Chief Risk Officer

Rockland Trust is seeking a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to lead the continued development and successful execution of the bank’s maturing risk management strategy. This senior executive role holds responsibility for overseeing all risk management functions, ensuring effective management of risks across financial, operational, regulatory, strategic, and reputational areas. The CRO will align the bank’s risk profile with its strategic goals and risk appetite, safeguarding the bank’s assets and fostering sustainable growth. The CRO collaborates closely with senior leadership and the Board of Directors (and the Risk Committee) to embed a strong risk-aware culture across the organization.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Overseeing risk management activities and implementing and administering the Bank’s Risk Assessment Framework, Enterprise Risk Assessment Program, and Enterprise Risk Assessment Program;
• Reviewing business and operational unit information, reports, risk remediation plans, and risk acceptance requests;
• Performing second line of defense responsibilities, including discussing and assessing the aggregate risk being taken by the Company and reviewing and effectively challenging business and operational unit strategies, initiatives, risk assessments, and risk mitigation activities;
• Reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of Directors and Board Risk Committee regarding the Company’s risk appetite on a quarterly basis (or more frequently if warranted);
• Providing informed recommendations and strategic advice to executive leadership on risk matters to facilitate well-informed decision-making.
• Working collaboratively with other members of senior management across the first, second and third lines.
• Engaging employees at all levels to cultivate a shared understanding of the bank’s risk objectives, ensuring that all teams work in alignment with the bank’s risk framework.
• Driving continuous improvement within risk management by adopting new technologies, advanced analytics, and innovative methodologies to enhance risk oversight and forecasting capabilities.
• Encouraging adaptive thinking within the risk management team, fostering innovative solutions to address evolving and complex risks.

The CRO’s objectives include:

• Provide effective challenge and risk guidance and advice, in a sustainable, repeatable, and efficient manner in support of our growth and strategic objectives.
• Effectively communicating the Company’s risk appetite and levels to the Board of Directors, Management, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Meet regulatory expectations.

CRO internal responsibilities include 2nd line oversight over the following:

• Model Risk Management
• Loan/Credit Review
• Compliance
• Information Security/Cyber Security
• BSA/AML
• Operational Risk
• New Product / Service Approval process;
• Third-Party Risk Management;
• Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) System management;
• Issues Management through the Risk Central GRC system;

CRO External Responsibilities include:

• Serve as primary liaison between the Company and Bank regulators (i.e., the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Massachusetts Division of Banks) to coordinate regulatory examinations and maintain good regulatory relations.

The CRO is currently a member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, to ensure appropriate independence, the CRO is accountable to and has direct access to the Risk Committee.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Risk Management, Business or a related field. Master’s degree or professional certifications (CFA, FRM, PRM) are highly preferred.
• 10+ years in risk management within the banking or financial services industry, with 5+ years in senior risk leadership role.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices, including Dodd-Frank and FDIC guidelines.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency with risk management tools and data analytics platforms.
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of building high-performing teams, with the ability to inspire a culture of accountability and risk awareness.
• Strong communication skills to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• This role provides a unique opportunity to build a resilient, future-focused risk management function, positioning the bank for sustainable success in a dynamic regulatory landscape.

Rockland Trust is the Bank Where Each Relationship Matters. In pursuit of that promise, we foster a respectful and inclusive work environment where everyone is given the chance and resources to succeed.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Now that you’ve heard a little bit about us, we’d love to hear more about you. Submit your application and come help us strengthen our communities—one relationship at a time.