Vice President for Enterprise Risk and Operational Effectiveness

Fairfield University • Fairfield, CT

117d

About The Position

The Associate Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management reports to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and serves as the primary lead for enterprise risk management across Fairfield University. This role collaborates with the Risk Management Working Team and stakeholders to identify, assess, and prioritize institutional risks at the enterprise level. The Associate Vice President ensures compliance with established risk policies and mitigation strategies, continuously monitoring and reporting on risk status at defined intervals. Working closely with Senior Leadership and departmental teams, this position integrates risk management practices into daily operations to enhance the University's ability to proactively manage risks and ensure compliance with legal requirements at federal, state, and local levels. The role also monitors trends in higher education and broader community developments to inform risk management priorities.

Requirements

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills with independent decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and concisely.
• Proven ability to build successful relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to achieve institutional goals.
• Adaptability, diplomacy, and the ability to lead initiatives from inception to completion.
• Proficiency in project management principles for risk identification, assessment, and prioritization.
• Understanding of risks associated with a university transitioning to high research spending and doctoral program development.
• General knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices in higher education compliance.

Nice To Haves

• Juris Doctor, Master's degree, or equivalent advanced degree with at least three years of experience in project management, compliance, and risk management, or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience.
• General knowledge of risk management frameworks and methodologies.
• Experience working with committees or working groups on risk and compliance matters.
• Expertise in data analysis and reporting.
• Strong legal and regulatory awareness.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate across functional areas.

Responsibilities

• Promote a clear understanding of the enterprise risk management framework and process across the University.
• Develop and implement risk assessment, prioritization, and reporting tools-including metrics and dashboards-to effectively communicate risk status and insights.
• Establish standardized criteria for conducting risk-based assessments to ensure the University makes informed, risk-aware decisions.
• Uphold Jesuit values by fostering ethical decision-making and identifying noncompliance through established processes.
• Collaborate with University stakeholders to proactively identify and analyze potential risks across various institutional areas.
• Coordinate assessment of the likelihood and potential impact of identified risks and prioritize them based on severity.
• Coordinate/ensure the development and implementation strategies to manage and mitigate risks, convening cross-functional teams to address complex risk and compliance challenges.
• Partner with stakeholders across divisions and departments to ensure risk mitigation strategies also consider risk mitigation opportunities that improve operational efficiencies.
• Work with stakeholders to conduct process improvement and gap analysis to identify inefficiencies, mitigating risks, and collaborating with teams to enhance operational effectiveness and compliance.
• Support University offices and functions in establishing and maintaining effective risk management programs and controls.
• Foster a risk-aware and compliance-driven culture through best practices and proactive engagement.
• Track emerging risks and compliance requirements, monitoring changes in existing regulations.
• Provide best practice guidance to inform risk mitigation strategies and ensure regulatory alignment.
• Stay informed on evolving risks in the higher education sector to facilitate effective communication and knowledge sharing.
• Support senior leadership and staff across University offices in risk-informed decision-making.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Educational Services