Chief Compliance Officer

Chief Compliance Officer

The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) serves as the senior executive responsible for overseeing and managing compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations as well as university policies and procedures. Reporting to the General Counsel, the CCO provides leadership in the development, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive university-wide compliance program. This position ensures the university maintains a culture of compliance, ethical conduct, and risk awareness while fulfilling its academic and research mission.

Essential Functions:

• Compliance Program Leadership:
• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective, risk-based university compliance program.
• Lead the coordination of compliance efforts across academic, administrative, and research units.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of the compliance program to senior leadership and relevant university committees.
• Regulatory Oversight & Risk Management:
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., FERPA, Title IX, Clery Act, HIPAA, NCAA, ADA).
• Partner with university stakeholders to assess and manage institutional compliance risk.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes and update compliance policies, procedures, and training accordingly.
• Training and Awareness:
• Develop and deliver regular compliance training and education to faculty, staff, and students.
• Promote a culture of ethics and compliance across the university community.
• Investigation and Reporting:
• Oversee and coordinate internal investigations into reports of non-compliance or misconduct.
• Maintain a confidential reporting system and ensure reports are addressed appropriately and promptly.
• Prepare periodic compliance reports for the Board of Trustees and executive leadership.
• Policy Development and Review:
• Lead or assist in the creation and revision of university-wide compliance-related policies and procedures.
• Ensure alignment of policies with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration and Leadership:
• Serve as chair or member of university compliance-related committees.
• Act as a liaison with external agencies on compliance matters and audits.
• Provide expert guidance to university leadership on compliance risks and mitigation strategies.

Prerequisite Qualifications:

• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree in law, compliance, public policy, higher education administration, or a related field required.
• Experience: Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in legal, compliance, or regulatory roles, preferably within a higher education, healthcare, or public sector setting.
• At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a university general counsel's office or comparable environment.

Skills and Competencies:

• Deep knowledge of laws and regulations affecting higher education institutions.
• Proven ability to lead compliance initiatives in a complex university environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ethical judgment, discretion, and integrity.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with compliance tracking tools and systems.

Bargaining Unit: Non-Aligned

Range/Band: 5

Salary Information: In compliance with the NJ Pay Transparency Law, the annual salary range for this position is $130,000-$150,000 (USD). NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses or other items.