VP, First Line Risk and Compliance

Role Overview

• Serve as the primary first line control leader for Commercial Lending Operations, including creating and maintaining procedures to ensure consistent execution of credit policies and applicable regulatory requirements
• Oversee control activities across commercial lending with a focus on reducing credit and operational losses through adherence to underwriting standards, collateral/valuation documentation, and data accuracy
• Design, implement, and maintain first line controls, key control indicators, and monitoring routines focused on credit quality drivers (exceptions, overrides, documentation defects, covenant compliance, etc.)
• Partner with second line functions (Enterprise Risk Management, BSA, and Compliance) and internal/external audit to support control testing, regulatory exams, and remediation tracking for commercial lending processes
• Execute first line risk management responsibilities in accordance with the Bank’s Risk Management Framework, including performance of risk assessments, business continuity planning, and third‑party risk reviews; adherence to risk appetite; timely identification and escalation of issues; and clear reporting to governance forums
• Lead issue identification, root cause analysis, remediation planning, and validation of corrective actions for credit policy exceptions, documentation gaps, booking errors, and process breakdowns
• Provide guidance to lending, underwriting, and operations teams on control execution, documentation standards, and regulatory expectations
• Support change initiatives (new products, process enhancements, system implementations, growth) by performing control impact reviews and confirming credit requirements (data, documentation, approvals, and monitoring) are built into the design
• Prepare and deliver clear, timely reporting and metrics on control performance, exceptions, remediation status, and credit process health to senior management and governance committees
• Promote a strong control culture by reinforcing ownership, accountability, and consistent execution of credit processes across Commercial Lending Operations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required; in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field preferred; Master of Business Administration preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in commercial lending, banking operations, risk management, or compliance within a regulated financial institution required
• Strong knowledge of specialized, middle-market, commercial lending products, processes, and applicable banking regulations
• Demonstrated applied thinking skills to adapt regulatory requirements to unique lending verticals
• Experience designing and implementing first line risk controls and monitoring programs
• Ability to effectively partner with business leaders while maintaining independent risk judgment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Outstanding problem‑solving and time management skills
• Self‑motivated, self‑directed, and results‑oriented
• Adaptable and able to multitask in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams with a solution‑oriented mindset

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• 4 weeks PTO
• 401k + company match
• Metro SmartTrip benefits ($50/mo)
• Remote or hybrid (4 days per week in-office) work schedules for most positions
• Incentives for purchasing solar panels, electric vehicles, biking to work, etc.
• Paid subscriptions to Veterans Compost, Capital Bikeshare, Imperfect Foods reimbursement, and more!
• The Washington Post Top Workplaces winner for four consecutive years (2023-2026)