Director of University Compliance

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance a network-wide compliance and ethics program.
• Assess and prioritize compliance risks; recommend corrective actions, policy updates, and process improvements.
• Serve as the primary compliance advisor to senior leadership on complex and high-risk regulatory matters.

Policy Governance

• Lead and maintain an institution-wide policy governance framework, including policy development, review, publication, and retirement.
• Ensure consistent policy management, version control, and accessibility across the University.
• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to support effective policy implementation and accountability.

Campus and Network Oversight

• Serve as the lead compliance officer for St. Ambrose University.
• Provide functional oversight and coordination of compliance activities at affiliated institutions.
• Support audits, regulatory reviews, accreditation processes, and government inquiries.

Governance, Reporting, and Risk Management

• Establish and chair a University Compliance Council or similar governance body.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across Human Resources, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Athletics, Finance, IT, and Legal Counsel.
• Prepare regular reports on compliance activities, trends, and risks for senior leadership and governing bodies.

Education and Training

• Design and deliver compliance education and training programs for administrators, faculty, and staff.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics, accountability, and shared responsibility for compliance.

Title IX Leadership

• Serve as the designated Title IX Coordinator for St. Ambrose University.
• Ensure compliant Title IX policies, procedures, and grievance processes.
• Oversee or coordinate Title IX investigations, resolutions, and reporting.
• Provide Title IX education and training to campus leadership, employees, and students.

Reporting and Investigations

• Maintain confidential reporting mechanisms for misconduct or compliance concerns.
• Ensure timely and appropriate review and resolution of reports.
• Monitor and enforce non-retaliation protections.

Regulatory and External Engagement

• Monitor regulatory developments impacting higher education.
• Consult with external legal counsel on complex matters.
• Represent the University in compliance-related communications with regulators and accreditors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in higher education administration, law, public administration, compliance, or a related field - or a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in compliance or a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing, managing, or overseeing compliance or ethics programs.
• Strong leadership, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional compliance or ethics certification (e.g., CCEP, CHC).
• Experience in a multi-campus or system-based organization.
• Knowledge of higher education regulatory and accreditation frameworks.
• Experience serving as or supporting a Title IX Coordinator.
• Familiarity with athletics compliance (e.g., NAIA or conference regulations).
• Proven ability to lead through influence in matrixed environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Tuition Remission.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Access to campus amenities, cultural events, and recreational facilities.

About the Role

St. Ambrose University seeks a Director of University Compliance to serve as the University's chief compliance leader and oversee a comprehensive, coordinated compliance and ethics program across St. Ambrose University and affiliated institutions within its Catholic higher education network, including Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in higher education administration, law, public administration, compliance, or a related field - or a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in compliance or a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing, managing, or overseeing compliance or ethics programs.
• Strong leadership, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Skills

• Professional compliance or ethics certification (e.g., CCEP, CHC).
• Experience in a multi-campus or system-based organization.
• Knowledge of higher education regulatory and accreditation frameworks.
• Experience serving as or supporting a Title IX Coordinator.
• Familiarity with athletics compliance (e.g., NAIA or conference regulations).
• Proven ability to lead through influence in matrixed environments.