Director of Risk and Underwriting

A career with Gravity Payments is an opportunity to be on a collaborative team where creative leadership, passion for progress, and responsibility are paramount. Our team members focus and commit to providing for our clients and our community because we care deeply for others.  

We're looking for someone excited by the challenge of leading a critical part of our business, someone who thrives in complexity, sees both the big picture and the fine detail, and can guide others with clarity and confidence.

Success in this role looks like:

• A well-designed, forward-looking risk management strategy that reduces exposure, improves efficiency and enhances the merchant experience
• Streamlined operations with scalable structures that support growth without unnecessary headcount increases
• A unified, trusted Risk & Underwriting function seen as a strategic partner across Gravity
• Proactive identification of opportunities and gaps, leading to cross-functional innovation and improved performance
• Clear, consistent compliance with all regulatory and partner requirements

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborating cross-functionally to design and implement a holistic risk management strategy that balances growth, compliance, and client experience
• Serving as a hands-on leader who is able and willing to operate across all levels, from developing company-wide strategy, to stepping in alongside the team when needed.
• Collaboratively identify and analyze data to understand merchant risk profiles, proactively filling information gaps to make informed approval or denial decisions.
  Setting thoughtful, strategic company risk policies in partnership with team members and stakeholders to drive revenue while managing exposure
• Guiding the evolution of Risk, Underwriting, and Compliance teams and processes to meet the needs of a growing, dynamic organization
• Mentoring and coaching direct reports to build a high-performing, engaged, and collaborative team
• Defining and monitoring KPIs, SLAs, and daily decision metrics for the Risk & Underwriting team
• Serving as an escalation point for nuanced, high-stakes decisions and modeling strong judgment
• Analyzing processing data to mitigate risk, prevent losses, and identify new opportunities
• Leading cross-functional efforts to minimize losses and improve collections
• Developing best practices for monitoring high-risk or high-volume accounts
• Ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulatory standards (AML, KYC, OFAC, etc.)
• Overseeing audits and engagement with card brands, sponsor banks, and processors
• Advising on industry trends and shaping Gravity’s overall risk strategy

Preferred Skills

• 5–10 years of experience leading Risk & Underwriting in payment processing
• Deep knowledge of credit risk, merchant underwriting, and regulatory compliance
• Strong critical thinking and holistic problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to make thoughtful, informed decisions, balancing speed with precision
• A natural mentor with a curiosity-driven mindset and a coaching approach
• Experience managing ambiguity and building clear processes from complexity
• A lean towards data, from analysis to communicating insights and recommendations
• A collaborative leader who builds trust and alignment across teams

This job description is a snapshot of the role at this moment in time. As our organization evolves, so do our roles. Responsibilities may shift to meet changing business needs. We seek individuals who are adaptable, proactive, and open to growth as we continue to move forward together.

Technical requirements

• Must have access to a wired internet connection
• Must have access to at least a 25 megabits per second (mbps) download and 20 mbps upload speed connection

• Compensation: Competitive wage with Profit Sharing. Base pay without commissions and a unique opportunity to earn a share in company success.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan and voluntary life insurance.
• Wellbeing: Time off when you need it, supporting both personal and professional sustainability. Open PTO available after one year.
• Career Growth: Training, mentorship, and development opportunities.
• Support & Stability: Short-term & long-term disability coverage and wellness resources.

The salary for this position is $120,000 - $200,000. We may be open to negotiating outside of this range if the desired salary aligns with the needs of the candidate and the company.

Gravity Payments is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Gravity Payments collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a California Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.