Director of Risk Strategy

The SouthState story is one of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping our customers move forward. Since our beginnings in the 1930s to becoming a trusted financial partner across the South and beyond - we are known for combining personal relationships with forward-thinking solutions.

We are committed to helping our team members find their success while maintaining the integrity of our values: building trust, fostering lasting relationships and pursuing excellence. At SouthState, individual contributions are recognized, potential is cultivated and team members are inspired to achieve their greater purpose. Your future begins here!

Summary

The Director of Risk Strategy is responsible for assisting in the development and execution of strategic risk initiatives. This role will be responsible for supporting risk strategies and frameworks around AI and other emerging technologies and financial products and services to address new and emerging risks in alignment with the enterprise risk management framework, and to development and implement scenario planning around emerging and known material risks.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain the Bank's AI governance framework, including policies, standards, and controls for responsible and expanding AI use, consistent with evolving market and risk practice. Collaborate with business leaders, risk partners and the AI Transformation office on the development of tools and processes that support nimble and responsible governance.

• Work collaboratively with the AI Transformation Office and other risk partners to maintain a comprehensive AI Risk Governance Program, adapting and evolving as appropriate as new technology and use cases are introduced.

• Partner with other risk areas (Model Risk Management, Information Security, Third Party Risk Management, Compliance, etc.) to assess and monitor risks related to AI use cases. Identify program gaps and monitor resolution.

• Monitor trends to identify risks around emerging technologies and financial products and services, such as FX, other capital markets services, and stablecoins and tokenized deposits, to identify and address risks associated with these emerging technologies and financial products and services.

• Formalize and maintain the emerging risk framework. Develop, implement and lead an enterprise wide scenario planning program around emerging and known material risks and possible impacts on the Bank, for identifying risks, gaps and mitigants across the enterprise.

• Assist in the development of enterprise-wide risk strategies aligned with corporate strategic objectives and risk appetite. Assist in the development and implementation of processes and abilities to respond more quickly to fast-changing circumstances leveraging technology solutions as needed.

• Work across 2nd line groups to align risk strategies, provide consistency across risk programs and risk reporting, and provide guidance on risk prioritization.

• Oversee the non-model AI testing program to support compliance with the AI Governance Framework and program.

• It is the responsibility of this role to take ownership of all tasks and challenges that they encounter in the operation of their assigned position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

Education Requirements

• 4 year degree required, additional risk certifications preferred

Minimum Experience

• 12 years in risk management supporting financial institutions with experience leading Enterprise and Operational Risk disciplines.

Licenses & Certifications

• Risk based certification(s) or other training/credentials preferred.

Additional Physical Demands

• This position requires a large amount of time in front of a computer. This can be done sitting or standing with use of the right desk

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and appropriately for executive, technical, and operational audiences.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to translate ambiguous issues into actionable plans.

• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across all levels and functions.

• Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Proven ability to influence decision-making and drive accountability across stakeholder groups.

• Extensive working knowledge of the financial services industry, products, and services

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Experience with Bank regulatory agencies and bank regulations/guidance for risk management disciplines.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands

• Ability to communicate in person, on the phone, and through electronic channels

• Ability to use a computer on a frequent basis, including typing and sustained attention to a monitor

• Ability to sit, walk, and/or stand for extended periods of time

• Ability to bend and reach

Work Environment

• Office: This position reports to a physical Company location, and the setting will be a typical office environment.

• Remote or hybrid: For remote or hybrid positions, a secure and distraction-free setting is required, with a reliable internet connection (cable or fiber preferred, mobile hotspots not acceptable). Hybrid positions will report to a physical Company location, as directed by the manager, and that setting will be a typical office environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled/veterans.