Senior Director, Model Risk

Role Overview

The Senior Director, Model Risk will lead and manage the model risk management team, overseeing model risk across financial modeling, credit risk, operational risk, and other areas that depend on decision‑making models.

• Develop and implement a robust model risk assessment framework.
• Conduct comprehensive model risk assessments, including validation, calibration, and benchmarking.
• Collaborate with senior management, model owners, and regulators to communicate model risk activities and findings.
• Establish and enforce model governance policies, procedures, and standards.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop and maintain model risk management policies and guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to model risk management.
• Oversee the validation process to maintain the independence and integrity of the validation function.
• Review and evaluate model validation reports, ensuring they accurately reflect risks.

• Strong knowledge of quantitative modeling techniques, statistical analysis, and risk management principles.
• In‑depth understanding of regulatory requirements, industry guidelines, and best practices related to model risk management.
• Excellent leadership and people‑management skills, with a proven record of driving results.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with keen attention to detail.

• Analytics in Python, SAS, SQL and expertise with BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, Microsoft Office).
• Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.S., or equivalent) in a quantitative field such as mathematics, statistics, economics, or related disciplines.
• 10+ years of experience in model risk management or related fields within the financial industry.

• Competitive base salary
• Bonus incentives
• Generous PTO, floating holidays, and 12 federal holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, and pet insurance
• Employer‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability and basic life insurance
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs
• On‑site fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (outside Delaware)
• Confidential counseling support (EAP), health advocacy services, and wellness program with financial incentives
• Tuition reimbursement and family scholarship programs
• Career development and training opportunities

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers in compensation and employment opportunities against qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. For assistance, please call (855) 756‑2007 and choose option 9. All information you provide will be kept confidential and used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Sallie Mae is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.