Director, Operational Risk (Fraud and Payments Risk)

Overview

Leads and oversees the second line of defense (2LOD) operational risk management functions for both Fraud and Payments risk, providing direction and leadership in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating operational risks. Develops and implements risk policies, frameworks, and governance structures to enhance risk resilience. Leads cross-functional risk initiatives and collaborates with senior executives to drive a culture of risk awareness. Serves as a key advisor on risk-related matters and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Manages multiple teams and influences risk strategy across business units, driving operational excellence and enterprise risk management maturity.

More specifically, this role will help build a second line of defense oversight for the Fraud and Payments risk management programs within Navy Federal. The Director will establish and maintain an enterprise fraud and payments risk governance framework, independently challenge first-line fraud prevention and detection activities, and ensure adherence to regulatory expectations such as those from the FFIEC, CFPB, NCUA, and other supervisory bodies. Responsibilities include developing fraud and payments risk appetite statements, performing ongoing risk assessments, conducting thematic reviews, and driving governance routines that enhance transparency and accountability for both programs. The role ensures that fraud risks across payments, digital channels, identity, internal fraud, scams, and emerging threat vectors are effectively identified, monitored, and escalated. Additionally, the Director partners with enterprise fraud operations, compliance, cybersecurity, and technology teams to strengthen controls, enhance data-driven insights, and support the development of sustainable, well-governed fraud mitigation strategies. The Director will also partner with the Payments team to identify, assess, monitor and report on related risks and controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute enterprise-wide Fraud and Payments risk management strategy, ensuring a proactive and comprehensive approach to operational risk governance.
• Lead risk advisory services, guiding leadership on risk trends, emerging threats, and strategic mitigation efforts.
• Oversee risk assessment and control testing initiatives across business units, ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
• Develop and refine enterprise-wide Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), integrating risk analytics to drive informed decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional risk governance efforts, fostering collaboration between risk management, compliance, audit, and business leaders.
• Oversee the development and implementation of risk management frameworks, policies, and best practices, ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulatory expectations.
• Oversee the development and execution of both Fraud and Payments Risk Policies, Instructions, and Standards, ensuring enterprise-wide compliance and operational excellence.

• Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Auditing, Technology / Engineering, Management, or other related fields, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 10+ years of experience in operational risk, governance, or financial services risk management
• 5+ years of leadership experience, managing high-performing risk teams.
• Expert experience in 2LOD Fraud Risk Management and/or Payments Risk Management risk strategy and management
• Expertise in developing, enhancing, and implementing Fraud and/or Payments risk frameworks and methodologies
• Expert guidance on regulatory compliance, industry standards, and risk mitigation frameworks
• Leads high-impact risk initiatives and regulatory engagements
• Extensive expertise in risk analytics, reporting, and performance measurement
• Extensive expertise in leading and developing risk management teams at scale
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Extensive track record of implementing enterprise risk programs and engaging with senior executives
• Experience in Financial Services, First, Second (ERM, ORM), and/or Third Line Risk Management, or Consulting experience

• Master's Degree in a related field