Regulatory Relations Program Director

Citizens•Johnston, RI

About The Position

Regulatory Relations Program Lead Reporting to the EVP, Deputy General Counsel & Head of Regulatory Relations for the Bank Regulatory Group, the Regulatory Relations Program Lead serves as the primary liaison and centralized point of contact between Citizens Financial Group, Inc., Citizens Bank, N.A., and prudential regulators, including the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This leadership role drives the overall strategy for regulatory relationships, leads examination oversight, and ensures coordinated, transparent communication across the enterprise, including with the Chief Risk Officer and the Risk Management Division. Leadership Responsibilities Serve as the organization’s primary point of contact for prudential regulatory agencies, cultivating constructive and collaborative relationships. Prepare and guide senior management for regulatory meetings by developing agendas, drafting executive briefings, and leading key conversations. Oversee a broad portfolio of regulatory engagements and examinations, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities. Provide leadership and coordination across Regulatory Relationship Managers. Identify and communicate key themes and emerging issues from regulatory interactions, maintaining strong reporting routines for enterprise awareness. Promote the sharing of best practices and lessons learned to strengthen organizational readiness. Provide timely updates to senior leaders on examination progress, critical findings, and supervisory trends. Ensure prompt and accurate responses to all regulatory requests. Interpret supervisory expectations, protocols, and requirements for business and risk partners across the institution. Serve as the enterprise authority on Regulatory Relations policies, standards, and training. Lead continuous enhancement of exam management processes, reporting routines, and communication practices.

Requirements

10+ years of progressively responsible experience, including significant leadership in regulatory engagement or direct service as a regulator.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly synthesize complex topics for regulators and senior executives.
Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate, and build strong internal and external relationships.
Broad knowledge across risk management disciplines, including operational, market, credit, and compliance risk.
Strong attention to detail and an energetic, hands-on leadership style with proven performance under pressure.
Self-directed and highly motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and cross‑functional initiatives independently.
Advanced project management skills, demonstrating strong follow‑through, organization, and time management.
Extensive experience leading regulatory and internal audit interactions, including exam management, coordination, and issue resolution.
High level of professionalism, sensitivity, and discretion.
Strong strategic problem‑solving abilities, with demonstrated success navigating shifting priorities in a fast-paced regulatory environment.
Ability to quickly learn and leverage new systems and technology, including AI; proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or Juris Doctor.
Experience in senior‑level regulatory strategy roles within large financial institutions.
Prior leadership roles directly managing regulatory agencies or supervising Regulatory Relationship Managers.
Exposure to enterprise‑level risk governance frameworks and large-bank supervisory programs.

Responsibilities

Serve as the organization’s primary point of contact for prudential regulatory agencies, cultivating constructive and collaborative relationships.
Prepare and guide senior management for regulatory meetings by developing agendas, drafting executive briefings, and leading key conversations.
Oversee a broad portfolio of regulatory engagements and examinations, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities.
Provide leadership and coordination across Regulatory Relationship Managers.
Identify and communicate key themes and emerging issues from regulatory interactions, maintaining strong reporting routines for enterprise awareness.
Promote the sharing of best practices and lessons learned to strengthen organizational readiness.
Provide timely updates to senior leaders on examination progress, critical findings, and supervisory trends.
Ensure prompt and accurate responses to all regulatory requests.
Interpret supervisory expectations, protocols, and requirements for business and risk partners across the institution.
Serve as the enterprise authority on Regulatory Relations policies, standards, and training.
Lead continuous enhancement of exam management processes, reporting routines, and communication practices.