Director of Institutional Ethics & Compliance

This is an administrative leadership position responsible for directing, managing, and overseeing compliance with federally mandated regulations, as well as state, local, and institutional policies governing research. The role supports faculty and students by serving as a subject matter expert on research ethics and compliance, acting as a liaison between the Chief Research Officer and campus compliance committees, and coordinating compliance efforts across multiple offices and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate compliance risks in higher education and research; identify and implement best practices.
• Interpret federal regulations and guidelines; develop, implement, review, and update institutional policies to ensure research compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal regulations, including:
  • Animal Welfare Act and USDA regulations related to animal care and use
  • Office for Human Research Protections (45 CFR 46)
  • FDA Protection of Human Subjects (21 CFR 50)
  • NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA molecules
  • DEA Controlled Substances Regulations (21 U.S.C. 800-971)
  • Department of Commerce Export Administration Regulations (EAR, 15 CFR 730-744)
  • Department of State International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR, 22 CFR 120-130)
  • Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC, 31 CFR 500-599)
• Serve as subject matter expert on research ethics and compliance; provide guidance to faculty, researchers, staff, and administrators.
• Keep the Chief Research Officer informed of emerging compliance issues that could impact research operations.
• Manage the Office of Institutional Ethics & Compliance; provide administrative support to the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and other compliance committees.
• Develop, implement, and administer comprehensive compliance training and education programs for faculty, students, and staff.
• Evaluate emerging compliance trends; network with other university compliance officers to share best practices.
• Oversee export control and international compliance matters; manage international sponsored projects and collaborations.
• Serve as campus liaison for compliance issues with federal and state agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOD, FDA, DEA).
• Manage staff within the Office of Institutional Ethics & Compliance, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Maintain high-quality compliance documentation, databases, and reporting systems.
• Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state, and private sector agencies, as well as colleagues across the University of Massachusetts system.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MS, MBA, JD, or related field) in business administration, public administration, law, or a related discipline.
• Over 5 years of extensive experience in research ethics and compliance, ensuring adherence to federal, state, local, and institutional regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in export controls, conflict of interest (COI), research misconduct, human subjects, vertebrate animal research, biosafety, and responsible conduct of research (RCR).
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. regulations governing export control, trade compliance, or sanctions and embargoes, particularly as they impact research-intensive organizations.
• High level of competency with systems applications and databases.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills; ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization.
• High degree of personal integrity, ethics, and discretion.
• Interest in developing and delivering training or education workshops in an academic setting.
• Commitment to professional development and ability to travel for training, networking, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification (e.g., Certified Research Administrator, Certified ITAR Professional, Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer, or Certified Export Specialist).
• Experience in higher education, particularly in research compliance or research administration.
• Proven ability to form partnerships with faculty and staff to accomplish compliance objectives.
• Experience serving on or administering research oversight committees (IRB, IACUC, IBC, or similar).
• Experience with international research compliance and international scholar/student services.

Pay

$145,000 – $170,000

Benefits

• 75% employer-paid health insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (for employee, spouse, and dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
• Additional benefits available

Non-Unit Professional applicants must be authorized for permanent employment in the United States. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.