Assistant Compliance Officer

Assistant Compliance Officer

The Assistant Compliance Officer (ACO) serves as a partner to the Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer (CCEO), leading the core elements of the compliance program for the University of Hawaii System. This includes compliance monitoring, policy and procedure design, controls testing, coordination of supervisory oversight, and the ongoing modernization of how compliance is delivered across the University of Hawaii System. The ACO combines regulatory expertise with data-driven analysis to strengthen institutional compliance, reduce organizational risk, and support the University's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Researches emerging issues, policies, and best practices, along with new and amended federal and state laws and regulations; provides input and guidance on applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies; initiates advisories and policy recommendations; and assists in drafting or revising UH systemwide executive policies and administrative procedures.
• Conducts research and analysis of executive, faculty, and staff policies and procedures at both the Systemwide and campus level.
• Performs queries to extract data from a variety of technical systems; aggregates data using pivot tables, spreadsheets, statistical software, and related applications to conduct analysis, cross-tabulations, and generate reports.
• Analyzes trends and disparities and tests findings for statistical significance.
• Evaluates findings and presents data for federal contract compliance reports and user-friendly reports, including presentation graphics, for University administrators.
• Develops and applies subject-matter expertise across multiple compliance areas to audit University compliance, conduct site visits, assist in responding to federal audits, and develop transition plans.
• Audits University compliance with federal contractor regulations; defines requirements and develops technical specifications to meet new and evolving federal and internal audit reporting needs; initiates new or modified policies and procedures as warranted.
• Identifies potential compliance vulnerabilities and risks; recommends corrective action plans for resolution of identified issues.
• Provides general guidance, technical advice, problem-solving assistance, and responses to questions regarding compliance-related systems, reporting tools, policies, standards, and procedures.
• Works independently and collaboratively with University administrators and offices on an ongoing basis to implement and troubleshoot new survey methods and systems that improve the accuracy and timeliness of data collection and reporting, and provides technical assistance through verbal, written, and in-person training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in business administration, math, education, social sciences, I/O psychology, public administration/policy, or related field and 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for compliance and legal, regulatory management administration, investigations, or institutional analysis; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
2. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of compliance, legal, regulatory management administration, investigations or institutional analysis as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
3. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with compliance, legal, regulatory management administration, investigations, or institutional analysis.
4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
8. If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
9. Demonstrated ability to use personal computer & software to produce analytical report, graphics, and spreadsheets in a timely manner. In particular, possesses a considerable working knowledge of Excel and/or other GRC software systems.
10. Ability to establish trust and transparency with internal and external constituents, particularly when handling sensitive or controversial data or investigations.
11. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive data.

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Technical proficiency in using compliance-related technology (GRC systems, COI portals, or electronic human resource databases).
2. Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) or equivalent professional certification.
3. Administrative experience in a public multi-institutional university system or organization managing risks like Research Security, Title IX, and financial compliance.
4. Demonstrated experience with whistleblower hotlines, personnel investigations, or policy development.
5. Knowledge of the University of Hawaii organization and its specific administrative structure and operational procedures.