Head of Distribution & Marketing Compliance

American Century Investments • Kansas City, MO

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

American Century Investments® is a leading global asset manager with over 65 years of experience helping a broad base of clients achieve their financial goals. Our expertise spans global equities and fixed income, multi-asset strategies, ETFs, and private investments. Privately controlled and independent, we focus solely on investment management. But there’s an unexpected side to us, too. We direct 40% of our dividends every year—more than $2 billion since 2000—to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Our ongoing financial support drives the Institute’s breakthrough work and mission of defeating life-threatening diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. So, the better we do for our clients, the more we can do for everyone. All 1,400 of us across the globe are inspired every day by the unique difference our hard work can make in so many lives. It shows in the curiosity we bring to every initiative, the deep relationships we build with our clients, and the way we treat each other in the hallway. If you’re excited to learn more about us, we can’t wait to learn more about you. Role Summary The Head of Distribution & Marketing Compliance is responsible for the oversight of regulatory compliance for the United States and Asia Pacific, including SEC, FINRA, SFC and ASIC with an emphasis on sales, marketing and Code of Ethics. This position reports to the Chief Compliance Officer and will manage the teams responsible for implementation of the Broker Dealer, Transfer Agency, Retail Registered Investment Advisor, Asia Pacific and corporate compliance programs. This role reports to the Chief Compliance Officer. This hybrid position will be based out of our Kansas City office. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

Requirements

• Deep knowledge of investment products and distribution practices, including strong expertise in the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, FINRA Rules, and other applicable US regulatory requirements; familiarity with global regulations (e.g., Hong Kong SFC, Australian ASIC) preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply regulatory changes, assessing business impact and providing clear, practical guidance.
• Proven experience developing firm‑wide compliance policies, procedures, and control frameworks that align with regulatory expectations and business strategy.
• Strong track record leading the implementation of policy, process, or regulatory changes across complex or distributed organizations.
• Leadership experience managing compliance teams, preferably with direct reports that include managers and senior professionals.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, credibility, and collaborative working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Highly motivated, intellectually curious self‑starter with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team of compliance professionals.
• Open‑minded, logical, determined, and highly ethical.
• Proven skills in negotiating, influencing and collaborating with others in the decision‑making process across all levels of the organization.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and provide sound recommendations.
• Strong judgment and business acumen, balancing regulatory expectations with practical business considerations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, evolving environment, delivering high‑quality outcomes within tight timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to challenge, develop, and motivate employees through regular feedback, coaching, and performance management.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Should have the ability and experience to draft clear and professional correspondence, policies and procedures and other documents of both legal and business nature. Must be able to correspond with regulators.
• 7 or more years of related experience in the financial industry.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Demonstrates the American Century Investments Winning Behaviors: Client Focused, Courageous and Accountable, Collaborative, Curious and Adaptable, Competitively Driven.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leveraging technology and process‑improvement tools to enhance compliance oversight, monitoring, and efficiency (preferred or required based on role expectations).
• S7, S24, S65 or equivalent preferred, but not required, if willing to obtain at a later date.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chief Compliance Officer and senior management in embedding a strong compliance culture, confirming effective execution of compliance programs, initiatives and priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight for issues surrounding Broker-Dealer, Transfer Agency and corporate compliance activities, including company programs, such as, protection of customer privacy, retaining business records, anti-money laundering and information security.
• Oversee the compliance framework in the Hong Kong and Sydney offices.
• Confirm the firm's compliance policies (and changes to such policies) are effectively communicated and understood by employees, relevant partners and clients.
• Provide compliance expertise to responsibly manage risks associated with artificial intelligence, collaboration tools, and other emerging technologies.
• Stay current on relevant regulatory requirements and analyze regulatory changes, assessing their impact on the firm and provide clear, actionable guidance.
• Conduct business practice reviews and investigate sales practice concerns as needed.
• Work with the Chief Compliance Officer and legal in responding to regulatory inquiries and examinations confirming timely and appropriate resolution of compliance matters.
• Develop strong consultative working relationships with business partners, to help them to achieve their business objectives, while in a manner that upholds compliance and enhances the firm’s competitive position.
• Lead employee education on compliance-related matters.
• Lead and develop compliance staff responsible for monitoring compliance adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, including marketing compliance, broker-dealer compliance and Code of Ethics.
• Identify, evaluate, and leverage technological solutions to streamline compliance processes and enhance productivity.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package with bonus plan
• Generous PTO and competitive benefits
• 401k with 5% company match plus annual performance-based discretionary contribution
• Tuition reimbursement, formal mentorship program, live and online learning

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level