Director, University Ethics and Compliance

Villanova University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Director for University Ethics and Compliance. This role involves overseeing compliance programs, providing strategic leadership, and supporting compliance-related initiatives across the institution. Ideal candidates will have a Master of Legal Studies and certification in compliance with several years of relevant experience. Join a community that values ethical practices and compliance excellence.

Benefits

Holistic benefits package

Generous paid time off

Tuition assistance

Wellness programs including gym membership

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a compliance office management role.
• Prior higher education compliance experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee compliance team and initiatives.
• Support the University Compliance and Ethics Officer.
• Coordinate and monitor University-wide compliance activities.
• Evaluate compliance-related training and education programs.

Skills

Compliance and Ethics Certification (CCEP, CHC)

Management Skills

Communication Skills

Policy Development

Education

Master of Legal Studies

J.D. (preferred)

Job description

Overview

The Director, University Ethics and Compliance, is responsible for overseeing and advancing Villanova University’s institutional ethics and compliance programs. Reporting to the University Ethics and Compliance Officer, the Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of compliance initiatives across the university. The Director serves as a key advisor and liaison to support both the University Ethics and Compliance Officer and senior university leadership. This position also works collaboratively with various departments to promote a culture of compliance and ethical behavior across the institution.

Benefits

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again inU.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee or assist in managing the compliance team, including task delegation, performance oversight, and review of compliance documentation.
• Coordinate and monitor University-wide compliance activities in a decentralized environment, including oversight of the Conflict-of-Interest reviews. Help establish and maintain a compliance monitoring framework to assess alignment with policies/procedures and applicable laws and regulations.
• Support the University Compliance and Ethics Officer in preparing reports and updates for the Board of Trustees’ Stewardship Committee. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with university leadership and management to ensure timely communication of compliance-related information and risks. Proactively provides updates on the status of all assignments and work to the University Ethics and Compliance Officer.
• Writes accurate, concise, and thorough reports or memorandums to summarize compliance risks and recommendations to improve guardrails; and provides such reports/summaries to the University Compliance and Ethics Officer for determination of next steps.
• Help maintain the University’s policy repository and ensure policies are accessible, regularly reviewed, and updated as needed. Ensure the University’s Code of Conduct remains current and relevant, in collaboration with institutional stakeholders.
• Participate in various University committees to contribute to discussions on compliance and ethics matters and further instill a culture of compliance across the institution, and to identify risk areas that require remediation, e.g., through education/training, policy creation or enhancement, or that may require compliance monitoring. Stay informed on changes in laws, regulations, and trends affecting higher education and the compliance profession. Serve as a resource for compliance guidance and best practices; advise and educate compliance partners across campus
• Evaluate and enhance compliance-related training and education programs; develop and deliver sessions and materials for faculty and staff.
• Assist with responding to compliance hotline submissions and other reported concerns, as delegated by the University Compliance and Ethics Officer, and ensuring timely and appropriate resolution.
• Help to facilitate the University Compliance Council and support employees with regulatory and compliance responsibilities. Promote a culture of ethics and accountability by fostering open communication and building trust across the University community.
• Assist the University Compliance and Ethics Officer with coordinating with external auditors and agencies conducting assessments or investigations. Report violations or potential violations to appropriate enforcement agencies, as required.
• Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education

• Master of Legal Studies.
• 3 – 5 years of experience in a compliance office management role.

Work Experience

• Prior higher education compliance experience.
• Compliance and Ethics Certification, e.g., Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), Certification in Healthcare Compliance (CHC).

Preferred Qualifications

Formal Education

• J.D.

Work Experience

• 3-5 Years in Compliance Management, preferably High Education

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)

• Compliance Program implementation and Direction.