Senior Compliance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which is dedicated to helping people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and in 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to address the needs of vulnerable populations. The IRC's mission is to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. They focus on various areas including health, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment of women and girls, ensuring that their programs are effective and sustainable across diverse contexts.

Job Overview:
The Senior Compliance Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring that the CEO operates in full compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing its lending activities and organizational governance obligations. This position is foundational to CEO’s multi-state operations and growth strategy, supporting expansion into new jurisdictions while maintaining strong regulatory, operational, and reputational risk controls. The Senior Compliance Officer is responsible for developing and maintaining compliance policies, processes, and training, serving as the primary point of contact for state licensing agencies, external auditors, and board members regarding compliance filings and governance records. This role also supports investor, grantor, and funder compliance readiness, coordinating with Finance and program teams to ensure that compliance requirements are met effectively. Over time, the Senior Compliance Officer is expected to contribute to the development of a more formal enterprise risk management (ERM) framework, enhancing the organization’s ability to manage risks associated with its operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Compliance Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: Regulatory Licensing & Filings (approximately 40% of the role) - This includes maintaining a rolling calendar of state lending and debt collection licenses, preparing and submitting license applications and renewals, researching regulatory requirements for expansion into new states, and managing consumer credit and debt collection reporting obligations. Policy Management & Operational Compliance (approximately 30%) - The officer will maintain and update the organization’s Compliance Manual and policy library, monitor changes in applicable laws and regulations, conduct periodic internal audits, and provide compliance training and guidance to staff and management. Corporate Governance & Board Liaison (approximately 20%) - Responsibilities include maintaining corporate records, tracking board tenure and committee membership, preparing governance filings, and liaising with board members to support compliance filings. External Relations & Audit Support (approximately 10%) - This involves serving as the primary liaison with state regulators, auditors, and external counsel, coordinating responses to regulatory inquiries, and supporting preparation for compliance reviews.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a JD or paralegal certificate being a plus. Related experience in or for a lending institution is required, along with demonstrated experience managing multi-jurisdictional compliance obligations. Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills are essential, as well as the ability to manage multiple deadlines across jurisdictions. Experience in developing and implementing compliance policies and internal controls is necessary, along with familiarity with database and/or CRM management. Exceptional written communication and documentation skills are critical, and candidates should exhibit high integrity, discretion, and a collaborative working style. Familiarity with consumer lending laws and the NMLS platform is a plus, as is an interest in enterprise risk management or organizational risk frameworks.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement. A Juris Doctor (JD) degree or a paralegal certificate is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of legal knowledge and expertise that can be beneficial in navigating compliance issues within the lending sector.

Experience:
The position requires related experience in or for a lending institution, with a strong emphasis on managing compliance obligations across multiple jurisdictions. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing and implementing compliance policies and internal controls, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex regulatory environments effectively. Experience with database management or CRM systems is also important, as it relates to maintaining compliance records and documentation.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions where the organization operates, to enhance communication with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
This position is fully remote within the United States, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role requires occasional travel to conferences or in-person meetings, estimated at 3-5 times per year. The compensation for this position ranges from $95,000 to $115,000, based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.