Director, Enterprise Risk Management

The Director, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) leads the operational risk management and internal controls focus areas of the global ERM program for CFA Institute. Partnering closely with the Head of ERM and senior leaders, this role evolves the ERM framework, embeds risk-based decision-making in enterprise processes, and provides specialist advisory for key strategic initiatives. The TBD oversees the global risk reporting and analytics agenda, designs and monitors internal control effectiveness, and champions a risk-enabled culture through the Global Risk Champions Network.

The Director reports to the Head, Enterprise Risk Management, and will be based in the US, in approved jurisdictions within the eastern time zone. The postholder will be eligible for flexible working options.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

Operational Risk Management and Internal Controls:

• Own the global Operational Risk Management (ORM) program: maintain the risk and control library; calibrate early warning signals; and align risk appetite metrics with business objectives.

• Design, implement, and oversee internal controls across critical processes; coordinate testing and monitoring; track issues and remediation to closure (issues management).

• Lead enterprise processes for incident/loss event capture, root-cause analysis, and thematic remediation; surface early warning indicators and control gaps.

• Partner with Internal Audit, Compliance, Information Security, and Business Continuity.

• Monitor regulatory/market changes relevant to CFA Institute operations; assess impacts on risk exposure and internal controls, and coordinate responses.

• Oversee third‑party/outsourcing risk practices in partnership with Procurement, Legal, and Cybersecurity to ensure proportionate controls and ongoing monitoring.

ERM Strategy, Governance and Policy:

• Evolve the risk taxonomy and risk appetite statements within the ERM framework; ensure clear accountabilities and integration with enterprise planning and performance.

• Draft, maintain, and socialize risk policies, standards, and procedures; guide functions on proportionate risk-taking and control design.

• Provide independent risk challenge to strategic and operational decisions; prepare recommendations for leadership.

Risk Reporting, Data and Scenario Analytics:

• Design executive and Board-facing risk reports and dashboards; lead data collection, quality assurance, and controls for risk data.

• Conduct enterprise and project-level risk analysis, including scenario modeling and stress tests; translate insights into actionable recommendations.

• Establish common data definitions/metadata and reporting templates; drive process and system enhancements for automation and transparency.

Strategic Initiative and Project Risk Advisory:

• Provide specialist risk advisory across the initiative lifecycle (idea → execution → close): identify, assess, prioritize, and monitor risks; propose mitigation options and decision trade-offs.

• Embed quantitative and qualitative risk methods (e.g., sensitivity/Monte Carlo where applicable) and project risk practices into major initiatives and products.

• Support business cases and investment decisions with risk-adjusted perspectives and clear disclosure of assumptions and residual risks.

Culture, Training and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Sponsor the Global Risk Champions Network; develop targeted training and communications to strengthen front-line risk ownership.

• Coach leaders and teams to apply risk principles, elevate decision quality, and foster an accountable, control-conscious culture.

• Prepare concise, audience-tailored materials that clarify risk positions and recommended actions.

The skills & experience required for this role include:

• Bachelor’s degree required in Risk Management, Finance, Economics, Analytics or related field

• Professional certifications preferred: IRM (IRM/CMIRM), FRM (GARP), PMI‑RMP; internal controls/assurance credentials a plus (e.g., CIA, CPA, CRMA, CISA)

• Significant experience in a complex, global organization with a dedicated focus on ERM/operational risk/internal controls with progressively increasing scope and influence

• Demonstrated success designing and operationalizing ERM frameworks and control testing/monitoring at scale

• Proven ability to build cross-functional networks and influence senior leaders and governance bodies

• Strong background in risk analytics and reporting (data acquisition, data control, database reporting, scenario analysis/stress testing); adept at turning complex analysis into clear, decision-ready insights

• Experience collaborating with Internal Audit/Compliance/InfoSec and managing third‑party/outsourcing risks

• Advanced proficiency in risk management; data collection and analysis; review and reporting; policy and regulation; project risk and issue management; budget and control; data control; database reporting; numerical and statistical analysis

• Excellent communication – written, verbal, and presentation – with the ability to convey challenging messages diplomatically

• High integrity, sound judgment, and ability to balance principle with pragmatism under pressure

• Global cultural orientation and experience working across regions and time zones

Travel:

• Travel up to 10% of the time to CFA Institute offices, including limited international meetings, and to attend external events

At CFA Institute, we're committed to transparency and equity in our hiring process. In compliance with wage transparency laws in many of the jurisdictions in which we recruit, we provide the following information regarding compensation for this position: Expected salary range: $155,000 - $175,000 per year. All salary ranges are subject to adjustment based on experience, education, location and other factors relevant to the position. Additional benefits include eligibility for an annual incentive bonus, a 12% employer contribution to a pension plan, and a comprehensive medical benefits package.

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute are the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we drive professional growth, ethical behavior, and better markets. We care about our employees’ well-being, offering industry-leading benefits like:

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family

• Generous leave and time off

• Competitive retirement plans

• Flexible work options

• Wellness, education, and support programs

If you feel this opportunity could be the next step in your career, we encourage you to click “Apply” and complete our three-minute application.

Be part of a team committed to putting investors first and growing economies. Follow us @CFAInstitute on LinkedIn and X.

Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, care giver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio-economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location.

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