Fraud Specialist Jobs in Illinois

INTRODUCTION

The Manager, Identity Fraud Strategy owns the design and continuous optimization of Avant’s identity verification and authentication strategies. This role balances two competing priorities: minimizing fraud losses and reducing unnecessary friction in the customer experience. You will lead a team of fraud analytics professionals, partner closely with Avant’s Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) team, and serve as the strategic owner of identity proofing, account authentication, and account-takeover prevention.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Identity Verification Strategy:

• Design and optimize risk-based identity verification workflows using data-driven decisioning to balance approval rates, customer friction, and fraud loss.
• Evaluate and integrate third-party identity verification vendors; manage ongoing vendor performance, contracts, and roadmaps.
• Define and track key performance metrics (e.g., verification pass rates, false-positive rates, step-up conversion) to measure strategy effectiveness.

Authentication & Account-Takeover Prevention:

• Partner with Avant’s CIAM team to develop and refine account authentication policies, including multi-factor authentication, device trust, and step-up challenges.
• Build and maintain monitoring frameworks to detect account-takeover attempts in real time; design escalation workflows and automated controls to mitigate identified threats.
• Provide strategic recommendations on authentication controls, balancing security posture with customer experience.

Analytics, Reporting & Controls:

• Build and maintain reporting dashboards that monitor control-system effectiveness, fraud trends, and customer-impact metrics.
• Conduct regular analyses to identify emerging vulnerabilities and recommend tuning adjustments to verification and authentication controls.
• Develop business cases for new initiatives, including cost-benefit analyses, projected ROI, and implementation roadmaps.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

• Manage and develop a team of fraud analytics professionals; set priorities, coach team members, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop strategic roadmaps for digital identity solutions and the integration of CIAM services across the organization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Product, Compliance, and Risk teams to align fraud strategy with broader company objectives.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (e.g., Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering) or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in risk and or fraud analytics.
• Experience leading and developing analytics teams, with strong coaching and performance-management skills.
• Strong analytical and data-storytelling skills; proficiency with SQL and at least one analytics/visualization tool (e.g., Python, Tableau, Looker).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills; ability to translate complex analytical findings into actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated track record of designing and optimizing risk-based verification or authentication strategies.
• Experience in financial services or another regulated industry.
• Familiarity with NIST digital identity guidelines (SP 800-63), cybersecurity best practices, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing third-party vendor relationships for identity or fraud solutions.
• Knowledge of CIAM platforms, identity-proofing technologies, and access-management frameworks.

LOCATION

This role is based on our downtown Chicago Office, located in the Merchandise Mart. We highly value collaboration and our hybrid schedule (M, T, Th in-office) enables flexibility to balance work and individual priorities.

COMPENSATION RANGE

The base salary range for this job is USD $125,000 - USD $155,000/ Year

Employees new to Avant typically come in below the midpoint of the pay range. The compensation range is based on the level outlined in the job posting, and compensation decisions are dependent on each applicant's experience, skills and abilities.

[If an outstanding applicant's experience and skill level is above or below the qualifications outlined in the job posting, we reserve the right to make an offer at a different level than the one listed in this job posting, which may have a different compensation range.]

This role is eligible for additional incentives, including an annual bonus. These rewards are allocated based on level, impact and performance in the role.

OUR BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Choice of great Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plan options
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Time Off
• Flexible Work Environment - (i.e. Mon/Tues/Thurs in-person)
• Generous Paid Parental Leave, Adoption Assistance and Post-parental leave ramp-up program
• Lunch Allowance (Fooda) and In-office Snacks
• Summer Fridays
• Fun In-office and Virtual Social Events
• And who doesn’t love the swag

Why Avant is the place for you:

At Avant, we believe our values make a difference:

Authenticity. We show up to work as our whole selves and make sure others can too.

Collaboration. We can only succeed when we do so as a team.

Problem-Solving. The harder the problem, the more satisfying the solution.

Customer. We are all owners of the customer experience.

Initiative. Plan. Adapt. Get Sh!t Done.

We believe that great ideas come from anyone and anywhere, that everyone is an owner who drives change, and that we have more fun when we work together. We're problem solvers who love collaborating with intelligent and highly-motivated people to reshape the face of digital banking. Avant offers terrific perks and benefits, fun social events with employees who actually like hanging out together, and a flexible growth environment where trying your hand at new projects and being the active owner of your career path is encouraged and supported.

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