Position Information

Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Director of Risk and Compliance will serve the essential function of developing, implementing, and overseeing an Enterprise Risk and Compliance program that safeguards the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA). In this role, the Director identifies and assesses risks for potential impact upon PERA’s business objectives and strategic goals and ensures PERA’s adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and industry standards. The Director proactively identifies potential risks across organizational functions and assesses potential impacts. The Director will work collaboratively with senior leadership and across divisions to develop and implement effective risk management strategies and processes, compliance initiatives, and provide program oversight, all consistent with industry standards and regulations and in alignment with PERA’s strategic goals. 

Ideal Candidate 

The ideal candidate has experience developing and maturing an enterprise risk management program and is effective at influencing change at all functions and levels of an organization. An experienced professional with strong interpersonal skills, they can navigate organizational complexity, execute with precision, and cultivate high-trust relationships across the organization. They have a strong foundation in the fields of governance, compliance, and enterprise risk management, with excellent analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively. The ideal candidate is skilled at anticipating and addressing complex risks, from financial and operational to regulatory and reputational, as well as strategic risks to PERA’s organizational objectives.  
They have strong written and verbal communication skills that enable the successful candidate to be a trusted advisor and steward of organizational integrity. A background in the public sector with experience in the financial services industry enhances the candidate’s capacity to form effective partnerships across the organization to meet PERA’s strategic goals and remain in compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Leads the design, development, execution, monitoring and maintenance of PERA’s enterprise risk management and compliance programs, including development of the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework and policies. The programs shall align with industry best practices and support organizational objectives.
• In coordination with Executive Leadership, continually reviews and assesses the organization’s risk appetite and tolerance levels and collaborates to identify risk mitigation measures and metrics.
• Cultivates a collaborative relationship with leaders and staff across the organization to identify, assess, and prioritize risks across strategic, operational, financial, cyber, and reputational categories. 
• Collaborates with other Legal Division staff and across the organization to establish and maintain oversight of PERA’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and policies. 
• Provides assessments and advice in consulting and advisory functions on front-end projects to help identify risk and internal controls for improving policies, procedures, and practices to advance PERA’s goals and objectives.
• Communicates risk and compliance policies and processes to staff throughout the organization.
• Conducts assessments and facilitates risk and compliance reporting and dashboards for senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, and for internal and external auditors. 
• Obtains updates from management and staff regarding compliance matters and collaborates across the organization to direct compliance issues to appropriate channels for purposes of evaluation, investigation, and resolution as necessary.
• Provides training to staff regarding risk management and compliance principles and practices.
• Stays current with evolving industry trends and changes in risk management and compliance practices.
• Manages confidential information with the utmost discretion and integrity. 

Supervisory Duties

• Dependent upon organizational needs, the Director may supervise individuals in risk and compliance analyst or similar roles. 

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

A combination of relevant education, training, and experience that demonstrates the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities will be considered. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Risk Management, Business, Legal Studies, Finance, Public Policy or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• One or more related professional certifications are preferred, including, but not limited to: Certified Risk and Compliance Management professional (CRCMP), COSO Enterprise Risk Management Certificate, Enterprise Risk Management Certified Professional (ERMCP), Professional Risk Managers (PRM) Designation, Certified Enterprise Risk Manager (CERM), Certified Enterprise Risk Professional (CERP).
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience, including 5 in a leadership role, developing, implementing and overseeing risk management and compliance programs. 
• Deep understanding of the principles of risk management and compliance with an ability to apply these principles across various business processes. Knowledge of and experience implementing and adhering to best practice risk and compliance frameworks, such as COSO, is preferred. 
• Strong analytical skills to identify and evaluate risks and devise mitigation strategies.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to relay complex assessment strategies and results.
• Adept at communicating and resolving questions and challenges that arise when implementing risk management and compliance measures.
• Proficient in risk management software and tools, data analysis, and report generation. 
• Experience working with regulatory bodies and industry standard-setting organizations.
• Able to track changes in regulations, industry practices, and emerging risks impacting PERA’s operations.
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine. 
• Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds
• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to operate standard PC equipment
• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules

Hybrid Work Option
•    Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.
 

Interested Candidates:
Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. As part of the online application you will be asked for a response to the following questions:

1. Please describe why you believe your skills and experience would make you successful in this position.
2. Please provide specific details on your role in having developed, implemented, and overseen enterprise-wide risk management and compliance programs.
3. Please describe how you stay informed about developments in the fields of risk management and compliance.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, PERA cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA’s Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading.  You may request copies of these policies from PERA’s talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA’s Investment Administration team.

 About Colorado PERA

Looking for a career where you can make a difference? Colorado PERA offers benefit services to public employees across Colorado, including teachers, state troopers, snowplow drivers, correctional officers and many others who provide valuable services. As Colorado’s largest pension plan, we serve and educate over 700,000 members who are former and current public employees. 

At PERA you will earn more than a paycheck. PERA is a culture where you can grow your potential and work in an inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued. We hire exceptional employees and recognize that our people are our best asset. Not only do we make sound investments for our members, PERA invests in our employees’ growth through training and leadership opportunities.

To promote wellbeing, we offer hybrid or flexible working options for most roles and a total rewards and benefit program including health, dental and vision coverage - eligibility starts the first day of the month following the date of hire for most plans; generous paid time off and volunteer hours; pension and retirement plans, including PERA’s defined benefit plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and 401(k) employer match, as applicable; tuition assistance; free, convenient on-site parking or RTD subsidy; free on-site fitness center to stay active; employee assistance program; training, leadership and mentoring programs and more. PERA is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer.

To learn more about life at PERA, watch this video or visit www.copera.org/careers.

Position Title: Director of Risk and Compliance
Division: Legal
Reports to: General Counsel
Job Status: Exempt, Full-time
Salary: $135,000.00 to $160,000.00 Annual, Commensurate with experience
Posting Dates:10/15/2025 to 11/16/2025