The Sr Model Risk Manager will report to the Head of Credit Risk. As the Sr Model Risk Manager, you will:
- Own and evolve Earnest's Model Risk Management framework, ensuring our credit, loss forecasting, fraud, marketing, and finance models are rigorous, transparent, and built to scale responsibly.
- Lead independent end-to-end model validations - from conceptual soundness and data quality to performance monitoring and implementation review - delivering thoughtful, constructive challenge to modeling teams.
- Partner closely with Data Science and Risk leaders early in the model design process to strengthen assumptions, improve methodology, and elevate modeling standards across the company.
- Oversee model performance monitoring and proactively identify emerging risks, performance drift, or control gaps - ensuring timely, practical remediation.
- Deliver clear, decision-ready validation reports and communicate technical findings in a way that drives strong business outcomes and sound risk decisions.
- Serve as a trusted advisor on model governance, helping Earnest move fast while maintaining the discipline and controls required of a best-in-class lending platform.
About You:
- You hold a Master's degree in a quantitative field (Statistics, Economics, Mathematics, Financial Engineering, or similar) with 7+ years of experience in model development, validation, or model risk management in financial services (or a Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience).
- You've worked in consumer or small business lending - ideally in a fintech or innovative banking environment - and understand the models that power modern credit decisioning.
- You have hands-on experience with statistical and machine learning models and are comfortable diving into Python code and large datasets using SQL to independently assess model performance.
- You understand regulatory model risk expectations and know how to apply them pragmatically in a high-growth environment.
- You bring strong judgment, intellectual independence, and the confidence to challenge assumptions while building productive cross-functional partnerships.
- You can translate complex modeling concepts into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
Even Better:
- Experience in loss forecasting models, preferably with hands-on exposure to CECL frameworks, including model development, validation, or governance.
- Experience with personal loans or student lending products.
- Experience interacting with auditors or regulators in model risk or credit oversight contexts.
- Experience reviewing third-party or vendor models.
- Experience building or maturing a model governance framework at a scaling fintech company.
Where:- This role will be based in the US.
Compensation:
A little about our pay philosophy: We take pride in compensating our employees fairly and equitably. We are showcasing a range of your potential base salary based on the roles location. The successful candidate's starting pay will also be determined based on job-related qualifications, internal compensation, candidate location and budget. This range may be modified in the future.
Salary Range: $203,000 - $250,000 USD. Employees are also eligible for an annual performance-based bonus and equity.
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