Role Overview for VP, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) with a Regional Bank – Portland, OR
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a distinguished and rapidly growing regional bank, a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s financial landscape, in their search for a visionary Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). Based in their corporate headquarters in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of risk management within an institution committed to community, innovation, and sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and an influential leader, responsible for the stewardship and evolution of the bank’s comprehensive ERM framework. This is not merely a compliance function; it is a strategic partnership with the executive team and the Board of Directors to navigate the complexities of the modern financial world.
As the VP of ERM, you will report directly to the Chief Risk Officer and will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating the full spectrum of risks facing the organization. This includes credit, market, operational, liquidity, compliance, strategic, and reputational risks. You will be the champion of a proactive and embedded risk culture, ensuring that risk considerations are integrated into all strategic decision-making processes, from new product development to market expansion initiatives. Your leadership will be instrumental in balancing risk and reward, protecting the bank’s assets and reputation, while enabling it to achieve its ambitious business objectives. You will lead a dedicated team of risk professionals, providing mentorship and guidance to foster a high-performing and collaborative environment. This role demands a leader with exceptional executive presence, deep regulatory knowledge, and the proven ability to translate complex risk concepts into actionable business intelligence for stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Your work will directly contribute to the bank’s long-term stability, profitability, and standing as a trusted financial partner in the communities it serves.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) with a Regional Bank – Portland, OR
ERM Framework Development and Enhancement
You will own the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the bank-wide Enterprise Risk Management framework. This includes developing and maintaining risk management policies, procedures, risk taxonomies, and governance structures to ensure they are robust, comprehensive, and aligned with industry best practices and regulatory expectations. You will ensure the framework is dynamic and responsive to changes in the business environment and regulatory landscape.
Risk Identification and Assessment
Lead the systematic process for identifying and assessing material risks across all business lines and functional areas. This involves conducting risk and control self-assessments (RCSAs), facilitating workshops with business leaders, and utilizing data-driven techniques to provide a holistic view of the bank’s risk profile. You will be responsible for prioritizing risks and ensuring appropriate ownership is assigned.
Risk Appetite and Tolerance Definition
Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors and executive management to define, articulate, and embed the bank’s risk appetite statement. You will develop key risk indicators (KRIs) and tolerance levels that are aligned with the bank’s strategic plan and capital adequacy, ensuring that business activities operate within these established boundaries.
Executive and Board Reporting
Develop and deliver clear, concise, and insightful risk reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, senior management, risk committees, and the Board of Directors. These reports will provide a comprehensive overview of the bank’s risk profile, highlight key risk exposures, detail emerging threats, and track progress against mitigation plans.
Regulatory Compliance and Relations
Serve as a key point of contact for regulatory bodies on ERM matters. You will ensure the ERM program is fully compliant with all applicable regulations from authorities such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the FDIC, and the Federal Reserve. You will oversee the preparation for and management of regulatory examinations related to risk management.
Scenario Analysis and Stress Testing
Oversee the design and execution of comprehensive scenario analysis and stress testing programs. This includes developing plausible yet severe scenarios to test the bank’s resilience to various economic and operational shocks, analyzing the results, and providing recommendations to senior leadership to bolster capital and liquidity planning.
Leadership and Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of risk management professionals. You will foster an environment of continuous learning and professional growth, setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback, and building a talent pipeline to support the bank’s future needs. You will champion a strong, proactive risk culture throughout the entire organization.
Technology and Data Analytics
Drive the effective use of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) systems and other risk management technologies. You will champion the use of data analytics and quantitative methods to enhance risk identification, measurement, and reporting capabilities, transforming raw data into actionable intelligence.
Collaboration with Business Units
Act as a strategic partner to business line leaders, providing expert risk advice and guidance. You will work collaboratively to embed risk management principles into daily operations, strategic planning, and new initiatives, ensuring that risk ownership is clear and accountability is maintained.
Emerging Risk Management
Establish and maintain a robust process for identifying, analyzing, and responding to emerging risks. This includes staying abreast of industry trends, geopolitical events, and technological advancements that could impact the bank, such as cybersecurity threats, climate-related financial risks, and disruptions from fintech innovations.
Requirements for the VP, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) with a Regional Bank – Portland, OR
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field is required. An advanced degree, such as an MBA or Master’s in Finance or Risk Management, is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in risk management, audit, or a related field within the banking or financial services industry. At least five (5) of these years must be in a significant leadership or management capacity, with direct experience in designing and implementing Enterprise Risk Management programs. Experience in a regional bank environment ($10B – $50B in assets) is highly desirable.
Industry Certifications
Professional certifications are highly valued and demonstrate a commitment to the field. Relevant certifications include Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Professional Risk Manager (PRM), or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).
Regulatory Acumen
Deep and comprehensive knowledge of the U.S. banking regulatory environment and key regulations, including Dodd-Frank, Basel III, and specific guidance from the OCC, FDIC, and the Federal Reserve on risk management practices.
Technical Skills
Proven expertise in risk management frameworks (e.g., COSO ERM), methodologies, and best practices. Strong quantitative and analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data. Proficiency with GRC platforms and data analytics tools is essential.
Leadership and Communication
Exceptional leadership and influencing skills with a demonstrated ability to build consensus and drive change across a diverse organization. Must possess outstanding executive presence with the ability to communicate complex risk concepts clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences, including the Board of Directors.
Strategic and Analytical Mindset
A strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and connect risk management to broader business objectives. Must possess superior problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound judgments under pressure.
Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills are critical for success. The role requires extensive collaboration with internal stakeholders across all three lines of defense, as well as with external partners and regulators.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:
- Highly Competitive Base Salary and Executive Bonus Program
- Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
- Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan with a Strong Company Match
- Substantial Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick Leave, and Paid Bank Holidays
- Professional Development Support and Tuition Reimbursement Programs
- Access to Executive Leadership and Mentorship Opportunities
- Employee Wellness Programs and Resources
- Relocation Assistance for qualified candidates
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this pivotal VP, Enterprise Risk Management role. If you are a seasoned risk leader with the experience and vision to guide a premier regional bank through its next phase of growth, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications.
