Director of Compliance

Job Description – Director of Compliance

Organization: Dakota Economic Development Corporation (DEDC)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Hybrid/Remote as applicable
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Director of Compliance provides executive leadership and oversight of compliance, risk management, and regulatory governance for the Dakota Economic Development Corporation (DEDC). This position ensures the organization’s lending and enterprise activities adhere to all applicable Tribal and federal consumer protection laws while upholding the Tribe’s sovereignty and governance authority.

The Director will lead the development and enforcement of internal compliance frameworks, policies, audits, and monitoring systems to protect the integrity of DEDC operations. This role advances compliance independence, enhances internal controls, and builds Tribal capacity for long-term oversight and self-regulation. The Director serves as the primary compliance liaison to the CEO, Board, and Tribal Council, ensuring transparency, accountability, and proactive risk mitigation across all business lines.

Key Responsibilities

1.) Compliance Leadership & Policy Governance

• Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive enterprise compliance framework consistent with Tribal law and applicable federal regulatory expectations.
• Lead the creation, review, and approval of compliance policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and control systems across all business operations.
• Provide regular reports and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Directors regarding compliance risk exposure and mitigation.

2.) Regulatory Oversight & Audit Management

• Oversee all internal and coordinate external compliance audits, examinations, and reviews, including corrective action planning and remediation tracking.
• Monitor and interpret evolving regulatory requirements applicable to Tribal Lending Entities (TLEs), including TILA, ECOA, FCRA, FDCPA, and GLBA.
• Maintain proactive engagement with Tribal and federal regulatory agencies to ensure the organization remains in good standing.
• Protect the organization against regulatory, operational, and reputational risk through vigilant monitoring and early intervention.

3.) Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Lead enterprise-wide risk identification, assessment, and mitigation processes, ensuring ongoing alignment with DEDC’s strategic and operational goals.
• Partner with IT, Finance, and Servicing partners to develop control measures for data security, consumer protections, anti-fraud measures, and vendor oversight.
• Maintain a centralized risk register and ensure corrective measures are implemented promptly and reported accurately to executive leadership.

4.) Training, Capacity Building & Staff Oversight

• Establish compliance education and training programs to ensure all staff understand policies, obligations, and ethical standards.
• Mentor internal compliance staff and emerging Tribal leaders to foster long-term capacity within DEDC.
• Coordinate regular compliance workshops to reinforce workforce accountability and data stewardship standards.
• Promote a culture of transparency, integrity, and responsible innovation across all DEDC enterprises.

5.) Strategic Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Deliver consistent and data-driven compliance and risk reports to the CEO, Board of Directors, and Tribal Council.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of compliance programs using measurable indicators and implement refinements as needed.
• Collaborate with other department heads to integrate compliance and risk objectives into all aspects of DEDC operations.
• Support DEDC’s strategic roadmap by embedding compliance safeguards and governance metrics into enterprise planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; advanced degree (JD, MBA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in compliance management, risk oversight, or regulatory affairs, preferably within consumer finance or Tribal enterprise management.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and Tribal consumer protection regulations (TILA, ECOA, GLBA, FCRA, FDCPA).
• Respected background in designing compliance frameworks, conducting audits, and managing corrective action programs.
• Strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty principles, regulatory jurisdiction, and governance structures.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in multi-jurisdictional environments and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and external entities.

Core Competencies

• Regulatory & Compliance Leadership
• Risk Management & Internal Controls
• Strategic Governance & Sovereignty Alignment
• Data Security & Consumer Protection
• Policy Development & Audit Oversight
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration
• Ethical Decision-Making & Transparency
• Workforce Training & Capacity Development
• Communication & Stakeholder Accountability

Work Environment & Travel

• Remote or hybrid work model depending on location.
• Occasional travel may be required for audits, meetings, or on-site reviews.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience, and offers will be competitive based on qualifications and industry standards, with comprehensive benefits including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Retirement savings options.

Tribal Preference Policy

In accordance with DEDC policy, Tribal Preference applies to this position:

Preference applies to hiring, promotion, training, and layoffs if candidates meet minimum qualifications. Among equally qualified candidates, the most suitable candidate in the preference category will be selected.