Director of Model Validation

Description

At First Electronic Bank (FEB), we are driven by the purpose to make credit accessible to everyday Americans, and their businesses. Partnering with some of the most innovative FinTech companies in the nation, we offer a wide range of consumer and commercial credit products on a national basis. Offering revolving lines of credit, private-label credit cards, installment financing programs and more, FEB’s engages with strategic, collaborative partnerships, promoting services and products to provide the most beneficial consumer and commercial financing solutions. 

We’re looking for a Director of Model Validation to lead the Model Risk Management (MRM) function and ensure the integrity and performance of the models that power our lending products with our Strategic Partners. In this role, you’ll lead the department and set the directive for the Bank to oversee the validation of models and strategies used to underwrite products like small business loans, credit cards, and personal unsecured installment loans and lines of credit. 

Reporting to the VP of Credit Risk and Analytics, you’ll set the strategic direction for model governance and validation across our FinTech partnerships—covering products like small business loans, credit cards, and personal installment loans. 

This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll shape policy, manage a talented team, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and model excellence. 

Requirements

What You’ll Do:  

• Own and manage the Bank Strategic Partner Model Risk Management function, including Model Governance policies and procedures. 
• Continuously enhance processes and controls to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.  
• Mentor, develop and lead a team of Model Validation Analysts and Managers responsible for validation credit risk, fraud detection, and behavioral credit models across our Fintech partnerships. 
• Oversee and maintain the internal model inventory for the Strategic Partner products. 
• Lead and improve loan portfolio performance monitoring processes using data feeds and visualization tools such as PowerBI.  
• Collaborate with external data science and modeling teams, providing guidance on model development and ensuring thorough documentation and adherence to Model Risk Management standards.  
• Partner with Compliance to define and strengthen standards that ensure fair lending practices and regulatory compliance.  
• Support due diligence efforts by assigning model validation subject matter experts to the process. 
• Serve as primary point of contact during regulatory exams (FDIC, UDFI) for model risk management activities. 
• Work with external vendors and legal counsel to validate modeling techniques and align with industry best practices. 
• Participate in Bank Committees and Advisory Groups to provide strategic input on model risk initiatives. 

What We’re Looking For:  

• Advanced degree in a quantitative field or equivalent practical experience in data science, statistical modeling, or quantitative analysis.  
• 5+ years of experience in regulated banking or financial services industry. 
• 3+ years of direct people management experience in a quantitative discipline. 
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements for model risk management (SR 11-7). 
• Experience participating in, or leading, supervised regulatory exams. 
• Proven experience developing and validating statistical and machine learning models for credit risk. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences. 
• Experience presenting to executive leadership and supporting strategic committees. 
• Adaptable, collaborative mindset—ready to thrive in a fast-paced growing organization.  
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, SAS, or SQL a plus.