Role Overview for VP, IT Governance with a Major Retail Bank – San Antonio, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, multi-billion dollar retail bank in their search for a visionary Vice President of IT Governance. Based in the vibrant city of San Antonio, TX, this executive leadership role is a cornerstone of the bank’s technology and business strategy. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive IT governance framework that aligns with the institution’s strategic objectives, mitigates risk, and ensures unwavering compliance with the complex regulatory landscape of the financial services industry.
This is not merely an oversight role; it is a strategic imperative. You will be the central figure in shaping how technology is governed, managed, and secured across the enterprise. You will collaborate directly with C-level executives, the Board of Directors, and business unit leaders to ensure that IT governance is an enabler of innovation, efficiency, and trust.
Your leadership will directly impact the bank’s resilience, operational integrity, and competitive standing in the market. You will be tasked with building and maturing a world-class governance program, fostering a culture of risk awareness, and leading a dedicated team of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) professionals. If you are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of IT risk and a passion for building robust governance structures within a dynamic banking environment, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, IT Governance with a Major Retail Bank – San Antonio, TX
The Vice President of IT Governance will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Framework Development
Design, implement, and continuously mature the enterprise-wide IT Governance framework, ensuring alignment with business goals and industry best practices. This includes leveraging and integrating standards such as the COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) framework, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and ITIL.
Policy and Standard Management
Oversee the entire lifecycle of IT policies, standards, and procedures. Ensure they are current, relevant, effectively communicated, and consistently enforced across the organization.
IT Risk Management Leadership
Lead the IT risk management program, including the identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring of information technology risks. Develop and maintain the IT risk register and ensure risk treatment plans are effective and timely.
Regulatory Compliance and Audit Liaison
Serve as the primary point of contact for all IT-related regulatory and audit activities. Ensure the bank’s adherence to relevant regulations such as FFIEC, GLBA, SOX, and BSA/AML. Proactively manage relationships with internal and external auditors and regulatory examiners.
Governance Committee Leadership
Chair and/or facilitate key IT governance committees, preparing materials, guiding discussions, and documenting decisions and action items to drive accountability and transparency.
Performance and Risk Reporting
Develop and maintain a comprehensive suite of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) for IT governance. Prepare and present clear, concise reports and dashboards for executive management and the Board of Directors.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with senior leadership, business unit heads, Legal, Compliance, and Internal Audit to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to governance and risk management.
Technology Governance
Provide governance oversight for key technology initiatives, including digital transformation, cloud adoption, and major system implementations, ensuring they adhere to architectural standards, security policies, and risk appetite.
Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management
Collaborate with the Vendor Management Office to assess and manage the IT risks associated with third-party service providers, ensuring appropriate due diligence, contract provisions, and ongoing monitoring.
Incident Response and Business Continuity
Provide governance oversight for the IT components of the bank’s incident response and business continuity plans, ensuring they are regularly tested, updated, and aligned with enterprise resilience objectives.
Team Leadership and Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of IT GRC professionals. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and strategic partnership with the business.
Requirements for the VP, IT Governance with a Major Retail Bank – San Antonio, TX
We are seeking a seasoned leader with a proven track record of success in IT governance within the financial services sector. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS) is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in IT risk, governance, information security, and/or IT audit. At least 7 years of this experience must be in a leadership or management capacity.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within the banking or financial services industry is mandatory. Deep familiarity with financial regulations (FFIEC, OCC, FDIC, SOX, GLBA) is essential.
Certifications
Professional certifications are strongly desired. These include, but are not limited to: Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
Technical Acumen
Deep expertise in IT governance frameworks (COBIT, ISO 27001), risk management methodologies, and IT control principles. Strong understanding of cybersecurity, cloud computing, network architecture, and software development lifecycle.
Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, set strategic direction, and drive organizational change. Proven experience in managing budgets, resources, and personnel.
Communication and Influence
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. The ability to articulate complex technical and risk-related concepts to non-technical audiences, including executive leadership and the Board of Directors. Proven ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders at all levels.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to think strategically and align IT governance initiatives with broader business objectives. Must be able to balance risk mitigation with business enablement and innovation.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and develop effective, pragmatic solutions.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive six-figure base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual performance-based bonus plan tied to individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in an equity or long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units).
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
A substantial PTO package that includes vacation days, sick leave, and personal days, in addition to paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates moving to the San Antonio area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including support for certifications, industry conferences, and executive education programs.
Wellness Programs
Access to employee wellness initiatives, including gym membership subsidies, mental health resources, and employee assistance programs (EAP).
Life and Disability Insurance
Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. If you are a qualified and interested candidate who meets the above requirements, we encourage you to apply for this outstanding opportunity. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. To learn more about our expertise in this domain, please visit the JRG Partners’ Information Technology practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you and discussing how this role can be the next great step in your career.
