Chief Compliance Officer

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Chief Compliance Officer. Executive Summary The University of Texas at Arlington seeks an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Compliance Officer to play a central role in shaping and advancing the University’s compliance function during a pivotal period marked by institutional growth and strategic advancement. In this highly visible role, the Chief Compliance Officer will have the opportunity to define the vision, strengthen the infrastructure, and establish the priorities and practices that will guide UTA’s compliance program into the future. As such, the Chief Compliance Officer will provide strategic oversight to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and University policies while identifying and mitigating institutional risk. About the Position The University’s compliance function plays a key role in supporting its academic, research, administrative, and public service missions by promoting adherence to applicable laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards. The Chief Compliance Officer’s foremost responsibility is to protect the University’s integrity, mitigate institutional risk, and support a culture in which compliance is viewed as a shared responsibility. Through strategic leadership, effective communication, and strong campus partnerships, the Chief Compliance Officer will help ensure that compliance practices align with the University’s values, support its strategic priorities, and enable the institution to fulfill its mission responsibly and effectively. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide strategic oversight to the University’s compliance risk assessment process and develop and maintain a comprehensive, risk-based compliance plan that addresses immediate priorities, long-term objectives, and emerging institutional risks. Coordinate and facilitate quarterly Compliance, Accountability, Risk and Ethics Committee meetings, preparing reports on compliance activities, assessing program effectiveness, and recommending enhancements to senior leadership. Oversee high-risk compliance areas and partner with responsible academic and administrative leaders to develop and implement risk mitigation plans, including appropriate internal controls, ongoing monitoring, oversight, and targeted training. Lead the review, development, and revision of University policies and procedures to strengthen compliance, mitigate institutional risk, and prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct. Maintain and regularly update the University’s Standards of Conduct Guide to ensure clear, current guidance for university leadership, faculty, and staff. Oversee the University’s confidential reporting mechanisms for suspected compliance violations, ensuring appropriate processes for review and resolution, protection against retaliation, and accountability. Prepare and deliver reports on compliance activities, program effectiveness, and emerging risks to University leadership and the UT System Compliance Officer, as required. Monitor and interpret changes in applicable laws, regulations, court rulings, and regulatory guidance affecting higher education, assessing their implications for the University and recommending appropriate policy or operational changes. Oversee compliance-related personnel matters, including the development of management plans for non-research personnel, and communicate relevant findings and recommendations to executive leadership, as appropriate. Maintain and oversee the University’s Management Leadership Tool and provide compliance training and guidance to newly appointed administrators, including the President, Vice Presidents, Deans, Department Chairs, and Directors. Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of university-wide compliance training programs, monitoring completion rates and promoting employee awareness of applicable policies, regulations, and responsibilities. Develop and implement targeted compliance education and training for new employees, academic and administrative departments, and university organizations to address specific regulatory requirements and emerging compliance risks. Oversee Compliance Subcommittee meetings, facilitating coordination, reviewing compliance priorities, and supporting the implementation of recommended actions. Provide oversight of youth program compliance, including review and approval of requests to host programs, participant registration, financial reconciliation and account transfers, and verification that employees and volunteers complete required child protection training and annual criminal background checks. Oversee preparation of the biennial Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) report and coordinate the DFSCA Task Force to ensure compliance with applicable federal requirements. Represent the compliance function on university committees, including the Institutional Audit Committee, Research Conflict of Interest Committee, and other committees as designated, providing guidance on compliance obligations, institutional risk, and appropriate mitigation strategies. Build strong relationships across campus and participate in university initiatives that advance awareness of compliance requirements and promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct. Provide overall leadership, direction, and evaluation of the compliance department, establishing priorities, allocating resources, and assessing effectiveness in support of the University’s compliance objectives. Supervise and develop assigned staff, including planning, assigning, and directing workloads; establishing performance expectations; and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team culture. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field, such as compliance, business administration, legal studies, or related discipline. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, legal affairs, or risk management, preferably within a higher education institution or similarly complex organization. Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws and regulations, assessing compliance risks, and developing and implementing effective compliance policies, procedures, monitoring practices, and risk mitigation strategies. Proven ability to lead complex organizational initiatives, build and develop high-performing teams, and implement enterprise-wide change that strengthens compliance effectiveness and operational performance. Strong executive communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to translate strategic priorities into actionable compliance initiatives and operational outcomes. Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and communicate compliance matters clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, faculty, staff, and administrative stakeholders. Demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of honesty, professionalism, quality, and integrity, with sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters. Ability to serve as a trusted subject matter expert and advisor to university leadership and campus stakeholders on compliance requirements, risk mitigation, reporting obligations, and emerging regulatory issues. An engaged and collaborative leadership style that values diversity of people, perspectives, and experiences and fosters a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess institutional risks, evaluate compliance program effectiveness, and recommend practical solutions. Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across academic and administrative units, influence stakeholders without direct authority, and promote shared responsibility for compliance throughout the institution. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in a related field or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited university. Professional certification in compliance, ethics, risk management, or related discipline. Experience overseeing or supporting Title IX, Equal Opportunity Services (EOS), Accessibility, and Clery Act compliance within a higher education environment. Familiarity with the regulatory landscape governing public universities, including federal and state compliance requirements, institutional policies, and applicable UT System policies. Experience developing and implementing institution-wide compliance programs, conducting risk assessments, coordinating compliance investigations, and establishing effective monitoring and reporting practices. The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is committed to providing equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disabilities, pregnancy, genetic information, and/or veteran status. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. See the University of Texas at Arlington’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information. Campus Safety and Security The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report with policy statements, crime, and fire statistics is available online. A hard copy may be obtained by contacting the Office of Legal Affairs, University Administration Building, 701 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX 76019, View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Korn Ferry