Senior Compliance Officer - Marketing & Communications Compliance

The Position

Reporting to the Head of Testing and Controls, the Senior Compliance Officer will lead the firm's marketing compliance review function, providing regulatory oversight, guidance, and approvals for marketing materials and external communications across Harris Oakmark's investment advisory business, including separately managed accounts, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds.  The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert on investment adviser and investment company marketing regulations, including the SEC Marketing Rule, and work closely with Marketing, Distribution, Legal, and other business partners to facilitate effective, timely, and compliant marketing initiatives.

This role combines hands-on marketing review responsibilities with broader ownership of the firm's marketing compliance processes, policies, and controls.  The individual will be expected to identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, consistency, and scalability of the marketing review function, including through the effective use of technology and workflow enhancements.  The ideal candidate will bring strong regulatory expertise, sound judgment, a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, and the ability to balance regulatory requirements with the firm's business objectives.

Responsibilities

Marketing Review and Regulatory Oversight

• Lead the review and approval of marketing materials and external communications across the firm's investment advisory business, including separately managed accounts, mutual funds, ETFs, and institutional and intermediary distribution channels.
• Review marketing materials, including presentations, pitch books, fact sheets, performance reports, investment commentary, thought leadership, websites, social media, webinars, press releases, and other client-facing communications.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the SEC Marketing Rule (Rule 206(4)-1), applicable Investment Company Act advertising requirements, and other relevant SEC and FINRA regulations.
• Evaluate investment performance advertising, including gross and net performance, hypothetical performance, extracted and related performance, composite presentations, benchmark comparisons, and associated disclosures.
• Assess marketing claims for accuracy, substantiation, fair and balanced presentation, and consistency with investment strategies, fund disclosures, and firm policies.
• Provide regulatory guidance regarding testimonials, endorsements, third-party ratings, awards, social media, and other marketing practices.
• Identify and escalate complex or higher-risk marketing compliance matters and work collaboratively with other stakeholders to develop appropriate solutions.

Program Management and Process Improvement

• Lead the ongoing administration and enhancement of the firm's marketing compliance review process, including procedures, workflows, review standards, documentation, and escalation protocols.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve the efficiency, consistency, and scalability of marketing compliance reviews while maintaining appropriate regulatory safeguards.
• Partner with Marketing, Distribution, Technology, and other stakeholders to evaluate, implement, and optimize marketing compliance technology, including automated review tools and workflow management systems.
• Maintain appropriate review records, approval documentation, and substantiation of material marketing claims in accordance with applicable recordkeeping requirements.
• Monitor marketing compliance review activity, identify recurring issues or emerging risks, and recommend improvements to processes and controls.
• Support compliance testing, regulatory examinations, internal audits, and remediation efforts relating to marketing and communications compliance.

Business Partnership and Advisory Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted compliance adviser to Marketing, Distribution, Investment teams, Legal, and other business partners, providing timely, practical, and risk-based guidance on marketing and communications matters.
• Develop strong working relationships across the firm and collaborate proactively with stakeholders to support marketing initiatives while maintaining appropriate regulatory standards.
• Advise on new marketing strategies, products, distribution channels, and communications initiatives, identifying compliance considerations early in the development process.
• Develop and deliver training and guidance to business partners on marketing compliance requirements, regulatory developments, and firm policies.
• Work collaboratively to resolve complex regulatory questions and establish consistent interpretations of applicable requirements.

Social Media and Electronic Communications

• • Provide compliance oversight and guidance relating to the firm's social media and external electronic communications activities, including applicable advertising, disclosure, supervision, and recordkeeping requirements.
  • Review and advise on emerging digital marketing channels and communication practices, including the use of new technologies and AI-enabled marketing tools.
  • Coordinate with other Compliance, Legal, and Technology personnel regarding electronic communications policies, monitoring, and escalation of potential compliance concerns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance or related field.
• Ideally 10-15 years’ relevant work experience in the financial services industry (investment advisory, mutual funds, broker-dealer).
• Active FINRA Series 24 (General Securities Principal) registration required.
• Understanding of SEC and FINRA laws, regulations, and guidance, particularly as it relates to the investment advisory marketing activities, social media, and mutual funds.
• Understanding of GIPS compliance and disclosure requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with all levels of personnel with a high degree of integrity and maturity.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to present ideas and information clearly, logically, and succinctly.
• A proactive, hands-on, and collaborative attitude is essential, with a readiness to take ownership of specific initiatives.
• Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, with the ability to project manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Characteristics & Attributes

• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Excellent judgment in assessing potential compliance matters, the application of industry developments to the business and knowing when to seek independent advice and when to act independently.
• Driven by collective success.
• Desire to constantly improve status quo.

Expected range for this Chicago-based role 145000 - 165000 USD