Director of University Compliance

Job Description

Job Description

St. Ambrose University seeks a Director of University Compliance to serve as the University's chief compliance leader and oversee a comprehensive, coordinated compliance and ethics program across St. Ambrose University and affiliated institutions within its Catholic higher education network, including Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

This senior‐level position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and policy direction to ensure consistent compliance standards, regulatory adherence, and effective risk management across multiple campuses. The role is based at St. Ambrose University and collaborates closely with campus leaders while respecting institutional culture and operational differences.

The Director also serves as the Title IX Coordinator for St. Ambrose University and provides oversight, guidance, and coordination of Title IX compliance functions across the network, as designated.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Program Leadership

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance a network-wide compliance and ethics program.
• Assess and prioritize compliance risks; recommend corrective actions, policy updates, and process improvements.
• Serve as the primary compliance advisor to senior leadership on complex and high-risk regulatory matters.

Policy Governance

• Lead and maintain an institution-wide policy governance framework, including policy development, review, publication, and retirement.
• Ensure consistent policy management, version control, and accessibility across the University.
• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to support effective policy implementation and accountability.

Campus and Network Oversight

• Serve as the lead compliance officer for St. Ambrose University.
• Provide functional oversight and coordination of compliance activities at affiliated institutions.
• Support audits, regulatory reviews, accreditation processes, and government inquiries.

Governance, Reporting, and Risk Management

• Establish and chair a University Compliance Council or similar governance body.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across Human Resources, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Athletics, Finance, IT, and Legal Counsel.
• Prepare regular reports on compliance activities, trends, and risks for senior leadership and governing bodies.

Education and Training

• Design and deliver compliance education and training programs for administrators, faculty, and staff.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics, accountability, and shared responsibility for compliance.

Title IX Leadership

• Serve as the designated Title IX Coordinator for St. Ambrose University.
• Ensure compliant Title IX policies, procedures, and grievance processes.
• Oversee or coordinate Title IX investigations, resolutions, and reporting.
• Provide Title IX education and training to campus leadership, employees, and students.

Reporting and Investigations

• Maintain confidential reporting mechanisms for misconduct or compliance concerns.
• Ensure timely and appropriate review and resolution of reports.
• Monitor and enforce non-retaliation protections.

Regulatory and External Engagement

• Monitor regulatory developments impacting higher education.
• Consult with external legal counsel on complex matters.
• Represent the University in compliance-related communications with regulators and accreditors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in higher education administration, law, public administration, compliance, or a related field - or a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in compliance or a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing, managing, or overseeing compliance or ethics programs.
• Strong leadership, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional compliance or ethics certification (e.g., CCEP, CHC).
• Experience in a multi-campus or system-based organization.
• Knowledge of higher education regulatory and accreditation frameworks.
• Experience serving as or supporting a Title IX Coordinator.
• Familiarity with athletics compliance (e.g., NAIA or conference regulations).
• Proven ability to lead through influence in matrixed environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Tuition Remission.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Access to campus amenities, cultural events, and recreational facilities.

St. Ambrose University and its affiliate campuses are an inclusive, Catholic and diocesan community of learners empowering all members of that community to act courageously, to seek wisdom through faith and reason, to work for justice and mercy, and to lead lives of service. St. Ambrose is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references though our online application portal at Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. EOE