Sr. Director, Portfolio Analytics and Strategy

Join Sallie Mae

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students. We're on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We're changing. Because students need a better way.

We're looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for studentsand for each other. This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It's where you're empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole youfrom physical and mental to financial and professional. You'll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We're obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking "why not?" when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

The Senior Director, Portfolio Analytics and Strategy will lead the portfolio-wide business intelligence and credit portfolio strategy function. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive analytics framework to assess portfolio risk, monitor credit health, and drive strategic decision-making across the lending lifecycle. The position reports to the Chief Credit Officer and plays a critical role in shaping the organization's credit risk posture and readiness for economic cycles.

This seasoned leader will oversee the design and implementation of risk ranking and rating methodologies, concentration risk analysis, recession readiness frameworks, and portfolio health indicators. This role requires deep expertise in credit risk management, strong analytical acumen, and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders at the executive level.

The individual in this position will be expected to lead and collaborate with a high-performing team to optimize portfolio health and profitability. The role demands a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to execute programs that drive financial performance while maintaining a customer-centric approach. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and hands-on leadership to the organization.

This is a data-intensive role and will require a hands-on approach at times. The preferred candidate will have a high competency in SAS, SQL & Microsoft Office products. The Senior Director will be responsible for the development of the strategy and be able to assist with training and recruiting new staff.

What You'll Do

First line of defense :

• Develop and maintain portfolio risk ranking and rating tools
• Design and implement portfolio health indicators and early warning systems.
• Lead strategic initiatives to assess and mitigate concentration risk
• Drive recession readiness planning and scenario analysis
• Continuously evaluate and enhance portfolio risk
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align business intelligence feedback and strategy with organizational goals and credit risk policies
• Provides thought leadership and strategy recommendations to drive financial results.
• Leverage data analytics to personalize outreach and enhance borrower engagement.
• Manages key partnerships across the business to influence change.

Manage reporting and analytics :

Credit Risk Oversight and Governance :

Lead and Mentor a High-Performing Team :

Minimum education, skills and experience required :

Preferred education, skills, and experience :

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the "essential functions" of a job.

Our Benefits Take Care of the Whole You