Director of Compliance & Risk Management

Director of Compliance & Risk Management

Fordham University has retained Major, Lindsey & Africa to assist with this executive search. Interested candidates should submit their application directly through Major, Lindsey & Africa using the link below. Please do not apply through the Fordham University Careers website, as applications submitted through the University's applicant tracking system will not be considered for this search.

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Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York. It offers an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in nine colleges and schools across Bronx, Manhattan, West Harrison, the Louis Calder Center in Armonk, and a London Centre. The University provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short‑ and long‑term disability; employee assistance program; tuition remission; and generous time off.

Success will require a strong commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education and to the mission of the University.

Reporting and Leadership

The Director reports to the General Counsel and is a key member of the University’s leadership team. The role advances Fordham’s enterprise approach to compliance and further develops and integrates risk‑management practices across the institution. It offers an opportunity to shape a comprehensive, university‑wide compliance framework within a complex, decentralized academic environment.

Essential Functions

Program Strategy and Leadership
Leads the University’s Hub and Spoke hybrid compliance model, providing strategic direction to operational units and partnering with subject‑matter leaders across the institution.

Develops, implements, and maintains a comprehensive compliance and ethics program, ensuring continuous improvement.

Manages all major regulatory reporting requirements across Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, HIPAA, ERISA, Clery, FERPA, financial aid compliance, research compliance, NCAA, and information technology governance, cybersecurity, and data privacy.

Risk Integration
Designs and oversees an integrated Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework to align compliance mandates, risk assessments, and internal audit plans.

Directs the Compliance and Operations Manager and coordinates monitoring activities, engaging external specialists when justified.

Policy, Training, and Incident Management
Leads the review and approval of all university‑wide compliance policies and procedures.
Oversees the Incident Reporting & Investigation mechanism, making final determinations and coordinating with Human Resources, Student Affairs, Public Safety, Office of General Counsel, and other offices.

Ensures robust training and awareness programs are deployed across the university using scalable, technology‑driven platforms.

Strategic Technology and AI Governance
Directs integration of analytics and AI‑powered tools for predictive risk modeling, real‑time compliance monitoring, and anomaly detection, interpreting results for executive action.

Leads the use of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) software platforms for centralized risk data aggregation, analysis, and reporting, translating insights into actionable recommendations.

Governors technology risk and cyber‑compliance, maintaining awareness of IT governance, data privacy, and cybersecurity implications, and leading AI‑related risk responses.

Essential Functions Note This list is not intended to be exhaustive; the University may assign additional duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities: The Director may provide peer‑level coordination or subject‑matter guidance to colleagues performing similar work and may assist student or part‑time workers in organizing tasks, clarifying priorities, or reviewing work for quality.

Required Qualifications – Education and Experience

Master’s degree in business, law, public administration, higher education, information systems, or a related field.

Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in compliance, risk management, internal audit, governance, or related control functions.

Required Qualifications – Knowledge and Skills

• Experience designing, implementing, or leading enterprise‑wide compliance or risk‑management initiatives in decentralized organizations.
• Familiarity with data privacy, cybersecurity governance, and emerging regulatory and ethical considerations related to technology and AI.
• Strategic experience leveraging modern technology solutions, including enterprise systems, workflow automation, data analytics, dashboards, and AI‑enabled tools to improve compliance oversight and risk management effectiveness.
• Strong understanding of technology risk, cybersecurity governance, data privacy, and emerging AI issues, with the ability to assess and advise on institutional risk in a dynamic technology environment.
• Ability to interpret complex regulatory frameworks and translate requirements into practical, scalable compliance programs across diverse operational areas.
• Proven ability to work across diverse stakeholder groups and influence outcomes within decentralized or matrixed organizations.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, including the ability to synthesize complex issues and present actionable recommendations to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or other advanced legal credential.
• Professional certification such as CCEP, CPE‑I, CISA, CPA.
• Experience in higher education or in similarly complex, mission‑driven, and highly regulated environments (e.g., healthcare, financial services, nonprofits, government).
• Experience developing AI governance, data ethics, or technology compliance frameworks.

Salary

Minimum Starting Salary: $195,000

Maximum Starting Salary: $215,000

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

Union Status

No

Posting Information

Posting Number: A1085P

Number of Vacancies: 1

Start Date: ASAP

Posting Date: 06/25/2026

Physical Activity and Work Environment

Sitting – Nearly Continuously

Repetitive Hand Motion (e.g., typing) – Nearly Continuously

Hearing, Listening, Talking – Nearly Continuously

Standing – Seldom

Walking – Seldom

Running – Not Required

Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, Squatting, Crouching, Crawling – Not Required

Climbing Stairs – Seldom

Climbing Ladders – Not Required

Reaching Overhead – Not Required

Pulling, Pushing – Not Required

Shoveling – Not Required

Lifting – up to 20 pounds – Not Required

Lifting – up to 50 pounds – Not Required

Lifting – over 50 pounds – Not Required

Work Environment: Office Environment – employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants; occasional temperature changes may occur.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Master’s degree in business, law, public administration, higher education, information systems, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in compliance, risk management, internal audit, governance, and/or related control functions?
  • Yes
  • No

Equal Opportunity Employment

Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.