct the Account Resolutions team, ensuring compliant, effective, and member-focused collection and resolution activities.
• Participate in and contribute to key governance committees, including the Loan Charge-Off Committee (LCOC), Asset Liability Committee (ALCO), and Credit Risk Analytics Committee (CRAC).
• Prepare and present risk, compliance, and governance reports to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop subordinate managers while promoting operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Support strategic planning initiatives and drive risk-informed decision-making throughout the Credit Union.

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Law, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree (MBA, Juris Doctor, Master’s degree, or equivalent) preferred.
• Professional certifications related to risk management, compliance, auditing, or financial services are a plus.

Experience:

• Ten years of directly related experience with enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, business continuity, fraud management, vendor management, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), internal and external audit, and legal preferred. Direct experience in a Financial Institution preferred.
• Proven experience managing NCUA examinations and regulatory relationships.
• Experience preparing and delivering executive and Board-level reporting.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing organizational strategy and enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Minimum of five to ten (5-10) years of progressive senior leadership experience with responsibility for leading managers and multiple functional areas.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of enterprise risk management principles, practices, and regulatory requirements within the financial services industry.
• Strong understanding of NCUA regulations, compliance frameworks, BSA/AML requirements, and audit processes.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to assess complex risks and develop practical, business-focused solutions.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills with regulators, auditors, executive leadership, Board members, and external partners.
• Ability to influence and drive organizational change while maintaining a collaborative, member-focused culture.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment and commitment to ethical business practices.
• Proficiency in risk reporting, governance practices, and executive-level decision support.

Kirtland Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.