GRC Lead - Chicago, IL

Build the program. Own the outcome. Shape what comes next.

Savant is hiring a GRC Lead to design, build, and own our governance, risk, and compliance program from the ground up.

This is not a maintenance role. There's no inherited framework to "optimize" and no playbook sitting on a shelf. Instead, this is a rare opportunity for a seasoned GRC professional to step into full ownership - setting the foundation for how Savant manages security, risk, and regulatory obligations as we continue to grow.

If you enjoy turning complex regulatory expectations into practical, enforceable programs - and you want real accountability rather than advisory influence - this role was built for you.

Why This Role Is Different

• True ownership. You'll own Savant's GRC operating model end-to-end, including governance, controls, escalation, and program maturity.
• Greenfield build. You'll design the framework, not inherit someone else's.
• Business-first mindset. This role sits at the intersection of technology, compliance, and leadership - translating risk into clear, actionable decisions.
• Long runway. As Savant scales, this role grows with it - including future leadership opportunities.

What You'll Do

You'll be responsible for building and operating the firm's GRC program, partnering closely with IT, Security, Compliance, Legal, HR, and executive leadership. Key areas of ownership include:

• Designing and implementing governance strategies, security policies, standards, and procedures aligned with regulatory obligations
• Mapping and operating against frameworks such as SEC, SOC 2, NIST (HIPAA and/or HITRUST experience is also valued)
• Owning control design, effectiveness, testing, and ongoing monitoring
• Leading third-party and vendor risk management programs
• Monitoring and enforcing vulnerability management and remediation efforts
• Supporting audits, regulatory exams, and security questionnaires with confidence and clarity
• Turning technical risk into business-level reporting leadership can actually use
• Building maturity over time - prioritizing what matters most and sequencing the rest

How You'll Work

• Work model: Primarily remote, with flexibility to meet in person at regional offices as needed
• Location focus: Chicagoland / driving distance to Savant offices
• Cadence: Autonomy-heavy, ownership-driven, with close collaboration early on

This role introduces structure and discipline across the organization, so success depends on strong influence, communication, and judgment - not an authoritarian approach.

What We're Looking For (Must-Haves)

We're looking for a program owner , not an analyst. You bring:

• 5+ years of experience in information security policy, audit, and technical compliance
• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or related field.
• Hands-on experience operating in highly regulated environments
• Proven ownership of a GRC program or major components of one - not just support work
• Experience designing policies, controls, and governance processes
• Comfort supporting audits and regulatory exams end-to-end (evidence, narratives, questionnaires)
• High level of communication with the ability to explain technical risk in clear, business-friendly language
• The ability to reliably commute to our Chicagoland offices at least once a week. To be considered, individuals must reside within 50 miles of our Chicago area offices.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience across multiple regulatory environments (e.g., SEC + HIPAA / HITRUST)
• Familiarity with GRC automation tools (such as Drata or similar platforms)
• Relevant certifications (CISSP, CISA, CRISC, etc.) - helpful, but not required

What matters most is judgment, ownership, and the ability to build something that works in the real world.

Who This Role Is Not For

This role is likely not the right fit if your experience has focused primarily on:

• Ticket processing, screenshots, or checklist-only compliance work
• Analyst-level support without decision-making ownership
• Purely theoretical or academic security models without practical enforcement

What Success Looks Like

In your first year, success means:

• A clear, defensible GRC framework is in place and actively used
• Vendor and supplier risk is centralized and managed
• Vulnerability management is monitored, enforced, and visible
• Leadership has confidence in audit readiness and risk reporting

Why Join Us?

For nearly 40 years, Savant Wealth Management has served as a trusted advisor to established individuals, families, and businesses seeking clarity and confidence in their financial lives. Our name, rooted in the Latin word sapere-"to be wise"-reflects our commitment to evidence-based investing and the power of decision-making based on deep knowledge. We are a fee-only, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm providing comprehensive guidance on investments, financial planning, tax and business consulting, estate planning, trust services, and family office support. At the heart of our firm is a culture of lifelong learning-one that values curiosity, continuous improvement, and helps clients pursue their ideal future with purpose and discipline.

Our Vision: Transform personal and financial dreams into goals and goals into reality.

Our Mission: To build one million ideal futures for our clients, our team, and the communities we serve.

Our Values: Excellence, Integrity, Lifelong Learning, Respect, Growth, Servant Leadership

The Perks:

At Savant, we are committed to supporting our employees as well as investing in their well-being and growth. We take a market-based approach to compensation. The expected base salary range for this role nationally is $125,000 - $175,000 . However, final base pay will be carefully determined based on several factors, including responsibilities, skills, relevant experience, geographic location, and market conditions. Additionally, this role may be eligible for other forms of compensation.


We also offer a benefits package designed to enhance both your personal and professional life. Below is an overview of our total rewards offering. The benefits available for this role can be discussed in detail during the hiring process.

• Benefit Eligibility on Day One: Enjoy immediate access to a robust benefits package starting on your first day of employment.
• Choice of Medical Plans: Select from two medical plans tailored to fit your needs.
• Health & Wellness Accounts: Opt for a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to manage your healthcare expenses.
• Flexible Dental Coverage: Choose between two dental plan options for optimal oral health.
• Vision Insurance: Keep your eyes healthy with our vision insurance plan.
• Company-Paid Life & AD&D Insurance: Feel secure with fully covered basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment benefits.
• Company-Paid Disability Coverage: Rest easy knowing you're covered with both short-term and long-term disability plans.
• 401(k) with Company Match: Invest in your future with both Roth and Traditional 401(k) plans, featuring a per pay period company match.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Benefit from PTO that increases with your years of service, at least 11 paid holidays each year, a paid day each year for your Savantiversary, and enjoy shorter work weeks with our Summer Hours.
• Additional Leave and Time Off Benefits: Personal leave, parental leave, professional development paid time, and bereavement pay are just a few examples of how you will be supported with time off and other benefits during life's most critical moments.
• Dress Code: Enjoy a "Dress for Your Day" approach to your style. We offer wardrobe flexibility based on office culture, client expectations, and your daily schedule.
• Employee Recognition: Enjoy monetary awards through our recognition program.
• Team Incentive Plans: Participate in our team incentive plan for additional earning opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access support through our Employee Assistance Program whenever you need it.
• Exclusive Discounts: Take advantage of various discount programs for additional savings.
• Wellness Reimbursements : Get reimbursed for gym memberships and other wellness programs to stay fit and healthy.
• Additional Perks: Get reimbursed for your warehouse club memberships and receive an allowance for Savant Swag.

Take your career to new heights, apply today!

All applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting.


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the incumbent in this position. Any combination of equivalent education and work experience will be considered.

Savant Capital LLC, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.