Associate Director of Risk and Compliance bei The Bridgespan Group

About Us

The Bridgespan Group is the leading nonprofit consulting organization serving ambitious nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, and impact investors in North America, Asia and Africa. We work with social change organizations such as the Harlem Children’s Zone, UnidosUS, PolicyLink and Janaagraha; philanthropies such as the Ford Foundation; impact investors such as TPG’s Rise Fund, Black Ambition and the Impact Investors Council of India; and bold, collaborative initiatives such as TED’s Audacious Project, Blue Meridian Partners and Co-Impact.

We value diversity, passion, respect, candor, and impact while working towards societies characterized by equity and justice. We are committed to building a team and leadership at all levels that is diverse, develop a truly inclusive culture, and integrate a focus on equity in all our client work.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Risk and Compliance is responsible for overseeing all risk management and compliance activities for Bridgespan globally. This role ensures that Bridgespan operates in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, and adapts to changes in the external environment or risk considerations, thereby safeguarding the organization's integrity and reputation. The Associate Director of Risk and Compliance works closely with the stakeholders across the firm to coordinate all risk management initiatives and workstreams. Customers for this role include Bridgespan leadership, the Board of Trustees’ Audit & Risk Management Committee as well as functional units throughout the organization. 

The Associate Director of Risk & Compliance will report to the Vice President of Finance and Risk Management and will oversee a team of two.

Responsibilities and Duties

Risk Management (70%):

• Develop and update Bridgespan’s global risk management framework in identifying potential areas of risk and facilitate development and implementation of mitigation plans.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and developments in regulatory frameworks, emerging risks, risk assessment methodologies, and technological solutions to strengthen the organization’s risk management strategies.
• Provide necessary support in crisis communication and rapid shifts by coordinating response strategies, ensuring clear stakeholder communication, and facilitating business continuity during high-impact events.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external legal counsel on contracts and grants and other risk-related matters, ensuring effective communication and alignment on legal and regulatory issues.
• Maintain an inventory of various types of risks faced by the organization, including tracking of internal and external factors.
• Project manage risk management workstreams by working closely with various members of the senior management team.
• In close coordination with VP of Finance and Risk Management, prepare regular reports on risk management to senior leadership and board of trustees.
• Maintain an inventory of all regulatory compliance and registrations and ensure Bridgespan and its entities remain compliant with all laws and regulations.
• Serve as liaison to certain regulatory bodies and act as support to other functions and business units such Communications, People & Culture etc.
• Support VP of Finance & Risk Management in leading the board’s Audit & Risk Management Committee meetings.
• Be a thought partner for Bridgespan’s Partners and VPs on emerging risks and opportunities. 
• Lead other special projects, such as maintaining and renewing the firm's trademarks across our geographies. 
• Partner with Tech, People & Culture and legal teams to ensure compliance with global data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, India’s DPDP Act).
• Lead periodic reviews of information handling practices and support training initiatives on data privacy and cybersecurity awareness.

Grants & Contracts Management (15%):

• Support the Grants and Contracts Manager in review of incoming and outgoing engagement letters and contracts.
• Directly navigate negotiations with clients to ensure Bridgespan secures the most favorable terms and conditions in our contracts. 
• Frequent reviews of various engagement letter templates to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and evolutions in Bridgespan’s strategy.

Audits & Compliance (15%):

• Supports the Audits & Compliance Manager in timely delivery of annual institutional audit and country specific audits.
• In coordination with the Audits & Compliance Manager, perform risk screens on new clients.
• Supports the timely delivery of annual tax filings including form 990.
• Establish and review policies and procedures to ensure they are current and effective.
• Provide training to staff on compliance and risk management topics; promote a culture of compliance and ethical behavior.
• Provide supportive supervision to the Audit & Compliance Manager for coordinating external audits; ensure findings are addressed and corrective actions are implemented.
   

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in compliance, risk management, or a related field, preferably within the nonprofit sector.
• Experience with nonprofit governance and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with grant compliance and reporting.
• Willingness to engage with global teams / sometimes work outside US business hours.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of compliance laws and regulations; excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced and continuous improvement environment.
• Commitment to strong performance, high standard of accountability, and openness to feedback.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Operates in an honest, ethical manner in all dealings, acts with integrity. 

At Bridgespan, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion because we are passionate about helping our clients achieve breakthrough results. An organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and their beneficiaries will produce deeper relationships, engagement, and insights. Bridgespan is committed to providing equal opportunities. We serve diverse organizations and are committed to non-discrimination. Bridgespan will not discriminate against any employee with respect to any term or condition of employment, including but not limited to less favorable treatment, exclusion from employment or employment opportunities (including hiring, assignment, performance assessment and promotion) on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, gender (including pregnancy), gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, expression, veteran’s status or other protected characteristics or status. We actively partner with organizations representing minority concerns and interests to build high-performing teams that mirror the communities we serve.

All company sponsored programs including training, job, social and recreational activities are required to be nondiscriminatory and all human resource practices are monitored to ensure equal opportunity.