Job Summary
The Compliance/Risk Officer provides leadership, direction, and integration of compliance and risk assessment/reduction activities to fulfill university needs and state and federal regulations. The Compliance/Risk Officer is responsible for compliance operations, including but not limited to the review of grants, contracts and cooperative agreements, the development of training programs, and for assuring campus compliance with applicable government and university policies pertaining to research administration. Compliance oversight includes but is not limited to requirements related to financial administration, procurement, property management, personnel administration, financial and performance reporting, records management and access, records retention, research integrity, protection of human subjects, animal care and all aspects of federal, state and local laws, regulations and related university policies. Risk assessment encompasses a broad perspective across campus that involves the safety of students, employees and visitors, protection of physical and financial assets, maintenance of reputation, and continuity of operation as an institution of higher education.
Representative Duties
Compliance
- Provides strategic guidance and representation to leadership on changing governmental requirements in the areas of civil rights, affirmative action, equal opportunity, reporting obligations under the Clery Act, dispute resolution and internal auditing and reporting and related areas as may be identified in the future.
- Assist with the development, initiation, maintenance and revision of policies and procedures for the general operation of the Compliance Program and its related activities to help prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct.
- Monitors developments in the field of research administration to identify subjects warranting university policy, procedure or response.
- Develops, monitors, revises and implements the university’s compliance initiatives in response to changes in the law; consults with various stakeholders as necessary to ensure program effectiveness.
- Directs and collaborates in the development of compliance educational and training programs so that employees and management are knowledgeable of institutional policies, pertinent federal and state standards and compliance responsibilities.
- Oversees compliance reviews in collaboration with constituent divisions and departments.
- Interacts with senior management, faculty, staff and/or government agency officials, to represent and promote the development of strategic compliance programs to further university awareness on related initiatives.
- Directs the development of periodic compliance reports of the areas of oversight to other senior leadership members and various committees.
- Oversees adequate record maintenance and processes are in place to document compliance efforts.
Risk Management
- Establishes and maintains effective and proactive loss control and risk awareness programs.
- Assists departments in reviewing contracts, insurance requirements, and releases.
- Creates and conducts awareness training for various target audiences across the institution including current/new employees, supervisors, department heads, students, and others as needed to minimize risk.
- Establishes and maintains effective and proactive loss control and risk awareness programs.
- Participates on university committees related to risk assessment and mitigation.
- Serves as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
- Knowledge of current and emerging equal opportunity and affirmative action legislation, issues, and trends.
- Knowledge of public policies, legislation, guidelines, and standards pertaining to discrimination and sexual harassment in the work place.
- Demonstrated ability to develop institutional policies and procedures.
- Supervisory, employee development, and leadership skills.
- Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a culturally and linguistically diverse community.
- Strong analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills.
- Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, and public sector employment policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated understanding of compliance systems and controls.
- Knowledge of local, state and federal accounting and auditing compliance laws.
- Knowledge of employment and educational regulatory requirements, guidelines, and procedures for the administration of federal and state laws on civil rights, such as ADA, VEVRAA, 503/504, Title II, Title VI, Title VII and Title IX, of the Higher Education Act; and the Clery Act.
- Ability to interpret and advise on the application of various laws and regulations.
- Knowledge and understanding of investigation, negotiation, mediation and complaint resolution process of high level/sensitive claims on behalf of the university.
- Knowledge of fiscal principles to oversee budgets and financial activity within the areas of oversight.
- Skill in implementing strategic plans, goals, and procedures for cost effective management of allocated resources.
- Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
Minimum Education Qualification
- A Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited university.
Minimum Experience Qualification
- Five (5) years’ experience in compliance or risk management with progressively increasing responsibilities and knowledge
Preferred Experience Qualification
- Master’s Degree or J.D.
- Experience in higher education.
Additional Requirements
- An Alaska driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
- Ability to be away from principal work site during the day and other travel as required.
- Ability to work extended hours during the work week and weekends.
- May need to act as first responder to emergency and risk related issues
