Director, Compliance

Location: Denver, CO (In-Office)

Job Type: Full-Time Exempt

Salary: $134,000 - $228,000/YR *Actual offer will be based on experience, location, education, and/or skills*

Applications should be submitted for consideration no later than 10/31/2025

You're a strategic compliance leader with deep experience navigating complex regulatory environments. You bring a strong understanding of consumer, commercial, and fiduciary regulations, and you know how to translate legal requirements into practical, bank-wide policies. You thrive in collaborative environments, excel at preparing for regulatory exams, and are comfortable advising senior leadership and boards. If you're passionate about building scalable compliance frameworks and leading a high-performing team, this role is for you.

As Director of Compliance at First Western Trust Bank, you'll oversee the Compliance Management Program, ensuring adherence to state and federal laws across banking operations—including Deposit, Lending, Mortgage, and Trust. You'll manage regulatory audits and examinations, implement proactive policies, advise executive leadership, and help foster a culture of integrity and accountability. This is a highly visible, strategic role reporting directly to the CRO.

• Develop, implement, and enforce compliance policies and procedures across Deposit Support, Loan Support, Trust, Mortgage, and other relevant areas.
• Oversee daily compliance operations, including the compliance management system, audit program, and regulatory training for staff and the Board
  
  
• Coordinate and manage regulatory audits and exams, serving as the primary liaison with FDIC and State examiners.
  
  
• Advise Senior Management on regulatory changes, ensuring timely updates to policies and procedures.
  
  
• Participate in committees, audits, and examinations, contributing expertise on compliance and regulatory matters.
  
  
• Review and submit compliance-related policies for Board approval and ensure alignment with current regulations
  
  
• Support internal departments with compliance consulting, risk mitigation strategies, and vendor management reviews.
  
  
• Manage regulatory programs and requirements, including HMDA, CRA, Fair Lending, FCRA, FACTA, Title IX, and other compliance requirement obligations of FWT.
  
  
• Lead vendor compliance reviews and ensure all third-party partners adhere to regulatory standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, or a related field (Master's preferred).
  
  
• 7–10 years of direct banking compliance experience with expertise across regulatory frameworks (consumer, mortgage, commercial).
  
  
• 5+ years in a leadership or management role.
  
  
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and compliance-related tools.
  
  
• CRCM certification preferred.
  
  
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  
  
• Proven experience presenting to executive teams and boards.
  
  
• A collaborative mindset and comfort working across departments and external regulators.

• Competitive base salary: $134,000 - $228,000/YR, plus bonus eligibility.
  
  
• 401(k) with employer match.
  
  
• Paid parking or transportation benefits.
  
  
• Comprehensive health benefits, including:
  
  
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
    
    
  • HSA and FSA options
    
    
  • Generous PTO and bank holidays.
    
    
  • Professional development and certification support.
    
    
  • A culture committed to integrity, collaboration, and client-first solutions.

At First Western Trust, we're more than just a financial institution—we're a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our culture thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and help us tackle challenges in fresh, effective ways.

We celebrate each other's successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.

Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you're just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you'll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.

We expect our people to:

• Demand and reward excellence.
• Take action and responsibility.
• Collaborate, communicate openly, and give/receive feedback with trust.
• Go above and beyond to do what's right—always.

If that sounds like you, you'll fit right in.

Learn more at myfw.com or email Talent.Management@myfw.com.

First Western Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. For accommodation requests, please contact Talent.Management@myfw.com.