"Compliance Officer"

Description

The Compliance Officer will serve as the University’s primary compliance personnel, establishing and overseeing the institution’s comprehensive compliance program. Reporting directly to the Vice President and General Counsel, the Compliance Officer will assess current compliance risks, develop institutional policies and procedures, and help create a culture of ethical conduct and regulatory adherence across all University operations.

Examples of Duties

• Design and implement the University’s inaugural compliance program, including risk assessment frameworks, policies, procedures, and monitoring systems
• Establish a compliance committee with representatives from key departments (Academic Affairs, Finance, Student Affairs, HR, Athletics, Financial Aid)
• Develop annual compliance workplans and budgets
• Oversee the Title IX Office and Office of Access and Learning
• Conduct comprehensive compliance audits across areas including Title IX, Title IV (financial aid), FERPA, ADA, employment law, NCAA regulations, research compliance, and financial operations
• Identify and prioritize areas of potential non-compliance for immediate remediation
• Create ongoing monitoring and reporting systems to detect compliance issues early
• Develop, review, and update University policies to ensure regulatory compliance
• Design and deliver training programs for faculty, staff, and administrators on compliance requirements
• Create accessible compliance resources and reporting mechanisms for the campus community
• Serve as primary liaison with regulatory agencies
• Manage responses to compliance inquiries, investigations, and audits
• Stay current on changing federal, state, and local regulations affecting HBCUs and higher education
• Establish confidential reporting channels for compliance concerns
• Investigate alleged violations and recommend corrective actions
• Provide regular compliance reports to the Vice President and General Counsel

Typical Qualifications

• Juris Doctor
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive compliance, legal, or regulatory experience, preferably in higher education
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations governing institutions of higher education (Title IV, Title IX, Clery Act, FERPA, etc.)
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work diplomatically with diverse constituencies while maintaining objectivity

Supplemental Information

• Experience with the institutional culture and mission of HBCUs
• Professional certification (Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional, Certified Higher Education Compliance Professional)
• Experience establishing compliance programs from the ground up
• Knowledge of accreditation standards (SACSCOC or equivalent)
• Understanding of unique challenges facing small, private institutions