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.

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:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience within a financial institution environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, business continuity, fraud management, vendor management, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), internal audit, external audit, and legal functions.
• Proven…