Head of Compliance

About the Company

Valon’s mission is to empower every homeowner. We believe the journey of home ownership starts when you get your keys, but lasts far beyond. We’re creating a world where home ownership comes with ease, security, and financial know-how. Our growing team of engineers, operators, product enthusiasts, and experienced servicing professionals are leveraging technology to fundamentally improve the homeownership experience. Through mortgage servicing—the process of paying off one’s mortgage—Valon is taking the first step in transforming the industry one homeowner, and lender, at a time.

Legal, Risk, and Compliance at Valon 

The Legal, Risk, and Compliance (LRC) department at Valon is responsible for interpreting and advising our company on the various legal, regulatory, and contractual provisions that impact the business. Given how heavily regulated the mortgage industry is, compliance and risk management sit at the very core of our business. The team partners closely with our operations, finance, and technology teams to provide the applicable legal and compliance expertise and frameworks that help inform the decisions that the business makes.  As a member of the LRC team, you will work closely with internal clients across the company to ensure that Valon’s interests are protected.

About the Role

As Director of Compliance at Valon, you will lead a modern compliance program that powers our mission to revolutionize homeownership.

You'll lead a talented team of compliance professionals, fostering a culture where compliance is viewed as a strategic enabler rather than a roadblock. Your team will be responsible for the full spectrum of compliance activities, from regulatory examinations and internal controls to training and vendor management.

Working closely with our product and engineering teams, you'll help design automated compliance monitoring systems and controls that scale with our growth. This role requires someone who can think strategically about the future of mortgage servicing while ensuring excellence in day-to-day compliance operations. Valon is looking for someone who is ready to roll up their sleeves and dive into the weeds. The right candidate is extremely detail-oriented, has excellent organizational and leadership skills, and thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the compliance team
• Drive the evolution of our compliance program, ensuring it supports both business growth and regulatory requirements
• Drive a culture where compliance enables rather than hinders innovation
• Develop proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies that align with our technology-first approach
• Partner with executive leadership to shape strategic initiatives that balance innovation with regulatory compliance requirements
• Design and implement automated compliance monitoring systems that leverage our technological capabilities
• Manage our compliance training program
• Oversee and manage the coordination of regulatory examinations, internal audits, and external audits
• Maintain comprehensive tracking systems for licenses, renewals, and regulatory reporting deadlines
• Manage the robust QC/QA testing program that evaluates effectiveness of compliance controls as well as the compliance testing and internal audit programs
• Oversee customer, employee and vendor screening programs, including, OFAC, Do Not Call and other prohibited lists ensuring integration with our technology platform and compliance. 
• Lead the compliance change management process, ensuring new products and services meet regulatory requirements
• Direct the vendor management program, including risk assessment, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring
• Oversee client due diligence coordination program, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
• Monitor compliance with Valon’s policies and procedures.
• Manage and conduct internal investigations.

Ideal Background

• 7+ years of relevant compliance experience gained at a law firm, consulting firm, or U.S.-based corporate in-house legal or ethics and compliance department, managing and advising on global compliance and ethics risks and regulations.
• Broad knowledge of mortgage lending and servicing industry
• Strong communication skills involving different cultures and levels of an organization.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of leadership in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical and strategic decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple demands, tracking deliverables for the Compliance organization, creating milestones and project plans to ensure timely completion of deliverables
• Experience developing and implementing a compliance management program under heightened standards. Experience in developing and motivating teams under pressure.
• Strong work ethic, highest integrity, and a can-do positive attitude.
• Must be an effective change agent and collaborator, possess the skills and willingness to perform duties that are a combination of tactical, transactional, and strategic in nature.
• Demonstrate experience in financial services compliance, including a working knowledge of appropriate risk management techniques as well as a strong understanding of audit processes and internal controls.
• Ability to analyze risk trends at a macro level, identifying signs of changing risk levels and/or symptoms of process control breakdowns.
• Self-motivated and self-directed with a ‘hands-on’ leadership style to lead change

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Deep understanding of mortgage compliance
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to operationalize and scale oversight reporting and processes

What we can offer:

• Base salary band: $127,500 to $172,500
• Compensation: competitive salary with a meaningful stake in the company via equity, and 401k 
• Health & well-being: we’ll invest in your physical and mental well-being with comprehensive medical, dental, & vision benefits
• Food & meals: in-office snacks and drinks, and a $400 monthly stipend towards your lunches or groceries 
• Commuter benefits: We offer pre-tax deductions for public transportation, rideshare services, and parking expenses to make your commute more affordable and convenient.
• Grow together: Company wide orientation for you to successfully onboard and other learning & development opportunities including regular review cycles that feature 360 degree feedback
• Play together: quarterly budgets for team and company outings. Use it for team swag, cooking classes, or team dinners!
• Generous time off: 17 days paid time off, sick days, and 11 company holidays
• Baby bonding time!: 12 weeks off for both birthing and non-birthing parents - fully paid so you can focus your energy on your newest addition

This Base Compensation pay range applies to our New York City located staff and may differ according to location. New York Base Compensation Pay Range$127,500—$172,500 USDThroughout the interview process, please remember that emails will only be from valon.com emails. We won't ever be asking for any personally identifiable information during the interview process itself. Please reach out to talent@valon.com if you have any requests to verify the authenticity of an outreach.   Valon is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Valon makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. Apply