Job Description
Catholic Development Fund East Melbourne
About the Catholic Development Fund
Catholic Development Fund (CDF) are a values-based financial institution that provides funding and support across its footprint of Catholic organisations, including parishes, primary and secondary schools, healthcare, aged care, and social services providers. Our values-based approach, alongside our expertise, experience and commitment, give Catholic organisations every possible opportunity to put their faith into action. From hospital wings for the sick, to safe havens for the homeless and classrooms for the young, we support our customers to grow their mission and contribute to a fair, cohesive and productive society.
About the Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is accountable for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework across the Catholic Development Fund group, including the CDF, Community Fund and AFSL entities (collectively the “CDF”).
This position is responsible for the identification, assessment, monitoring and mitigation of all material risks facing CDF, including credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, compliance risk, outsourcing risk, strategic risk, change risk and reputational risk. The CRO ensures CDF operates within its relevant risk appetites as established by the Boards (including Advisory Boards and Committees) and maintains compliance with all APRA, ACNC, OAIC, ASIC, ATO exemptions, prudential standards, practice guides and other regulatory requirements and expectations.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CRO provides independent oversight and challenge across the CDF organisation, fostering a strong risk culture as well as operational resilience and ensuring risk and compliance considerations are embedded in strategic decision‐making and business operations.
The CRO serves as CDF's primary interface with regulators on risk and compliance matters and has a dotted‑reporting line directly to the Audit & Risk Management Committee Chair.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, implement and maintain CDF's Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERMF) in accordance with APRA CPS 220 and other applicable prudential and regulatory standards
Develop, implement and maintain the Risk systems and technology solutions supporting the ERMF
Manage the Three Lines of Defence model, ensuring clear delineation of risk management responsibilities, including the distinct interests and perspectives of the various CDF component entities
Identify, assess and monitor all material risks across the organisation, maintaining the enterprise risk register(s)
Define and monitor risk appetite statements, limits and key risk indicators (KRIs) as approved by the Boards of the relevant entities
Provide independent risk oversight and challenge to first line business units
Prepare comprehensive risk reports for the CEO, Audit & Risk Committee and Boards
Oversee the credit risk framework including lending policies, credit assessment methodologies and portfolio management
Monitor credit portfolio quality, concentration risks and emerging trends
Establish and monitor credit risk appetite metrics including portfolio limits, concentration limits and credit quality standards
Review and provide independent assessment of significant lending proposals
Manage the provisioning methodology and ensure adequacy of credit loss provisions
Market and Liquidity Risk Management
Develop and maintain market risk and liquidity risk management frameworks
Monitor investment portfolio risks including interest rate risk, concentration risk and counterparty risk
Oversee liquidity stress testing and contingency funding planning
Establish and monitor Asset and Liability Management (ALM) framework
Provide independent oversight of treasury operations and investment decisions
Establish and maintain operational risk management framework including risk and control self-assessment (RCSA) processes
Monitor operational risk events, near misses and key control effectiveness
Monitor outsourcing risk frameworks, implementation, operation and issues (including as relevant for related parties)
Oversee business continuity planning and crisis management capabilities
Coordinate operational resilience testing and improvement initiatives
Manage CDF's insurance program including coverage assessment and claims management
Compliance and Regulatory Risk
Establish and maintain compliance management framework covering all regulatory obligations
Monitor compliance with APRA prudential standards, Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) obligations, conflict of interest obligations (including related party transactions), privacy requirements and other applicable legislation
Serve as CDF's primary contact with APRA, ASIC, ACNC and other regulatory bodies
Manage regulatory reporting obligations and coordinate regulatory examinations
Oversee the compliance monitoring and testing program
Maintain awareness of regulatory developments and assess impact on CDF
Cyber Security, AI and Information Security
Oversee CDF's information security, AI and cyber security frameworks (second line oversight)
Monitor cyber security, AI and data risks and control effectiveness
Ensure compliance with APRA CPS 234 and CPG 235 Information, Data and Cyber related security requirements
Review and challenge cyber, AI and data security strategies, policies and incident response capabilities
Monitor third-party technology and security risks
Internal Audit Coordination
Coordinate with internal audit to ensure comprehensive risk coverage
Monitor management responses to audit findings and track remediation progress
Ensure internal audit has appropriate access to risk information and assessments
Risk Culture and Capability Development
Foster a strong risk awareness culture across CDF
Develop and deliver risk management training and capability building programs
Provide risk management guidance and support to business units
Champion continuous improvement in risk management practices
Board and Committee Support
Prepare and present risk reports to Audit & Risk Committee and Board
Support Board and Committee risk education and development
Provide risk input to strategic planning and major initiatives
Leadership and Team Management
Lead, mentor and develop the risk management, compliance governance and legal team
Manage resource allocation, performance evaluation and capability development
Build an effective, independent and respected risk, compliance, governance and legal function
Collaborate effectively with other executives and business leaders
What You Bring
Relevant undergraduate degree in finance, business, risk management or related field
Minimum 10 years experience in financial services risk management including senior risk leadership roles
Demonstrated experience in ADI risk management with deep knowledge of APRA prudential standards
Strong understanding of credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk and operational risk in banking context
Previous experience managing regulatory relationships, particularly with APRA
Proven track record in developing and implementing risk management frameworks
Well-developed analytical, reporting and presentation skills
Proven leadership skills and people management experience
Why work for us?
Generous salary package - that recognises your skills, experience, and contributions.
Professional Environment - join a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering an agile and inspiring work environment.
Meaningful Work - be part of a values, driven organisation that makes a difference in the community.
Hybrid Flexibility - we offer a hybrid working model (3 days in the office per week), plus a modern workspace in tranquil East Melbourne.
How to apply
If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact, we want to hear from you!
To submit an application, please click apply and provide a copy of your current resume and a cover letter.
Please note: We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, if you believe this role might be for you, please apply as soon as possible.
Employment is subject to satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check, Working with Children Check and Reference Checks. To be successful in this role you must hold valid working rights in Australia.
The Archdiocese is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all children and vulnerable adults.
Application closing date: 27 March, 2026Apply Now
At the heart of who we are is not all the buildings but the person of Jesus Christ, who enters into our lives and who we then share with others.
#J-18808-Ljbffr