AI Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Director at BECU in Tukwila, WA

Is it surprising to hear that a financial institution of 1.5 million members and over $30 billion in managed assets say that success comes from focusing on people, not profits?

Our “people helping people” philosophy has guided us since 1935, driving our deep commitment to serving our members, communities, and each other. When you join our team, you become part of a purpose-driven organization where your work makes a real difference.

While we’re proud of our history, we’re even more excited about our future. With business and technology transformation on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be part of BECU.

You bring more than your expertise to your role, and that matters here. Your story, perspectives, and lived experiences help shape belonging at BECU and deepen how we connect with and support our employees, our members, and our communities.

PAY RANGE

The Target Pay Range for this position is $189,000.00-$230,700.00 annually. The full Pay Range is $146,600.00 - $273,000.00 annually. At BECU, compensation decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, and education or training. Should an offer for employment be made, we will consider individual qualifications. In addition to your salary, compensation incentives are available for the hired applicant. Incentives are performance based and targets vary by role.

BENEFITS – because people helping people starts with supporting you

• 401(k) Company Match (up to 3%)
• 4% annual contribution to your 401(k) by BECU
• Medical, Dental and Vision (family contributions as well)
• PTO Program + Exchange Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• BECU Cares volunteer time off + donation match

IMPACT YOU’LL MAKE:

As the AI Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Director, you will help shape how AI is responsibly and effectively adopted across BECU. You’ll serve as the critical bridge between AI innovation teams and governance, legal, compliance, risk, cybersecurity, model risk, and data governance partners, helping transform emerging ideas into scalable, compliant solutions. Your work will enable AI-powered experiences that improve employee productivity and enhance how members interact with BECU’s products and services. By anticipating regulatory requirements, removing roadblocks, and building trusted partnerships, you’ll help accelerate AI innovation while ensuring responsible governance. This is a unique opportunity to influence enterprise-wide AI strategy and support the future of banking through thoughtful risk management and collaboration.

To join our dynamic team, we require candidates to be residents of WA, OR, ID, AZ, TX, GA, SC, NC, CA or VA. If you’re located in Washington state and within a reasonable driving distance from Tukwila, we are requesting that you come into our HQ on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. For those candidates that live outside the commute distance of TFC and in any of our approved remote work locations, this role will be remote. Remote or onsite, we are committed to ensuring you are fully engaged and included in our collaborative environment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• AI Governance Leadership: Serve as the primary strategic liaison between AI innovation teams and enterprise control functions, helping ensure AI initiatives align with governance, risk, compliance, cybersecurity, model risk management, and data governance requirements.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Build strong relationships across legal, regulatory, compliance, risk, technology, and business teams to create alignment and help AI initiatives move forward effectively.
• Strategic Advisory Support: Act as a trusted advisor to AI innovation and control partners, translating complex AI concepts into clear, actionable guidance that supports informed decision-making.
• Governance Framework Development: Help create, evolve, and sustain enterprise-wide AI governance frameworks, guardrails, standards, and policies that support responsible AI adoption.
• Policy & Controls Integration: Develop, refine, and implement AI usage policies while embedding them within existing risk, compliance, cybersecurity, and data privacy frameworks.
• Model Risk Collaboration: Partner with Model Validation and Model Risk Management teams to support validation practices, governance enhancements, research activities, and ongoing process improvements.
• Regulatory Readiness Planning: Identify legal, regulatory, and governance requirements associated with AI adoption and create practical plans that support successful product delivery and organizational readiness.
• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Proactively identify governance gaps, compliance concerns, and emerging AI-related risks, coordinating solutions with the appropriate stakeholders before they become delivery obstacles.
• Framework Assessment & Enhancement: Evaluate existing AI and advanced analytics governance practices and recommend improvements that support evolving technologies and business needs.
• Scalable Governance Solutions: Develop repeatable templates, guidance materials, governance artifacts, and frameworks that can be consistently utilized across the enterprise.
• Responsible AI Advocacy: Champion responsible AI practices and help establish effective approaches for managing model failures, unintended outcomes, and compliance risks.
• Industry & Regulatory Monitoring: Interpret changing regulatory expectations, industry trends, and emerging best practices to provide practical guidance for business and technology teams.
• Executive Engagement: Prepare and deliver clear, concise presentations, recommendations, and decision-support materials for senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Enterprise AI Program Readiness: Support the successful scaling of AI initiatives by ensuring governance, legal, compliance, and regulatory requirements are identified and addressed early in the process.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform additional duties and strategic initiatives as assigned.

This isn’t just about ticking off tasks on a list. It's about making a significant, positive change in BECU’s journey, where your contributions are valued, and your growth is continually fostered.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:

• The opportunity to shape the future of AI governance, risk management, and responsible innovation at one of the nation’s leading credit unions.
• Direct influence on how emerging AI technologies are safely and effectively adopted across the organization.
• A highly visible role that partners with executive leaders, governance teams, and technology innovators across the enterprise.
• The ability to drive meaningful outcomes that improve employee productivity and enhance member experiences.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI initiatives and evolving regulatory landscapes within a highly regulated industry.
• Opportunities to build enterprise frameworks and governance capabilities that will have lasting organizational impact.
• A collaborative environment where your expertise, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills are highly valued.
• Continuous learning and growth in AI, governance, compliance, risk management, and financial services innovation.
• The chance to balance innovation and accountability while helping define how responsible AI is implemented at scale.
• Meaningful work that contributes to BECU’s mission of improving the financial well-being of its members.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Computer Science, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Typically requires 10 years of experience in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), Model Risk Management, Data Governance, or Legal/Compliance.
• Experience designing enterprise governance frameworks for AI or advanced analytics required.
• Expert understanding of regulatory environments (e.g., NCUA, CFPB, GLBA) required.
• Demonstrated experience working with emerging technologies, including AI or Generative AI required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience within regulated industries, preferably financial services or credit unions preferred.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, evolving environments required.
• Experience influencing senior leaders across multiple functions without direct authority required.
• Advanced research, analytical, and policy development experience required.
• Excellent collaboration and relationship-building skills required.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills required.
• Familiarity with model validation, data governance, or cybersecurity within financial services preferred.
• Demonstrated thought leadership in responsible AI or emerging technology risk management preferred.
• Ability to balance innovation enablement with appropriate risk controls required.

JOIN THE JOURNEY

Ready to make an indelible impact? Eager to be a part of a collaborative and innovative team where your ideas and contributions don’t just fill a role, but fuel the growth and success of BECU?

EEO Statement:

BECU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.