Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

Summary: The Deputy Chief Compliance Officer will serve as a key leader within the Legal Department, supporting the legal team in overseeing, enhancing, and executing Willis Leases global compliance and ethics program. This role ensures the company operates in full adherence with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies while promoting a culture of integrity and transparency across the organization. The Deputy Chief Compliance Officer will help manage compliance risk, lead policy development, oversee regulatory and audit processes, guide cross‑functional initiatives, and ensure effective compliance governance across domestic and international operations. The ideal candidate excels in fast‑paced environments, demonstrates strong judgment, and brings deep experience in regulatory compliance within complex, highly regulated industries. This position will report to the Chief Compliance Officer.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Chief Compliance Officer in the overall leadership, administration, and enhancement of the global compliance program.
• Oversee compliance testing, monitoring, internal audits, and risk assessments, ensuring effective controls and timely remediation.
• Manage and coordinate regulatory filings, audits, and inquiries.
• Partner with Legal, Risk, HR, Finance, and business units to ensure compliance is embedded across operations, finance, and leasing activities.
• Advise leadership and business teams on regulatory impacts of strategic initiatives, transactions, and operational decisions.
• Lead internal investigations involving potential compliance issues and oversee corrective action plans.
• Deliver compliance and ethics training to employees at all levels.
• Monitor regulatory and industry developments (including SEC, DOJ, OFAC, data privacy, and other relevant frameworks) and implement program updates accordingly.
• Oversee compliance elements related to vendor/third‑party oversight and international entity governance.
• Provide leadership and guidance to compliance staff and manage major compliance projects, including system or process implementations.
• Develop and maintain compliance metrics and reports for senior leadership and relevant committees.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelors degree required; JD, CPA, MBA, or other advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive compliance, regulatory, audit, or legal experience in asset finance, financial services, or other highly regulated industries.
• Background in aviation, leasing, asset management, or risk‑intensive sectors highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and global regulatory frameworks and experience applying regulations in practical business contexts, including Registered Investor Advisor (RIA) compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead compliance programs, manage cross‑functional initiatives, and guide teams.
• Proven experience developing policies, conducting investigations, interfacing with regulators, and managing audits.
• Exposure to RIA compliance is a must have.
• Experience with global operations or international regulatory requirements highly preferred.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• High ethical standards and commitment to maintaining a culture of compliance.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with experience managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with compliance or governance systems.
• Compliance certifications (e.g., CCEP, CCEP‑I, CRCP) preferred.

Travel/Misc.:

• Domestic and international travel on an as needed basis.

Here at Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), we are dedicated to fair hiring practices and diversity in the workplace. We are committed to a workplace environment that encourages growth and respect for all current and prospective employees based upon job-related factors such as their educational background, work experience, and ability to perform the essential functions of a particular job. It is the policy and practice of WLFC to prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable Federal, state or local law.

WLFC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application processes. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at joinus@willislease.com.

WLFC also offers a comprehensive benefit package to its eligible employees. This includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Roth 401(k), HSA in conjunction with a high deductible plan, life insurance, supplemental insurance, travel accident insurance, employee assistance program, short & long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, employee education reimbursement plan, matching gift program, health and wellness plan, and paid time off.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered WLFC property, and WLFC will not be obligated to a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to any WLFC employee, including Hiring Managers, without contacting WLFC Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.