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Director Credit Risk Management Jobs in Virginia

Sallie_mae

Director, Credit Risk

Sterling, VA

Prepare and present risk reports to senior management, risk committees, and regulatory bodies ... Experience with credit models or risk governance frameworks, risk appetite statements, and issue ...

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All JobsCredit Risk Management JobsDirector Credit Risk Management JobsDirector Credit Risk Management Jobs in Virginia

Director Credit Risk Management information

See Virginia salary details

$53.5K

$142K

$257.8K

How much do director credit risk management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for director credit risk management in Virginia is $141,956.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $166,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of credit risk management do?

A Director of Credit Risk Management oversees an organization’s credit risk policies, procedures, and strategies to minimize potential losses related to lending or credit activities. This role involves analyzing credit data, assessing financial risks, developing risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Directors also lead teams of risk analysts, collaborate with other departments, and report to executive leadership on credit risk exposure and performance. Their main goal is to balance business growth with sound risk management practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of credit risk management, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Credit Risk Management, you need deep expertise in credit analysis, risk assessment, portfolio management, and typically a degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Proficiency with risk modeling software, credit scoring systems, and relevant regulatory frameworks (such as Basel III) is essential, along with certifications like FRM or CFA being advantageous. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and influence key stakeholders. These capabilities are crucial for making informed decisions that protect the organization's financial health and support sustainable growth.

What are common challenges faced by a director of credit risk management, and how are they typically addressed?

A Director of Credit Risk Management often faces the challenge of balancing the organization's growth objectives with prudent risk controls. This involves staying ahead of changing market conditions, regulatory requirements, and emerging risks such as economic downturns or shifts in customer behavior. Effective leaders in this role address these challenges by fostering close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as underwriting, analytics, and compliance, and by implementing robust risk assessment frameworks. They also play a key role in developing and mentoring their teams to stay adaptable and informed.

What is the difference between Director Credit Risk Management vs Credit Risk Analyst?

AspectDirector Credit Risk ManagementCredit Risk Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced degrees, certifications like CFA or FRMBachelor's degree, certifications like CFA or FRM are common but less mandatory
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, overseeing teams, high-level decision makingData analysis, risk assessment, supporting senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, banks, large corporationsFinancial institutions, banks, credit agencies

The main difference between a Director Credit Risk Management and a Credit Risk Analyst lies in their scope and responsibilities. The director focuses on strategic oversight and leadership, while the analyst handles detailed risk assessments. Both roles require relevant certifications and are integral to credit risk management in financial institutions.

What are popular job titles related to Director Credit Risk Management jobs in Virginia?

For Director Credit Risk Management jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Credit Risk Management jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Credit Risk Management jobs in Virginia are:

Director Credit Risk Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Credit Risk Management job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,956 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Director, Credit Risk

Sallie_mae

Sterling, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We're on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We're changing. Because students need a better way.

We're looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students-and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It's where you're empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you-from physical and mental to financial and professional. You'll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We're obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking "why not?" when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

TheDirector, Credit Risk serves as a key leader within the Second Line of Defense (2LOD), providing independent oversight, credible effective challenge, and governance support across the credit life cycle.This roleis responsible forassessing credit risk practices, portfolio trends, risk appetite alignment, and control effectiveness to ensure the organization's credit strategies across the credit lifecycle remain safe, sound, data-driven, and compliant with evolving regulatory expectations.The Directorwill partner closely with First Line business teams whilemaintainingindependence, contribute to executive and committee-level risk reporting, and support regulatory examinations and audit activities.

What You'll Do

  • Provide effectivechallengeto First Line credit strategies, assumptions, control frameworks, and portfolio actions; document conclusions and escalate concerns asappropriate.
  • Conduct independent credit risk assessments and thematic reviews across origination, servicing, loss mitigation, and recovery activities,identifyingemerging credit risks and exposure across the credit life cycle.
  • Assess adherence to credit policies, risk appetite statements, underwriting standards, and concentration limits, recommending enhancements where misalignment isobserved.
  • Lead oversight of the Risk Appetite forcreditriskby monitoring andreporting onkey risk indicators (KRIs),portfolio trends, andemergingrisks, ensuring accuracy, consistency, andexecutive-readiness.
  • Deliver independent oversight and effectivechallengeto business line strategies, risk assessments, and control frameworks.
  • Providesecondlineoversight of credit strategy and decisioning frameworks across the lifecycle, including policies, analytics, and supporting models/tools, with an emphasis on governance, performance outcomes, and risk alignment.
  • Collaborate with various internal stakeholders, such as finance, originations, andcollectionsteams, to ensure alignment of credit riskobjectivesand practices.
  • Support governance and validation of Allowance for Credit Losses (ACL) methodologies and assumptions.
  • Collaborate with Compliance, Internal Audit, and Operational Risk to ensure comprehensive risk coverage.
  • Prepare and present risk reports to senior management, risk committees, and regulatory bodies.
  • Drive adoption of advanced analytics and reporting tools to enhance risk identification, monitoring, and reporting.
  • Mentor and develop future risk leaders within the organization.

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.

What you have

Minimum: Indicate minimum education, skills and experience required.

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications (CRC, FRM, CFA) preferred.
  • Minimum7+ years of experience in first line or second line credit management within the financial services industry, with a strong focus onthe credit lifecycle.
  • Demonstrated experience and strong understanding of lines of defense responsibilities and risk governance frameworks.
  • In-depth knowledge of consumer and/or commercial lending products (e.g., student loans, mortgages, credit cards, smallbusiness).
  • Proven ability to challenge constructively and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of U.S. banking regulations and supervisory expectations.
  • Exceptional analytical, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to think strategically and make informed decisions.
  • Proficiencyin analytics, using Python, SAS, SQL, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Proven ability to communicate complex analytics to executive audiences.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence across functions.
  • High integrity, sound judgment, and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with credit models or risk governance frameworks, risk appetite statements, and issue management.
  • Experience with segmentation strategy, vendor management, and regulatory exam support.

Value Proposition

Join a forward-thinking team where yourexpertisewill directly influence the bank'sriskposture and portfolio quality.You'llhave the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives, mentor future leaders, and shape best practices in credit risk management. Your work will be highly visible to executive management and will play a critical role in the bank's long-term success.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the "essential functions" of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

Feeling your best helps you do your best:Our benefits take care of the whole you-so you can build your work around your life (not the other way around!).

  • Competitive base salaries

  • Bonus incentives

  • Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed

  • Support for financial-well-being and retirement401k with employer match

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more

  • Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance

  • Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

  • Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs

  • Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations 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

Not the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clickingIntroduce Yourselfin the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!

Sallie Mae is proud to be an equal opportunity (EEO) 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. Click hereto view the U.S. Pay Transparency Policy, here for federal job applicant notices, and here to view the California Employee Privacy Notice.
Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please call (855) 756-2007 and choose option 9. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

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