Sr. Manager, Fair Lending Analytics & Validation (R13998)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Manager, Model Risk Management will play a key role within Oportun’s Model Risk Management (MRM) function, with primary responsibility for fair lending analytics, testing, and oversight, while also supporting broader model validation activities as needed.

This role requires a strong quantitative and technical background, with hands-on experience in statistical analysis, machine learning models, and working with large datasets using tools such as Python and SQL. The Senior Manager will work closely with the Head of Model Risk Management and partner with the Director of Independent Model Validation, as well as stakeholders across Data Science, Strategy, and Technology.

In addition to fair lending responsibilities, this role will contribute to the validation of high-risk and complex models, including those leveraging AI/ML techniques, supporting Oportun’s overall model risk management framework and regulatory expectations (e.g., SR 11-7).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and execute fair lending analytics and testing across credit decisioning, underwriting, marketing and fraud prevention strategies
• Perform statistical analyses to assess disparate impact, bias, and fairness in models and business processes
• Evaluate model inputs, features, and outputs for potential fair lending risks
• Partner closely with the Head of Model Risk and Director of Model Validation to ensure alignment in methodologies, interpretation, and governance
• Translate complex analytical results into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders, including Risk, Legal, Compliance, and senior management
• Conduct independent model validation, annual model review, ongoing monitoring report review, required action item review/closure on the cutting-edge machine learning models.
• Deliver high-quality model validation reports, highlighting risks and limitations of the model in a concise manner.
• Work closely with business owners/model users and developers to understand the business context for model use and facilitate the model approval process.
• Stay up to date with regulatory expectations of model development, use, and validation activities.
• Support Oportun’s the model risk management framework, including annual validation plans, model inventory, model risk ranking, and model risk governance.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with key model stakeholders.
• Support the coordination of model risk governance practices with the model users.

REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in fair lending analytics, model development, or model validation within financial services
• 5+ years of practical quantitative programming experience with Python, SQL, Spark and/or Scala.
• 5+ years of experience leveraging machine learning methodologies, such as GBM, XGBoost, and NLP etc.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and written skills.
• Good team player and willing to help and share.

PREFERRED/NICE-TO-HAVE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Fair lending analytics experience
• AI/ML model validation experience

The US salary range for this full-time position is $ 148,100 - $ 237,000

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects a national minimum and maximum range for new hire salaries for this position. Within this range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range that meets your criteria during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation range listed in this posting reflects only the base salary for this position and does not include other compensation elements or benefits.