Risk Management Specialist - Assistant Director

What You’ll Do:

We’re looking for a Risk Management Specialist - Assistant Director to join our Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) team. In this role, you’ll play a critical part in strengthening risk management practices across selected corporate and business functions, with primary focus supporting the Service Center Business Units (SCBUs) and the Retirement and Income Solutions (RIS) business. You will serve as a trusted risk advisor, leading second-line risk initiatives by aligning with business strategies and applying and advancing the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework, standards, policies and tools. You will partner with business and functional leaders to execute the risk program strategies and activities, in alignment with strategic objectives, to assess risk, evaluate control environments, report on risk, and influence effective mitigation strategies to balance risk and reward.

Risk Consulting & Advisory

• Partner with business units and functional leaders to provide risk consulting and influence on risk management strategies within strategic projects and new initiatives, operational execution, emerging risks, and regulatory change.
• Prioritize and execute risk management framework and programs in alignment with business and functional strategic objectives to identify, assess, monitor, and report risk for prioritized management action.
• Influence the development of corrective action and mitigation plans, assessing effectiveness and recommending enhancements when needed.

Risk Programs & Assessments

• Lead risk assessments and control effectiveness reviews across varying levels of complexity and risk exposure.
• Evaluate the design and effectiveness of processes, policies, procedures, controls,
• Apply strong risk and control analysis to identify risk considerations and implications,, issues, and influence actions to prioritize higher risks and strengthen control structures in alignment with business objectives.
• Assist in the implementation of risk management program activities through enterprise risk management tools, including Service Now.

Governance & Oversight

• Support governance, standards, and oversight activities that drive consistency and accountability across ERM programs.
• Maintain ERM documentation and recommend improvements to risk standards, processes, and controls.

Reporting & Communication

• Partner with leadership and risk program teams to develop and deliver risk reporting and insights that support informed decision-making.
• Identify areas where risk exposure may exceed tolerance levels and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Communicate complex risk concepts clearly to non-risk audiences.

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience.

• 8+ years of experience in risk management, audit, compliance, legal, or direct business oversight with accountability for risk and compliance.

• Experience in risk management, implementing risk programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading risk assessments and control effectiveness reviews, with the ability to identify and prioritize key risk exposures, evaluate control design, gaps, and effectiveness, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Ability to provide on-call support as needed.

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, strategic, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Knowledge of corporate functions and internal business operations preferred.
• Experience in the retirement business is preferred.

Salary Range Information: Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Sala…