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Risk Management Specialist - Assistant Director
- Principal Financial Group (Des Moines, IA)
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What You'll Do
This Risk Management Specialist - AD role is a critical part in strengthening risk management practices across selected corporate and business functions, with primary focus supporting global financial resources and retirement and income solutions. You will serve as a trusted risk advisor, leading second-line risk initiatives by aligning with business strategies and applying the Enterprise Risk Management framework, standards, policies and tools. You will partner with business and functional leaders to assess risk, evaluate control environments, and influence effective mitigation strategies to balance risk and reward.
What You’ll Do
Risk Consulting & Advisory
+ Partner with business units and functional leaders to provide risk consulting on strategies, projects, higher-risk processes, emerging risks, and regulatory change.
+ Influence the development of corrective action and mitigation plans, assessing effectiveness and recommending enhancements when needed.
+ Support enterprise and business-specific risk initiatives using ERM frameworks, risk methodologies, and best practices.
Risk Programs & Assessments
+ Lead risk assessments and control reviews across varying levels of complexity and risk exposure.
+ Evaluate the design and effectiveness of processes, policies, procedures, internal controls, and EUA tools.
+ Apply strong risk and control thinking to identify gaps and strengthen control structures.
Governance & Oversight
+ Support governance, standards, and oversight activities that drive consistency and accountability across ERM programs.
+ Maintain ERM documentation and recommend improvements to risk standards, processes, and controls.
Reporting & Communication
+ Partner with leadership and risk program teams to develop and deliver risk reporting and insights that support informed decision-making.
+ Identify areas where risk exposure may exceed tolerance levels and escalate issues as appropriate.
+ Communicate complex risk concepts clearly to non-risk audiences.
Who You Are
+ Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience
+ 8+ years of experience in risk management, audit, compliance, legal, or direct business oversight with accountability for risk and compliance
+ Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
+ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
+ Knowledge of corporate functions and internal business operations preferred
+ Ability to provide on-call support as needed
Why This Role
This role offers the opportunity to operate at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution—shaping how risk is identified, managed, and communicated across critical enterprise functions. You’ll gain broad exposure to key business areas and corporate functions while partnering closely with senior leaders to influence decisions that matter. If you enjoy solving complex problems, strengthening control environments, and serving as a trusted advisor in a dynamic, evolving risk landscape, this role provides both impact and visibility.
Salary Range Information
Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.
Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)
$123000 - $167000 / year
Time Off Program
Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.
Pension Eligible
Yes
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.
Nonimmigrant Workers (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-nonimmigrant-workers) and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants (https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants)
Investment Code of Ethics
For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.
Experience Principal
At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site (https://www.principal.com/about-us/careers) to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Posting Window
We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.
Original Posting Date
12/30/2025
Most Recently Posted Date
12/30/2025
LinkedIn Remote Hashtag
\#LI-Remote
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Risk Management Specialist - Assistant Director
- Principal Financial Group (Des Moines, IA)