Compliance Associate Jobs in Illinois

INTRODUCTION

We are seeking a highly analytical and collaborative Risk & Compliance Associate to join our Legal, Risk & Compliance team. Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel – Privacy & Compliance, this role will play a critical part in advancing Kearney’s global compliance, ethics, and enterprise risk management programs. The Risk & Compliance Associate will partner with stakeholders across the firm to strengthen compliance processes, support risk management initiatives, conduct investigations, and help foster a culture of integrity and accountability. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a highly respected in-house legal function at a leading global consulting firm.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities:

Global Compliance & Ethics

• Support Kearney’s global compliance program by partnering with business units to promote a robust culture of ethics, integrity, and compliance across the organization.
• Assist in the implementation and ongoing enhancement of business integrity initiatives and compliance best practices aligned with global business objectives.
• Manage and oversee the firm’s Integrity Helpline processes and related compliance workflows.
• Advise internal stakeholders on compliance-related matters and risk management considerations.

Investigations & Governance

• Coordinate and conduct internal compliance investigations and fact-finding activities related to employee concerns, legal disputes, conflicts of interest, and other reported issues.
• Ensure allegations and compliance matters are appropriately documented, investigated, monitored, and resolved in a timely and effective manner.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting related to investigations and compliance activities.

Policy Management & Compliance Operations

• Maintain and enhance key compliance policies, controls, tools, and processes, including but not limited to: Code of Business Conduct, Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, Gifts and Entertainment Policy and Personal Investments Policy.
• Drive adoption of AI and other emerging technologies within the compliance team to help optimize the team’s capacity to administer its programs and to enhance the team’s capabilities for managing risks across the firm.
• Support the ongoing development and administration of firmwide compliance training programs in partnership with Learning & Development teams.
• Monitor regulatory developments, industry trends, and emerging best practices, incorporating relevant enhancements into Kearney’s compliance framework.
• Maintain centralized compliance records and systems to support institutional knowledge, consistency, and audit readiness.
• Prepare reports and insights regarding compliance activities and program effectiveness for senior leadership and the General Counsel’s office.

Enterprise Risk Management

• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Kearney’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework.
• Partner with stakeholders across the business to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate organizational risks.
• Contribute to client engagement risk management processes and related governance activities.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

We want to hear from you if you:

• Have 4–7+ years of relevant experience in compliance, risk management, legal operations, investigations, or a paralegal capacity.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree; a J.D., M.B.A., or other advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
• Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and related business tools.
• Have experience managing projects and processes from inception through execution while driving continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to ethical decision-making.
• Have exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization.
• Are highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Can effectively balance long-term strategic initiatives with urgent and ad hoc business needs.
• Are eager to learn, develop new expertise, and contribute to the growth and success of others.
• Have experience leveraging compliance technologies, case management tools, or governance platforms (preferred).
• Have a demonstrated interest in and experience leveraging AI-powered tools and emerging technologies to enhance productivity, improve business processes, and support informed decision-making, with an understanding of associated compliance, risk, and governance considerations.
• Are comfortable working in a hybrid environment with 1–2 days per week in our Chicago office and occasional travel as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Who You Are

After 100 years, we know this business is fundamentally about making connections—between facts, insights, strategies, tools, technologies, and above all, people. That’s why we look for collaborative, intellectually curious professionals who combine strong judgment with practical problem-solving. You are someone who thrives in complex environments, approaches challenges with integrity and professionalism, and is motivated by the opportunity to help build stronger, more effective organizations. You are proactive, adaptable, and eager to make a meaningful impact while continuously learning and growing.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Every day, our people work to be the difference for our clients, our communities, and our colleagues. Helping them make an impact, we support them with a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including but not limited to:

• Generous retirement and savings programs
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• Structured learning, development, and career growth opportunities
• Personalized professional development and career planning support
• Employee wellbeing and wellness resources
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work opportunities
• A collaborative and inclusive culture built on mutual respect and shared success

Kearney Risk and Compliance Associate base salary range: $88-125K. It is important to note that at Kearney, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role. Individual salaries within each range are determined through a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills. Kearney reviews compensation regularly and may adjust base salaries to reflect market competitiveness. In addition to salary, individuals may be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus. Our full suite of benefits includes paid time off, paid sick leave, 401(k) match and profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, healthcare concierge services, backup child/adult care, annual employer HSA contributions, a home office stipend, subsidized gym membership, an annual wellness program, and leaves of absence when needed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination

Kearney prides itself on providing a culture where our employees belong and thrive equally, which means our people feel comfort, confidence, and joy as they do great things for our firm, our colleagues, and our clients. That’s why Kearney is committed to building a diverse workforce and inclusive environment. Kearney is an equal opportunity employer; we recruit, hire, train, promote, develop, and provide other conditions of employment without regard to a person’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences consistent with applicable laws. This includes providing reasonable accommodation for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. We encourage everyone to apply, including those who may not feel historically represented in consulting. #LI-DNP