VP, Credit Solutions

*Amazing Opportunity with AmeriCU Credit Union*

VP, Credit Solutions

AmeriCU Credit Union

On Site/Hybrid - Rome/Albany, NY

PURPOSE

Consistent with the credit union mission of building connections and providing our members with the right financial services to live life, dream big and achieve financial success, the VP, Credit Solutions will:

·      Provide strategic and operational leadership for all collections, loss mitigation, bankruptcy, foreclosure, legal recovery, repossession, asset recovery, and post-charge-off recovery activities across consumer, mortgage, and commercial portfolios.

·      As a key member of the Lending Leadership Team, this executive is responsible for protecting asset quality, minimizing losses, maximizing recoveries, supporting member financial rehabilitation, and ensuring the organization's collection and recovery strategies align with business objectives, regulatory expectations, and risk appetite.

·      Lead the transformation of Credit Solutions from a primarily operational function into a strategic risk management organization focused on portfolio preservation, analytics, automation, digital engagement, workforce development, and continuous process improvement.

ROLES + RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Credit Solutions strategy that supports the credit union's growth, profitability, asset quality, and member experience objectives.
• Serve as the executive owner of collection, recovery, hardship assistance, and loss mitigation programs.
• Partner with Lending, Finance, Risk Management, Compliance, Operations, and Member Experience leaders to proactively identify and mitigate portfolio risk.
• Establish long-term strategies for delinquency reduction, recovery optimization, charge-off management, and portfolio performance improvement.
• Act as a trusted advisor to executive management regarding emerging credit, operational, regulatory, and recovery trends.

Portfolio Performance & Risk Management

• Oversee collection and recovery performance across all consumer, mortgage, and commercial lending portfolios.
• Monitor delinquency trends, roll rates, migration performance, cure rates, loss severity, bankruptcy activity, foreclosure activity, charge-offs, and recovery results.
• Lead development of performance dashboards, forecasting models, and portfolio analytics that support proactive decision-making.
• Ensure alignment between Credit Solutions activities and CECL, allowance methodology, concentration management, and enterprise risk frameworks.
• Provide executive reporting and recommendations to senior leadership, ALCO, management committees, and the Board.

Collections & Member Solutions

• Direct collection strategies that balance financial performance with member advocacy and financial wellness.
• Ensure effective administration of hardship programs, payment modifications, workout arrangements, and member assistance initiatives.
• Lead implementation of digital-first collection strategies, including text, email, workflow, self-service, and AI-enabled engagement channels.
• Promote a member-centric culture that emphasizes empathy, fairness, professionalism, and positive member outcomes.

Asset Recovery & Loss Mitigation

• Provide executive oversight of bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossession, legal collections, judgments, deficiency recovery, vendor collections, and post-charge-off strategies.
• Develop and implement recovery optimization initiatives that maximize recoveries while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Establish performance standards and scorecards for legal partners, repossession vendors, collection agencies, auction providers, and recovery vendors.
• Monitor recovery economics and vendor effectiveness to ensure optimal returns.

Technology, Automation & Process Improvement

• Lead the strategic use of technology, analytics, AI, automation, and workflow modernization within Credit Solutions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, eliminate manual work, improve efficiency, and increase organizational capacity.
• Partner with Information Technology, Digital Services, and Operations teams to implement scalable solutions that improve performance and member experience.
• Champion data integrity, reporting accuracy, and meaningful performance measurement.

These responsibilities align with strategic initiatives focused on automation, digital collections, vendor optimization, analytics, and improved operational capacity.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, develop, and mentor managers and leaders across Collections, Member Solutions, Asset Recovery, and related functions.
• Build a high-performing culture emphasizing accountability, collaboration, member advocacy, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop succession plans and career pathways that strengthen organizational depth and technical expertise.
• Establish performance expectations and key performance indicators for all areas of responsibility.
• Promote cross-functional partnerships and organizational alignment throughout the credit union.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all collection and recovery activities comply with federal and state regulations, NCUA guidance, legal requirements, and internal policies.
• Maintain strong internal controls and operational risk management practices.
• Oversee audit, examination, and regulatory responses related to collections and recovery functions.
• Ensure vendor management activities meet enterprise governance standards.

Any other duties needed to help drive our vision, to fulfill our mission and abide by AmeriCU’s values. Employees are asked to provide feedback, act, and connect with each other to ensure that we are taking the right action needed to move us forward in a way that best represents who we are as an organization. Do the right thing, and you’ll be supported.

Lead the overall growth and success of assigned member-facing products and services.

Success Metrics

The Vice President will be measured on:

• Delinquency performance
• Charge-off performance
• Recovery and collection effectiveness
• Bankruptcy and foreclosure outcomes
• Cure and roll-rate performance
• Member retention and financial rehabilitation outcomes
• Operational efficiency and automation results
• Regulatory and audit performance
• Employee engagement and talent development
• Achievement of strategic objectives and financial plans

COMPETENCIES:

Cultivates Networks & Drives Engagement -

MVP1- Core Value: I am C

ommunity Focused and M

aking Connections  

Represents AmeriCU interests in community and industry involvement and within professional organizations and leverages relationships to facilitate strategic and partnership opportunities.

Drives Vision & Purpose with Trust –

MVP-1 Team Core Value - I am I

nclusive

& R

eal

Creates a motivational work environment that promotes innovation, results-oriented risk-taking, talent development, and provides recognition for accomplishments.

Financial Acumen & Drives Results –

MVP-1 Team Core Value - I am A

ccountable

Executes solid business strategy by taking actions based on anticipation of market trends and developments; understanding areas and organization’s key financial indicators to make better business decisions. Consistently achieves planned results, even in the face of obstacles.

Planning & Alignment to Strategic Plan –

MPV 1 Team Core Value: I am U

nited as One

Creates and drives the business strategy through innovation, tenacity and by taking personal ownership and accountability.

Strategic Mindset & Resourcefulness

MVP 1 Team Core Value: I am E

mpowered

Demonstrates principled, courageous leadership and sound business ethics and is involved in the communities we serve. Fosters the development of a common vision; provides clear direction and priorities; clarifies roles and responsibilities.

REPORTING STRUCTURE : Chief Lending Officer

Education :

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Risk Management, or related field required.
• MBA, Master's degree, CUNA Management School, Western CUNA Management School, or comparable executive leadership education preferred.

Experience :

• Minimum 10 years of progressive lending, collections, recovery, credit risk, or financial services leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years of senior management experience leading large teams and multiple functions.
• Experience managing consumer, mortgage, and commercial collection environments.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic initiatives, change management efforts, and organizational transformation.
• Strong background in portfolio analytics, risk management, and operational performance management.

Knowledge & Skills

• Deep understanding of collections, recovery, bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossession, and legal collection practices.
• Strong knowledge of NCUA regulations, consumer protection laws, bankruptcy regulations, and industry best practices.
• Proven financial acumen and ability to influence enterprise decision-making.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leveraging technology, analytics, automation, and AI to improve business outcomes.
• Strong strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

Direct responsibility for:

• Collections / Member Solutions
• Asset Recovery
• Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Operations
• Recovery Strategy
• Vendor Management
• Legal Recovery Activities
• Portfolio Analytics & Reporting
• Credit Solutions Process Improvement & Automation

Typical Span of Control: 20-50+ team members through multiple levels of leadership.

Budget Responsibility: Department operating budget, vendor oversight, strategic project investments, and loss mitigation initiatives.

This role serves as the executive leader responsible for protecting the credit union's loan portfolio while balancing financial performance, member advocacy, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth.