Compliance Director

About Highnote 

Founded in 2020 by a team of leaders from Braintree, PayPal, and Lending Club, Highnote is an embedded finance company that sets the standard in modern card platform management. As an all-in-one card issuer processor and program management platform, we provide digital-first organizations with the flexibility to seamlessly issue and process payment cards, embed virtual and physical card payments, and integrate ledger and wallet functionalities—empowering businesses to drive growth and profitability.

We’ve raised $145M+ and have grown our team to 125+ employees. Headquartered in San Francisco, we’ve managed to build one of the most advanced payments teams in the industry, with team members in 25+ US states. 

Operating through our core values of customer obsession, executional excellence, intentional inclusion, we’re helping businesses grow for the future by creating the payment products demanded by tomorrow, with the ability to solve for use cases that don’t exist yet.

We are fast-moving, hands-on, and strongly believe everyone deserves a seat at the table. We believe we’re unlocking incredible opportunities that can change the future of payments, as long as we have the right people to make it happen.

What you’ll be doing

Highnote understands the importance of compliance and takes its regulatory responsibilities seriously. We are seeking candidates who can take ownership of building a compliance function from the ground up while embracing technology and customer-centric design to control risks while supporting a high-growth startup.

This position is the Director of Compliance with responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the Compliance program governance and oversight. You will eventually manage a team of Compliance professionals with a responsibility for the creation and maintenance of the Compliance program. You will be able to both grow and lead this team in the long term and roll your sleeves up in the beginning. This position reports directly to the Head of Compliance. 

• Review, create and finalize Policies and Procedures to ensure Subscriber Policies and Procedures meet Highnote and Bank Standards
• Create templates to enhance Subscriber policies
• Receive and implement bank feedback on policies
• Partner with Compliance Director (SME Credit) on Credit Policies and lead review on non-Credit Policies
• Manage Compliance policy review with Subscriber 
• Manage Targeted Requests from bank partners and coordinate response with Key Internal Parties. 
• Enhance Third Party Risk Management Procedures and Processes 
• Coordinate audits, exams, and independent reviews and spearhead timely remediation efforts while working directly with Head of Compliance 
• Coordinate and execute internal risk assessments (e.g. BSA/AML, risk and control self-assessments) to evaluate adherence to departmental policies, audit requirements and regulatory obligations with the Head of Compliance.

What we are looking for

• 8-10+ years of experience building or operating a Compliance program in a fintech or a bank (or equivalent experience in a regulatory agency).
• Regulatory subject matter expertise in federal banking, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering regulations.
• Startup mentality - the ability to take ownership of projects while operating in a collaborative environment and a strong desire to learn from and grow with other team members.
• Understanding of the regulatory requirements in the card issuing/acquiring / processing space.
• Proven ability to proactively, efficiently, and accurately assess risks in a fast-paced environment.
• Track record of creative problem-solving, excellent written and oral communication skills, and creation of strong and trusted cross-functional relationships.

What it takes to be successful

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, who is able to form relationships while also getting results.
• Humble and Friendly personality with an open and honest communication style and the ability to collaborate across all areas and levels.
• Action oriented; no task is too small or insignificant for you.
• Take ownership and deliver results in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.

Bonus skills

• Experience with regulatory and network requirements for both debit and credit products on both the issuing and acquiring side is a strong plus (issuing is preferred).
• Strong knowledge of and interest in disruptive technology.
• Prior experience working in fintech or a high-growth tech company is a plus.

Why Highnote?

• We’re a startup that allows for our employees to truly build from the ground up and impact every layer of our organization. 
• We’re a team of payments obsessed individuals. While some of us come from the fintech world, some of us don’t. We value the varied backgrounds and the diverse perspectives of our employees. 
• We’re small on hierarchy and big on growth. We’re a flat organization that allows everyone to have direct exposure to our leadership team. We are looking for builders who thrive in ambiguity. 
• We’re backed by Oak HC/FT, Costanoa Ventures, Adams Street Partners, Westcap, and Pinegrove Venture Partners. Angel Investors include Bill Ready (CEO at Pinterest) and Renaud Laplanche (Co-Founder & CEO of Upgrade).

Highnote benefits

• Flexible Paid Time Off 
• 100% healthcare coverage + 75% coverage for dependents
• 401k program
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 16 weeks paid leave for the birth parent, and up to 6 weeks paid leave for the non-birth parent
• Equity in Highnote
• Stipend to build out your home office; internet and phone reimbursement
• At Highnote we have built a total rewards philosophy that includes fair, equitable, geo-based compensation that is performance and potential based. Our compensation packages are competitive based on robust market research and are a combination of a cash salary, equity, and benefits. In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the annual salary range for applicants is $160,000-$200,000. 

Please note that positions located in San Francisco are hybrid and include core working days of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in office.  We provide flexible work options based on distance from our downtown SF office. Highnote believes in the power of face-to-face, personal connection. As a result, we prioritize in-person candidates. 

Highnote is a diverse and inclusive company committed to growing a diverse and inclusive team. We invite people from all backgrounds and identities to apply. We do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, pregnancy status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by US federal state or local laws, or the laws of the country or jurisdiction where you work. Additionally, we encourage everyone to share which pronouns you wish for us to use when addressing you (i.e.: she/her, he/him, they/them, etc).