Director, Compliance and Implementation - Legal & Regulatory

Washington, District of Columbia

About the Position

Do you have a passion for working in the annuity and retirement income industry? Are you interested in how the industry is regulated and how the regulations impact the retirement industry? Do enjoy staying abreast of new laws, regulations, and developments? If yes, this could be the job for you.

At the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI), we have a fantastic team committed to our mission of championing retirement security for all Americans. IRI is seeking a highly motivated Director of Compliance and Implementation to lead and support our member companies with developing, executing, and maintaining strategies and tactics to achieve compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and guidance applicable to the annuity and retirement income industry.

The Director position is perfect for someone who is eager to work in a fast-paced, mission driven environment alongside a small team of committed industry professionals. The position reports to the Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer and may be based in our DC office (currently working remotely) or in a remote location. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Serves as a trusted advisor to member companies and IRI’s internal team on strategic and tactical matters related to implementation of and compliance with highly complex requirements imposed on the annuity and retirement income industry under federal and state laws, rules, and guidance.

• Monitors and analyzes legislative and regulatory developments (including actions taken by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Departments of Labor and Treasury, and state insurance and securities departments) to identify and report to members on implementation and compliance issues of relevance to the annuity and retirement income industry.

• Leads, facilitates, and contributes to member discussions regarding implementation of and compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory changes, including the potential impact of such changes on members, and member efforts to develop, execute, and maintain compliance policies and procedures.

• Provides insight into the requirements and expectations of policymakers as to compliance with applicable laws and rules.

• Participates in IRI meetings with policymakers to educate them on real-world compliance issues and challenges related to relevant issues and developments.

• Establishes, maintains, and grows effective relationships with policymakers in support of advocacy efforts and compliance initiatives on relevant issues and developments.

• Provides real-world compliance perspective to assist in the development of IRI positions on relevant issues.

• Coordinates with other members of the regulatory affairs team to create and maintain trackers to help members stay up-to-date on the current status of relevant compliance issues and developments.

• Serves as primary IRI staff liaison for implementation and compliance working groups and task forces. Creates and staffs additional working groups and task forces as needed to address particular issues.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree and/or JD preferred.

• At least seven years’ experience in a compliance or legal role with a financial services organization required, preferably in the annuity and retirement income industry.

• Basic knowledge of annuities and retirement income products, insurance company operations and procedures, and federal and state laws and rules applicable to annuities and other retirement income products (e.g., federal securities law, ERISA, Internal Revenue Code, and state insurance and securities laws) required; Significant experience and expertise on some or all of these topics preferred.

• A track record of successful leadership of, or active contribution to, the development, execution, and maintenance of effective strategies and tactics designed to achieve compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and guidance applicable to the annuity and retirement income industry.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent critical, analytical, and strategic thinking skills with the ability to interpret and analyze federal and state laws, rules, and guidance applicable to the annuity and retirement income industry.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly explain and lead discussions on implementation and compliance issues of significance to IRI and its members.

• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to lead and manage committees, working groups, and task forces on implementation and compliance issues of significance to IRI and its members.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster and maintain relationships with policymakers to advance IRI’s public policy positions and support IRI’s implementation and compliance initiatives.

• Excellent presentation skills with a high degree of comfort working with and presenting to various audiences.

• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced atmosphere with changing priorities.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.

• Some travel required with limited advanced notice.

Compensation and Benefits

IRI’s compensation and benefits package addresses a wide range of personal priorities and needs, giving employees the assurance that their health and wellness are equally important to us. IRI offers medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401K plan, paid parking, short-term and long-term disability insurance, generous work/life balance programs (e.g., remote work, floating holidays, summer hours, and volunteer service hours), and a commitment to professional development.

In accordance with applicable law, prospective hires will be required to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or intend to be vaccinated for COVID-19, or qualify for a medical or religious accommodation to this vaccination requirement. Individuals who have an approved medical or religious accommodation may be required to comply with Covid-19 testing requirements upon commencement of employment.

 The Insured Retirement Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We strongly encourage women, people of color and non-dominant ethnic groups, veterans, individuals with disabilities, neurodiverse persons, and members of the LGBTQ+ community to apply.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status, or other status protected by applicable law. IRI conducts background checks on candidates.

Principals only.