Upstart

Director of Fair Lending

Upstart

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: United States

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Salary

💰 $189,000 - $334,200 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Own the fair lending risk assessment framework and provide independent challenge and guidance on control design across Upstart’s products, features, and services, identifying, evaluating, and escalating risks in close partnership with cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Define and execute a comprehensive fair lending risk assessment program that supports regulatory compliance and Upstart’s mission to expand access to credit responsibly.
  • Leverage data, analytics, and monitoring outputs to identify emerging risk themes and inform proactive mitigation strategies.
  • Provide subject matter expertise, guidance, and coverage across fair lending initiatives, supporting execution and progress in a fast-moving, highly regulated environment.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives and working groups on a project basis, driving alignment, clarity, and risk-informed outcomes on complex and ambiguous issues.
  • Influence decision-making by maintaining deep, current knowledge of regulatory expectations and industry best practices, and by translating risk insights into clear, actionable guidance.
  • Communicate key fair lending risk themes, assessments, and insights to senior leadership and relevant governance forums, including the Fair Lending and board level committees.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of progressive experience in fair lending and consumer protection compliance (e.g., in compliance, legal, audit, or risk management) within financial services or fintech, including direct ownership of ECOA/FHA programs, testing, and remediation.
  • Deep, expert-level knowledge of fair lending and consumer protection laws and guidance (ECOA, FHA, FCRA, UDAAP, privacy) and how they apply across the credit lifecycle (marketing, underwriting, pricing, servicing, collections).
  • Hands-on experience designing and operationalizing second-line risk management or compliance programs, including risk identification, control design, testing and monitoring, training and enablement, and third-party oversight.
  • Proven track record leading enterprise-wide fair lending or consumer protection initiatives, influencing senior and cross-functional stakeholders, and engaging effectively with regulators, external auditors, or monitors on fair lending matters.
Benefits
  • Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
  • Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees
  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options - Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose
  • Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans
  • Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage
  • Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays
  • Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments
  • Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
  • Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service
  • Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you
  • Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from
  • Connection and community through team events and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
  • Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
fair lending risk assessmentregulatory compliancedata analyticsrisk identificationcontrol designtesting and monitoringtraining and enablementthird-party oversightECOA program managementFHA program management
Soft Skills
cross-functional collaborationinfluencing decision-makingcommunicationguidanceleadershipproject managementproblem-solvingstakeholder engagementclarityalignment