Director, Credit Risk & Analytics

Upgrade is a fintech company that provides affordable and responsible credit, mobile banking, and payment products to everyday consumers. We were the fastest growing company in the Americas last year according to the Financial Times and Upgrade Card was the fastest growing credit card in America two years in a row. We have delivered over $31 billion in affordable and responsible credit to our 5M customers. The company is backed by some of the most prominent technology investors and was recently valued at $6.3B.

We have built an energizing, collaborative and inclusive culture where team members help each other, learn and innovate to move the company and its customers in the right direction, and own the outcome of their efforts.

Upgrade has been named a “Best Place to Work in the Bay Area” three years in a row, “Top Companies to work for in Arizona” and one of the "Best Engineering Department" awarded annually by Comparably. We've also received recognition for being a best company for Diversity, Women, Culture, and Veterans.

We are looking for new team members who get excited about designing and delivering new and better products to join a team of 1600 talented and dedicated professionals. Come work with us if you like to tackle big problems and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Director, Credit Risk & Analytics (Retail short-mid duration installment loans) to join our innovative & fast-growing Flex Pay team at Upgrade, a leading fintech company specializing in consumer finance. In this position, you will play a pivotal role in risk assessment of applicants and ensuring responsible lending practices. Your insights and recommendations will directly influence our ability to provide accessible and fair financial solutions to our customers.

This will be a hybrid role based out of our San Francisco HQ office. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Risk Assessment: Design & implement strategies and analytical frameworks to evaluate applicant risk using various financial data sources/ proprietary scoring models and underwriting guidelines.
• Decision Making: Own underwriting policy changes end to end including business intent definition, collaboration with engineering/product teams to implement and monitor the business intent, and performance monitoring
• Policy Adherence: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies throughout the underwriting process.
• Documentation/Automation: Document and automate analytical frameworks and processes to reduce onboarding times for new team members as we grow
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments including Sales, Engineering, Product, Operations, Finance, and Legal to streamline processes and enhance customer experience.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor loan portfolio performance and conduct periodic reviews to manage risk exposure effectively. Develop/manage periodic reporting templates to Senior Management, and Upgrade Lending Partners
• Merchant Monitoring: Monitor performance and profile at a merchant level to drive insights/decisions around merchant pricing and underwriting policy.

What We Look For:

• Background: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Statistics, Computer Science or a related field
• Experience: 5+ years of proven experience in Analytics domain in an at scale technology, start-up or high-growth company, preferably in short to mid-duration installment loans in Retail sector
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret & visualize complex data and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in reviewing documentation and assessing credit risk.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with credit risk management principles, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. Knowledge and experience in statistical procedures, decision trees, and financial analysis tools
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey credit decisions and recommendations.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple pri