Senior Credit Risk Manager

Summary

Join Earnest as a Senior Credit Risk Manager, Student Loans and play a pivotal role in developing and optimizing credit strategies. You will lead champion-challenger testing, collaborate with the Data Science team on machine-learning risk models, and monitor portfolio performance. This role requires cross-functional collaboration with various teams to implement strategies aligned with Earnest’s risk appetite and business goals. You will also manage regulatory and audit compliance and lead and develop junior team members. The position offers remote work flexibility with monthly in-office collaboration in Oakland. Earnest provides competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and a work-from-home stipend.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience developing data-driven credit strategies for loans or credit cards, leveraging risk models, rules, and multiple data sources
• At least 1 year of experience in leading and mentoring team members
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in SQL and Python for data analysis
• Experience in risk analytics, segmentation, and statistical modeling (decision trees, gradient boosting models)
• Proven ability to deliver business results through ownership, collaboration, and strategic influence
• Experience with Business Intelligence tools such as Looker or Tableau
• Strong knowledge of credit risk management within lending products, including P&L impact evaluation
• Willingness to travel to the Oakland office monthly to collaborate with other Earnies

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize credit strategies for pre-screening, underwriting, risk tiering, loan amount assignment, and verifications to drive business growth while managing risk
• Lead champion-challenger testing to optimize underwriting strategies
• Collaborate with Data Science team to develop new machine-learning risk models
• Monitor credit portfolio performance and identify areas for improvement, ensuring continuous enhancement and optimization
• Work cross-functionally with Business, Capital Markets, Marketing, Product, Engineering, and Finance teams to implement strategies that align with Earnest’s risk appetite and business goals
• Manage regulatory and audit compliance by providing analytical support for internal audits and regulatory reviews
• Lead, support, and develop junior team members while managing multiple projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in student loan products
• Knowledge of applicable lending industry regulations
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques applied to credit risk models
• Experience working with Capital Markets, FP&A, or external rating agencies
• Advanced degree in a quantitative field (Math, Statistics, Engineering, Finance, Economics)

Benefits

• Health, Dental, & Vision benefits plus savings plans
• Mac computers + work-from-home stipend to set up your home office
• Monthly internet and phone reimbursement
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
• 401(k) plan to help you save for retirement plus a company match
• Robust tuition reimbursement program
• $1,000 travel perk on each Earnie-versary to anywhere in the world
• Competitive days of annual PTO
• Competitive parental leave