Director Model Risk Governance Jobs in California

The Director of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) reports to the Chief Enterprise Risk Officer and leads the execution and continuous improvement of the Bank’s ERM program. This role partners across the organization to proactively identify, assess, and manage risk while supporting strategic decision-making and Board-level oversight.

This is a key leadership role responsible for advancing risk governance, strengthening risk culture, and enabling balanced, risk-informed growth.

Founded in 1964, Fremont Bank is one of the oldest independently owned banks in the Bay Area and has been consistently recognized as a Top Workplace for the past 15 consecutive years. Our foundation is built on relationships — with our clients, our associates, and our communities.

We offer:

• A people-first culture grounded in inclusion and excellence
• Deep community involvement and local reinvestment
• A mission-driven workplace where values and performance go hand in hand

• Full-Service Banking with comprehensive financial solutions, advanced technology, and exceptional service
• No-Compromise Approach — we help clients get to "yes"
• Core Values:
  • Go above and beyond for clients
  • Foster a supportive and empowering environment for associates
  • Deeply invest in the well-being of our local community

Enterprise Risk Management Program Leadership

• Lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of the ERM framework, policies, and methodologies
• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Bank’s risk appetite framework
• Drive the ongoing maturation of enterprise risk capabilities, governance, and reporting
• Integrate risk culture considerations into ERM program design, measurement, and reporting.

Enterprise Risk Assessment & Monitoring

• Direct enterprise-wide risk assessments, including inherent risk, control effectiveness, and residual risk evaluation
• Maintain and enhance the enterprise risk inventory and taxonomy
• Develop, monitor, and report Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), dashboards, and scorecards
• Monitor emerging risks, regulatory changes, and industry trends impacting the Bank
• Ensure timely identification, escalation, and resolution of material risk issues
• Partner with business units to assess risks related to strategic initiatives, new products, technologies, and third-party relationships.

Governance, Committees & Reporting

• Lead ERM governance processes and coordinate risk-related committees
• Partner with the Chief Enterprise Risk Officer to prepare and deliver risk reporting, analysis, and insights to executive leadership and Board committees
• Provide clear, concise, and actionable analysis of enterprise-wide risk exposures and trends
• Ensure risk reporting is accurate, consistent, timely, and decision-useful
• Maintain documentation supporting governance activities, decisions, and committee actions.

Risk Culture & Organizational Effectiveness

• Serve as a visible champion of a strong, proactive risk culture that emphasizes accountability, transparency, and ownership at all levels of the organization
• Embed risk management into day-to-day business activities, reinforcing that risk ownership resides within the first line of defense
• Drive alignment between risk culture, organizational values, and strategic objectives
• Establish and monitor risk culture indicators (e.g., escalation timeliness, issue resolution, policy adherence, training completion)
• Design and deliver enterprise-wide risk education and awareness programs tailored to all organizational levels
• Conduct ongoing assessments of risk culture through surveys, feedback, and metrics; develop targeted action plans to address gaps
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing guidance on risk-informed decision-making and balanced risk-taking
• Reinforce tone-from-the-top alignment in partnership with the Chief Enterprise Risk Officer and executive leadership.

Cross-Functional Risk Oversight

• Partner closely with first and second line of defense functions to ensure coordinated risk management practices
• Oversee issue management, including root cause analysis, remediation tracking, and sustainable control improvements
• Evaluate audit findings, regulatory observations, and compliance matters for enterprise-wide impact
• Support development and execution of corrective action plans and control enhancements.

Strategic Risk Advisory

• Advise on risks associated with growth initiatives, transformation efforts, new technologies, and operational changes
• Participate in major projects and change initiatives to ensure risks are appropriately considered and managed
• Contribute to enterprise resilience, business continuity, and operational risk preparedness.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop ERM team members
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Ensure ERM team members consistently model desired risk culture behaviors
• Manage resources and workload effectively to support organizational objectives.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, Accounting, Economics, Law, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in banking, financial services, risk management, audit, compliance, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of progressive enterprise risk management experience
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise risk assessments, governance, reporting, and risk-related support for executive leadership and Board-level committees
• Strong knowledge of enterprise risk management frameworks, banking regulations, and a broad range of risk disciplines, including operational, credit, market, liquidity, compliance, technology, cyber, and third-party risk
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, and organizational skills, with the ability to translate complex risk concepts into actionable business insights
• Proven ability to influence, collaborate, build consensus, and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, including executive and Board audiences
• Strong executive presence, sound judgment, and the ability to operate independently in a dynamic environment
  Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills, including executive and Board-level communication
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and risk reporting systems; experience with Power BI and Tableau highly preferred
• Minimum 6 years of people leadership experience required
• Professional certifications such as Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Enterprise Risk Professional (CERP), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.

Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (e.g., sitting or standing).
• Frequent use of a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Occasionally move or lift items up to 10 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Team Players who go above and beyond to support their colleagues
• Action-Oriented professionals who challenge the status quo and seek improvement
• Purpose-Driven individuals who understand and champion the bank’s community impact

Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA, Dependent Care, Health Savings)

Financial & Retirement

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Performance-based bonuses or incentives

Work-Life & Perks

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Free personal checking and savings accounts
• Home loan rate discounts
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development resources
• On-site gym and discounted health club memberships
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Fremont Bank is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification.

The hiring salary range is based on factors such as experience, skills, education, and internal equity. Compensation decisions are made in consideration of these factors and in alignment with Fremont Bank’s compensation philosophy.

The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a way for Fremont Bank to contribute to the financial well-being of associates by making a contribution to their retirement account. In addition, the ESOP provides associates an opportunity to share in the growth and prosperity of Fremont Bank.

Fremont Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies without a signed service agreement. Unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Fremont Bank, and no fees will be paid.