Head of Risk & Compliance

Mission US

7d•Remote

About The Position

The Head of Risk & Compliance is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing Mission Underwriters' enterprise-wide risk management and compliance programs. This executive leader will establish and maintain a robust governance framework that supports Mission’s strategic growth objectives while ensuring compliance with insurance regulatory requirements, carrier agreements, reinsurance obligations, and corporate governance standards. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in insurance regulatory compliance, enterprise risk management (ERM), MGA/program business models, corporate governance, and legal/contract review. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, board members, carrier partners, program leaders, legal counsel, and Accelerant stakeholders across the Mission platform.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) required; Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Business, Finance, Accounting, Legal Studies, or related field preferred.
10+ years of progressive experience in risk management, compliance, legal, contract review, audit, or governance roles within the insurance industry.
Experience within MGA, Program Administrator, Carrier, Reinsurance, or Insurtech environments.
Strong knowledge of insurance regulatory requirements, delegated authority programs, and compliance frameworks.
Experience building and leading enterprise risk management programs.
Proven success working with executive teams, boards, regulators, carriers, and external partners.
Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
Demonstrated experience reviewing contracts and legal terms in alignment with carrier, program, regulatory, and Accelerant requirements.
Ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, JD, or related field).
Professional certifications such as CRCM, CPCU, ARM, CCEP, CIA, or equivalent.
Experience supporting high-growth insurance or Insurtech organizations.
Background in regulatory examinations, carrier audits, or enterprise governance programs.
Knowledge of cybersecurity, data privacy, and operational risk management practices.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and continuously enhance Mission’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework.
Establish risk appetite statements, governance structures, and risk reporting processes.
Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, cybersecurity, and reputational risks.
Lead enterprise risk assessments and facilitate periodic risk reviews with senior leadership.
Develop key risk indicators (KRIs), dashboards, and executive reporting mechanisms.
Monitor emerging risks impacting the insurance, MGA, Insurtech, and delegated authority markets.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive compliance management program covering state insurance regulations, surplus lines requirements, licensing, filings, privacy, and corporate governance obligations.
Ensure compliance with carrier, reinsurance, contractual, and regulatory requirements across all Mission programs.
Oversee internal compliance monitoring, testing, audits, and control assessments.
Approve compliance vendor cost analyses and invoicing.
Manage relationships with regulators, external auditors, carrier compliance teams, and legal counsel.
Lead responses to regulatory examinations, inquiries, audits, and remediation activities.
Maintain policies and procedures that support regulatory adherence and operational excellence.
Oversee jurisdictional licensing matters, including coordinating regulatory approvals as Mission, and its subsidiaries, are created and expand into new markets.
Lead Know Your Customer (KYC) information intake for new third party relationships as part of onboarding due diligence.
Establish and maintain governance frameworks, policies, and risk controls that support scalable growth.
Develop compliance monitoring programs and control-testing procedures.
Partner with Finance, Legal, Operations, Technology, and Underwriting leadership to strengthen internal controls.
Ensure appropriate documentation, escalation procedures, and issue-management processes are implemented across the organization.
Report compliance and risk matters to executive leadership and the Board as appropriate.
Provide legal oversight and contract review support for key business agreements, carrier arrangements, program agreements, and vendor contracts.
Ensure contract review and legal review processes are performed in accordance with Accelerant requirements, standards, and governance expectations.
Partner with internal stakeholders, external counsel, and Accelerant representatives to identify legal, regulatory, licensing, compliance, and operational risks within contracts and related business arrangements.
Maintain appropriate documentation, escalation protocols, and review standards for legal and contractual matters across Mission programs.
Oversee contract retention and repository systems to ensure accurate recordkeeping and accessibility of executed agreements.
Provide independent oversight of underwriting governance and risk controls.
Collaborate with underwriting leadership to evaluate and review program performance, program documentation, marketing materials, underwriting authorities, and adherence to carrier guidelines.
Oversee and manage external counsel in pursuit of protective trademarks for Mission programs
Assess operational and underwriting risks associated with new program launches, product expansions, and strategic initiatives.
Support due diligence efforts for new program partnerships, carriers, reinsurers, and acquisitions.
Partner with Technology and Security teams to oversee information security, privacy, third-party risk management, and cybersecurity risk programs.
Ensure compliance with applicable privacy laws and industry regulations.
Support incident response planning, business continuity, and disaster recovery governance activities.
Build and lead a high-performing risk and compliance organization.
Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, transparency, and ethical business practices.
Provide training and education to business leaders and employees on risk and compliance matters.
Serve as a strategic advisor to Mission leadership on risk-informed decision-making.