Compliance Counsel

Forrest T. Jones & Company; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Forrest T. Jones & Company, Inc. is seeking a Compliance Counsel to advise the business on regulatory and legal matters across insurance and financial services.

You will partner with product, operations, and leadership teams to identify risks, develop practical solutions, and support strategic initiatives in a regulated environment. This role emphasizes staying current with state and federal requirements for life insurance, annuity, and related products, guiding filings and policy reviews, and

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active license to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5+ years advising on insurance, financial services, or regulated products.
• Ability to analyze complex regulatory issues and provide practical recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor regulatory developments affecting products, services, and operations.
• Review changes and communicate updates to affected departments.
• Support product development and policy reviews with regulatory input.
• Assist with filings, contracts, and compliance communications.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Legal advice

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk assessment

Project management

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Forrest T. Jones & Company, Inc., and its affiliates (“FTJ”), provide insurance and insurance related services to clients, corporations, employers and individuals. These services include providing benefits through innovative life and health insurance plans, financial services, and customized insurance products for niche markets.

Position Summary

Compliance Counsel serves as a trusted advisor to the business by providing practical legal and regulatory guidance across FTJ's insurance and financial services operations. This role partners closely with business leaders, compliance professionals, product teams, and operational stakeholders to identify risks, develop solutions, and support strategic initiatives in a highly regulated environment. The successful candidate will develop a comprehensive understanding of FTJ's products, distribution channels, and compliance framework, while helping to ensure the organization maintains effective regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions in which it operates. In addition to monitoring and interpreting regulatory developments, Compliance Counsel will work collaboratively across departments to implement compliance solutions, support business objectives, and foster a culture of sound risk management and regulatory excellence. This position offers the opportunity to grow into broader leadership responsibilities, including oversight and management of compliance functions and personnel.

Expectations

A typical day in this role will involve working with people throughout the organization to answer questions, solve problems, evaluate risk, and address compliance issues. The Compliance Counsel will serve as a resource to business partners and help identify practical solutions that support both regulatory requirements and business objectives.

Responsibilities

Over time, the successful candidate will build a detailed understanding of the Company's products, operations, and compliance responsibilities. Areas of focus will include the following:

Regulatory Monitoring and Guidance

• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and industry developments that may affect the Company's products, services, and operations.
• Review regulatory changes and work with business partners to evaluate their impact.
• Help communicate compliance updates and recommendations to affected departments.
• Develop a working knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern the Company's insurance, annuity, and financial services activities.

Policies, Procedures, and Compliance Communications

• Assist with the review and maintenance of compliance policies, Standard Practice Memorandums, and internal guidance documents.
• Prepare compliance bulletins and other communications that help business teams understand new requirements and expectations.
• Help promote consistency and awareness across the organization.

Product and Business Support

• Work with product, marketing, contracts, and operational teams on new products, enhancements, and business initiatives.
• Identify legal and compliance considerations early in the process.
• Help business partners evaluate options and develop practical solutions that align with regulatory requirements.

Life Insurance and Annuity Compliance

• Support the ongoing administration and compliance of life insurance, annuity, and related financial products.
• Assist with product reviews, contract updates, implementation projects, and regulatory questions.
• Develop knowledge of applicable state and federal requirements that affect these product lines.

Operational, Claims, and Filing Support

• Assist internal teams with questions related to claims administration, product filings, policy forms, and other operational matters.
• Help research regulatory issues and identify practical solutions.
• Support responses to regulatory inquiries, examinations, and other compliance matters when needed.

Compliance Program Development

• Contribute to ongoing efforts to improve compliance processes, strengthen internal controls, and support effective risk management.
• Build relationships across the organization and become a trusted resource for legal and compliance guidance.
• Continue developing expertise in the Company's business, products, and regulatory environment.

Success in the Role

Success in this position comes from a willingness to learn, good judgment, and the ability to work well with others. The right candidate does not need to be an expert in every area on day one. We expect this person to develop expertise over time through hands‑on experience, training, and collaboration with an established team.

The most successful candidate will be curious, dependable, and practical. They will ask good questions, build strong working relationships, and provide advice that helps the business navigate regulatory requirements while serving customers effectively.

Competencies

• Strong judgment and the ability to balance legal risk with practical business objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex regulatory concepts in a clear and actionable manner.
• Collaborative approach and demonstrated ability to build effective relationships across legal, compliance, operational, and executive teams.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a solutions‑oriented mindset.
• Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn new products, regulations, and business processes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced and evolving regulatory environment.
• Self‑starter who takes ownership of projects and drives initiatives through completion.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and lead through collaboration rather than authority.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Leadership potential, including the ability to mentor team members and contribute to the development of compliance programs and processes.

Requisites

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5+ years of experience supporting insurance, financial services, retirement, annuity, life insurance, or other regulated products and services. Equivalent experience advising clients or organizations in highly regulated industries will also be considered.
• Experience advising clients or business partners regarding legal, regulatory, compliance, risk management, or operational matters.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal or regulatory issues and provide practical recommendations.
• Experience collaborating with cross‑functional stakeholders and communicating effectively with both business and legal audiences.
• Experience leading projects, initiatives, or teams is preferred.
• Exposure to life insurance, annuities, financial services, insurance distribution, or insurance regulatory matters is preferred, but not required in every area of responsibility listed above.
• Candidates with a demonstrated ability to learn complex regulatory frameworks and adapt to new subject matter areas will be strongly considered.

We offer comprehensive benefits to full‑time employees including company‑paid medical, STD, LTD and life insurance; plus voluntary dental, vision, life/AD&D insurance, 401(k) with company matching, generous paid time off and much more.

We encourage applicants of all ages and experience, as we do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s age.

ALL OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT ARE CONTINGENT UPON PASSAGE OF A DRUG SCREEN AND BACKGROUND CHECK.