Director, Policies, Compliance and Programmatic Agreements - Davis, CA, Job ID 81577

Key Responsibilities

• Project Policy Analysis: Lead the planning, development, and administration of UC ANR policies. Oversee the policy management system and ensure alignment with University-wide standards and applicable laws. Serve as liaison to the UC Office of the President and Systemwide Policy Officers.
• Ethics & Compliance: Provide leadership in compliance, governance, and accountability frameworks. Promote a culture of safety, equity, and ethical conduct through policies, training, and oversight. Ensure organizational practices align with applicable laws and University standards.
• Public Accountability and Governance: Oversee records management policies and practices to ensure efficiency, consistency, and compliance. Establish process & guidelines for the retention and disposition of University records.
• General Administration: Guide the resolution of complex procedural issues and facilitate organizational improvements. Propose and lead policy and planning committees and working groups. Manage and develop a professional staff team. Provide highly complex analytical and interpretive support to the Controller and senior managers, serve as primary support to the Controller as needed, and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and UC policies.
• MOUs and Programmatic Agreements: Involves structuring, and/or administering contracts and agreements, including MOUs and leases. Ensure compliance with University policies, state, and federal regulations. Collaborate with stakeholders and engage subject-matter experts as needed.
• Legal Liaison: Serve as liaison with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). Advise senior leadership on legal and procedural matters to reduce risk and disruption to ANR Programs and operations. Support OGC attorneys and consult on quasi-legal issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives, evaluate risks, develop solutions, and ensure compliance with organizational priorities and requirements.
• Strong ability to analyze legal documents, conduct policy analysis, and translate complex requirements into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief leadership, guide staff, and engage effectively across all organizational levels and stakeholder groups.
• Professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in managing sensitive issues and fostering collaborative, solutions-oriented outcomes with faculty, staff, management, legal representatives, and external partners.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to guide, develop, and evaluate staff while fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, compliance, and service excellence.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, MPA, or related field) or equivalent experience in policy, compliance, or legal administration.
• Professional certification(s) in compliance, ethics, auditing, or related areas (e.g., CCEP, CIA, CCEP-I).
• Demonstrated experience in higher education, research administration, or large public institutions with complex governance structures.
• Familiarity with the University of California's policies, systems, and administrative processes.
• Experience with public records laws.
• Skills, knowledge, and experience with internal workplace investigations and monitors or mentors internal and external investigations.