Executive Director of Conflicts of Interest: Campus Compliance Services - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

10d•$145,000 - $155,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Campus Compliance Officer, the Executive Director serves as the university’s principal authority on identifying, reviewing, managing, and mitigating conflicts of interest while ensuring alignment with institutional values and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of conflicts of interest and commitment frameworks in higher education
Understanding of federal research sponsor requirements and research integrity principles
Experience in institutional compliance, governance, and risk management in complex organizations
Expertise in disclosure review processes, conflict management strategies, and policy development
Strong ability to interpret and apply complex federal regulations and institutional policies
Master's Degree in Public Administration, Research, Audit, and/or Compliance fields
7-10 years of relevant experience of progressively responsible experience in: research compliance, institutional compliance, ethics programs, and/or conflicts of interest administration.
Experience reviewing and creating conflict management plans for complex disclosures.
Experience with federal sponsor compliance, audits, and institutional reporting.
Experience with Huron (or similar disclosure system)
Knowledge of conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment frameworks in higher education; federal research sponsor requirements; principles of research integrity and responsible conduct of research; and institutional compliance, governance, and risk management practices within complex academic environments.
Knowledge of disclosure review processes, conflict management strategies, and policy development related to conflicts of interest is required.
Skill in interpreting and applying complex federal regulations, institutional policies, and sponsor requirements related to conflicts of interest and commitment.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

JD
Experience building/ developing a COI programs and/or research integrity programs.
Leadership experience at an R1 research institution.
Experience with Huron
Knowledge of governance structures and demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty committees, senior leadership, and research administration to address complex or high-risk conflicts of interest and commitment matters.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and phased implementation of a dedicated COI/COC team within Campus Compliance Services
Establish organizational structure, staffing plans, workflows, and operating procedures
Build sustainable processes and internal controls for consistent and timely conflict review and management
Integrate COI/COC operations into UTK’s broader compliance and risk management framework
Coordinate with the Research Conflicts of Interest Compliance Officer to ensure alignment while maintaining a defined research compliance model
Draft, interpret, and revise policies and procedures related to conflicts of interest and commitment
Lead development and maintenance of the UTK COI/COC Program Charter
Define institutional vs. research-specific authority and responsibilities
Establish clear escalation, enforcement, and reporting pathways
Serve as the primary staff lead for the Conflicts of Interest Committee and related governance bodies
Oversee review and adjudication of COI/COC disclosures for faculty and staff
Lead evaluation of complex and high-risk cases
Coordinate research-related disclosures with the Research COI Compliance Officer
Develop and monitor conflict management and mitigation plans
Escalate significant risks to senior leadership
Ensure systems support both institutional and research-specific disclosures
Design and implement campus-wide COI/COC training and education programs
Promote awareness of disclosure requirements and ethical standards
Partner with academic and administrative leaders to embed compliance practices
Develop metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools to monitor performance and risk