Director Model Validation Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Target Pay Range: $189,000.00 - $230,700.00 annually. The full Pay Range: $146,600.00 - $273,000.00 annually.

• 401(k) Company Match (up to 3%) 4% annual contribution to your 401(k) by BECU
• Medical, Dental and Vision (family contributions as well)
• PTO Program + Exchange Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• BECU Cares volunteer time off + donation match

Eligibility: Residents of WA, OR, ID, AZ, TX, GA, SC, NC, CA or VA. Washington residents within commuting distance of Tukwila must work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in HQ. Remote work is available for approved locations.

As the AI Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Director, you will help shape how AI is responsibly and effectively adopted across BECU.

• AI Governance Leadership: Serve as the primary strategic liaison between AI innovation teams and enterprise control functions.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Build strong relationships across legal, regulatory, compliance, risk, technology, and business teams.
• Strategic Advisory Support: Act as a trusted advisor to AI innovation and control partners, translating complex AI concepts into clear guidance.
• Governance Framework Development: Help create, evolve, and sustain enterprise-wide AI governance frameworks.
• Policy & Controls Integration: Develop, refine, and implement AI usage policies embedded within existing risk, compliance, cybersecurity, and data privacy frameworks.
• Model Risk Collaboration: Partner with Model Validation and Model Risk Management teams.
• Regulatory Readiness Planning: Identify legal, regulatory, and governance requirements associated with AI adoption.
• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Proactively identify governance gaps, compliance concerns, and emerging AI-related risks.
• Framework Assessment & Enhancement: Evaluate existing AI and advanced analytics governance practices and recommend improvements.
• Scalable Governance Solutions: Develop repeatable templates, guidance materials, governance artifacts, and frameworks.
• Responsible AI Advocacy: Champion responsible AI practices and establish approaches for managing model failures, unintended outcomes, and compliance risks.
• Industry & Regulatory Monitoring: Interpret changing regulatory expectations and emerging best practices.
• Executive Engagement: Prepare and deliver clear presentations, recommendations, and decision-support materials for senior leaders.
• Enterprise AI Program Readiness: Support successful scaling of AI initiatives by ensuring governance, legal, compliance, and regulatory requirements are addressed early.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform additional duties and strategic initiatives as assigned.

• The opportunity to shape the future of AI governance, risk management, and responsible innovation at a leading credit union.
• Direct influence on how emerging AI technologies are safely and effectively adopted across the organization.
• A highly visible role partnering with executive leaders, governance teams, and technology innovators.
• The ability to drive meaningful outcomes that improve employee productivity and member experiences.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI initiatives and evolving regulatory landscapes within a regulated industry.
• Opportunities to build enterprise frameworks and governance capabilities with lasting impact.
• A collaborative environment that values expertise, strategic thinking, and relationship-building.
• Continuous learning and growth in AI, governance, compliance, risk management, and financial services innovation.
• The chance to balance innovation and accountability while defining responsible AI implementation at scale.
• Meaningful work contributing to BECU’s mission of improving financial well-being of members.

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Computer Science, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Typically requires 10 years of experience in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), Model Risk Management, Data Governance, or Legal/Compliance.
• Experience designing enterprise governance frameworks for AI or advanced analytics.
• Expert understanding of regulatory environments (e.g., NCUA, CFPB, GLBA).
• Demonstrated experience working with emerging technologies, including AI or Generative AI.
• Desired: Experience in regulated industries, especially financial services or credit unions.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, evolving environments.
• Experience influencing senior leaders across multiple functions without direct authority.
• Advanced research, analytical, and policy development experience.
• Excellent collaboration, relationship-building, communication, and executive presentation skills.
• Familiarity with model validation, data governance, or cybersecurity within financial services preferred.
• Demonstrated thought leadership in responsible AI or emerging technology risk management preferred.
• Ability to balance innovation enablement with appropriate risk controls.

BECU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.