Senior Director of University Compliance

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Audit Executive, the Senior Director of University Compliance provides strategic leadership, oversight, and administration of the University of Arizona’s institutional compliance program. The role works with compliance partners and university leadership to promote a proactive institutional approach to compliance and risk management, supporting early risk identification, coordinated response, clear accountability, and ongoing monitoring and improvement. The position also has operational oversight of the University’s Clery Act compliance program, Youth Protection Program, and Ethics and Compliance Hotline.

The Senior Director leads the design, implementation, administration, and continual improvement of the university-wide compliance program; develops risk-informed plans, strategies, goals, metrics, and reporting; coordinates institution-wide compliance activities; and leads the compliance office team. The role oversees the office budget, compliance education and training, Clery Act reporting and coordination, Youth Protection Program operations, and hotline intake and resolution documentation. It also works with policy partners to support effective compliance-related policies and recommend enhancements. The role is based at the Tucson Campus. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience.
• At least 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience leading a team, project, program, or function.
• Demonstrated experience leading, designing, and implementing compliance and/or risk management programs institution-wide or across multiple functions in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading, designing, and implementing enterprise compliance or risk management programs in complex organizations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic-thinking capabilities.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree, such as a JD or master’s degree.
• Experience in higher education or another large, decentralized organization.
• Experience working with governing boards and senior leadership.
• Current Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional certification or related certifications.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience, including at least five years in compliance, privacy, risk, legal, audit, regulatory, or a closely related function.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of the university-wide institutional compliance program.
• Ensure the compliance program reflects recognized guidelines, principles, and leading practices in higher education.
• Establish and maintain a risk-informed compliance program aligned with institutional strategic priorities and emerging risks.
• Participate in the University’s enterprise-wide compliance risk identification, assessment, and management in collaboration with Internal Audit, the Office of the General Counsel, Risk Management, and other partners.
• Develop an annual compliance plan with compliance partners and establish strategies, goals, metrics, and regular reporting to assess effectiveness and drive improvement.
• Coordinate institution-wide compliance activities with compliance owners, subject matter experts, and university leadership.
• Lead and manage the compliance office team and promote compliance education, accountability, and ethical conduct across the University.
• Oversee the University’s Clery Act compliance team and program, including annual reporting and responses to potential external reviews; partner with UAPD, the Office of Public Safety, and campus stakeholders on compliance, training, coordination, and risk mitigation.
• Provide leadership and oversight of the Youth Protection Program.
• Oversee the Ethics and Compliance Hotline, including initial assessment, referral to appropriate University units, documentation of incident resolution, and summary reporting to senior leadership.
• Oversee the office budget and use resources effectively.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive compliance communication and training strategy for the University community.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop and deliver mandatory and specialized compliance education and outreach.
• Work with the Institutional Policy Office and policy owners to support the development, implementation, review, and communication of compliance-related policies.
• Recommend policy enhancements based on regulatory developments, risk assessments, monitoring activities, and investigation outcomes.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance and disability programs.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition reduction at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University for the employee and qualified family members.
• Retirement plans.
• Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities.
• Work-life programs.
• Full benefits eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior