Vice President of Compliance

The Vice President of Compliance is a senior executive responsible for designing, leading, and maintaining an enterprise-wide compliance management system (CMS) that ensures adherence to all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance governing credit union operations. This role provides strategic leadership, independent oversight, and trusted advisory support to executive management and the Board of Directors, while fostering a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the organization.

Designs, developments, delivers and implements compliance programs, policies, practices, and reporting commensurate with the size and complexity of the credit union, and in support of the credit union's strategy and risk appetite.

Hires, motivates, evaluates, and develops department personnel to ensure that quality service is provided to all internal and external customers and stakeholders.

Serves as a key advisor to the CFO and Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors on regulatory risk and compliance strategy.

Maintains independence and authority to challenge business decisions that pose undue regulatory risk.

Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

• NCUA Rules and Regulations
• BSA/AML and OFAC (in coordination with BSA Officer)
• Consumer protection laws (TILA, RESPA, HMDA, ECOA, FCRA, FDCPA, UDAAP, Fair Lending)
• Privacy and data protection (GLBA, state privacy laws)
• CFPB regulations and guidance

Monitors regulatory developments and assess impact on products, services, policies, and procedures.

Designs, maintains, and continuously enhances a robust CMS covering:

• Compliance risk assessments
• Policies and procedures
• Training and awareness programs
• Monitoring and testing
• Issue/Complaint management and corrective action tracking

Ensures compliance programs scale appropriately with asset growth, product expansion, and digital transformation.

Serves as subject matter expert on compliance related topics by maintaining industry insights and timely review of related industry alerts and environment to help determine applicability and risk to the organization.

Coordinates exam preparation, on-site management, examiner communications, and response to findings.

Oversees timely remediation of Matters Requiring Attention (MRAs), Document of Resolution items, and audit findings.

Prepares and presents regular compliance reports to the Board and relevant committees (e.g., Supervisory Committee, Vendor Management Committee, ERM Committee).

Provides clear, actionable insights on compliance trends, emerging risks, and program effectiveness.

Escalates significant compliance issues promptly and appropriately.

Collaborates across the three lines of defense to support a culture of risk awareness, identification, measurement, reporting and management of enterprise-wide Compliance related opportunities and risks.

Supports a culture of continuous improvement to enhance the enterprise-wide compliance risk management program framework that incorporates risk assessment, control design, training, testing, and reporting of compliance matters.

Partners with HR and business leaders embed compliance into day-to-day operations and decision-making.

Leads, mentors, and develops a professional compliance team, including managers and subject matter experts.

Ensures adequate staffing, tools, and resources to support the compliance program.

Establishes performance goals, succession planning, and professional development pathways.

Serves as Chairperson of the Compliance Committee; coordinates and conducts meetings

Bachelor’s degree required (Business, Finance, Law, Risk Management, or related field). MBA, Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.

Twelve+ years of compliance experience in a financial institution, regulatory agency, or major consulting company with a particular focus on consumer compliance laws/regulations and industry rules that govern member service, lending and loan servicing (ex: Reg Z, Reg X, FCRA, Reg O, FDPA, GSE requirements, etc.).

Seven + years in a senior leadership or executive-level compliance role.

Direct experience with credit unions or federally regulated depository institutions preferred.

Proven experience leading regulatory exams for institutions with $1B+ in assets.

CRCM (Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager) required.  CAMS, CCEP, or similar compliance/risk certifications preferred.

Deep knowledge of NCUA regulations and consumer financial protection laws.

Strong understanding of enterprise risk management frameworks.

Excellent executive communication and Board-level presentation skills.

Ability to balance regulatory requirements with business strategy and member experience.

Demonstrated leadership, judgment, and independence.

Strategic thinking and decision-making

Ability to allocate and manage resources effectively within budget parameters

Regulatory judgment and integrity

Ability to persuade others to consider merits of course of action

Ability to provide constructive feedback to others

Ability to lead change management

Ability to maintain confidential information

Attention to detail with enterprise-level perspective

Ability to read data, analyze reports and prepare summaries and recommendations without violating confidentiality requirements.

Ability to work the hours needed which may extend beyond the defined work schedule when operating conditions dictate.

Regular collaboration across internal business lines and external fiduciary entities.

Ability to lift up to 15 lbs., with or without assistance, in compliance with ADA.