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Risk Operations Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Risk Operations information

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in Risk Operations, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Risk Operations frequently encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving fraud tactics, balancing regulatory compliance with efficient operations, and managing large volumes of data for decision-making. Staying updated with the latest fraud trends and regulatory changes is essential, as is collaborating closely with compliance, customer service, and IT teams. Utilizing advanced analytics tools and ongoing training can help address these challenges, ensuring risks are identified quickly while maintaining a positive customer experience.

What are risk operations?

Risk operations refer to the processes and teams within an organization that are responsible for identifying, assessing, managing, and mitigating risks related to business activities. This can include monitoring transactions for fraud, ensuring compliance with regulations, analyzing data to detect suspicious activity, and implementing controls to protect the company from financial and reputational harm. Risk operations professionals often work closely with legal, compliance, and security teams to develop strategies and tools that minimize potential losses. Their work is essential for maintaining trust with customers and meeting regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Risk Operations professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Risk Operations, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in finance, business, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with risk management systems, data analysis tools like Excel or SQL, and sometimes certifications such as FRM or CAMS are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication, and adaptability help you stand out in this role. These skills are vital for accurately identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational risks to protect the organization's assets and ensure regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Risk Operations vs Risk Analyst?

AspectRisk OperationsRisk Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, certifications like FRM or CRM often preferredBachelor's degree, certifications like FRM or CRM often preferred
Work EnvironmentOperational teams, risk management departments, often in financial institutionsAnalytical teams, risk management units, in finance and banking sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across financial services, banking, insurance for risk management processesCommonly employed in finance, banking, and investment firms for risk assessment

Risk Operations and Risk Analyst roles share similar credentials and industry usage, but Risk Operations focuses on managing risk processes and systems, while Risk Analysts primarily analyze data to identify risks. Both roles are vital in financial sectors, often working closely together to ensure comprehensive risk management.

What are popular job titles related to Risk Operations jobs in Iowa? For Risk Operations jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Risk Operations jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Risk Operations jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Risk Operations job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

AVP Operational & Model Risk

Athene

West Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Athene rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are driven to do more. More for our customers and the financial professionals who offer our products. If you are driven to do more and love the challenge of pursuing more, Athene is your kind of company. You will find we offer more than the basics to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment at our various locations.

Purpose:

The AVP Operational and Model Risk plays a critical leadership role in advancing Athene's Operational and Model Risk Management frameworks. This role is responsible for driving consistent, high-quality execution of risk practices across the organization while partnering closely with business and functional leaders to strengthen risk identification, governance, and decision-making.
As part of Athene's broader risk organization, and backed by the scale and capabilities of Apollo, this role offers the opportunity to influence risk strategy across a complex, fast-growing platform. The ideal candidate brings a balance of technical risk expertise, leadership capability, and a proactive mindset to continuously enhance risk frameworks and drive meaningful business impact.

Accountabilities:

  • Lead the execution and continuous enhancement of Operational and Model Risk Management frameworks, ensuring consistent application across business units and alignment with risk appetite and regulatory expectations
  • Oversee operational risk assessments, incident and issue management, and risk monitoring activities, identifying key themes, emerging risks, and opportunities for improved controls and mitigation
  • Drive model risk governance processes, including oversight of model inventory, validation activities, and lifecycle management, ensuring robust documentation, transparency, and audit readiness
  • Partner with business leaders, actuarial, and functional stakeholders to provide effective challenge, support risk-informed decision-making, and ensure strong adoption of risk practices
  • Lead the development of clear, decision-useful reporting and insights for senior leadership and risk governance forums, including committees and regulatory engagements
  • Drive improvements to risk systems, tools, and processes, including the adoption of technology and AI-enabled capabilities to enhance efficiency, scalability, and transparency
  • Lead, develop, and coach a high-performing team, fostering a strong risk culture, accountability, and continuous learning across the function
  • Serve on the cross-functional AI forums, providing an Operational Risk perspective on the evaluation, adoption, and governance of AI and machine learning tools.


Qualifications and Experience:

  • 8+ years of relevant experience in operational risk, model risk, or related disciplines within financial services or insurance, including direct or indirect people leadership experience
  • Strong knowledge of operational and model risk frameworks, including risk assessment, incident management, and model lifecycle governance
  • Proven ability to influence stakeholders and provide effective challenge in a complex, cross-functional environment
  • Experience driving process improvements, governance enhancements, or risk framework maturity initiatives
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred

Drive. Discipline. Confidence. Focus. Commitment. Learn more about working at Athene.

Athene is a Military Friendly Employer! Learn more about how we support our Veterans.

Athene is committed to inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.


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