Environmental Health Compliance Specialist

Howard University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 79,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Work-Life Balance

Financial Wellness

Professional Development

Additional Perks

Job summary

Howard University is seeking a senior administrator to support the Vice President for Research & Compliance and AVPs. The role analyzes regulatory requirements, coordinates budget preparation, and ensures compliance across sponsored research activities.

You will interact with executive leadership, internal committees, and external regulators to drive efficient operations. The position requires extensive experience in academic research compliance, budget management, and policy development, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field.
• Ten (10) years of relevant experience in compliance and sponsored programs, with supervisory experience in an academic research environment.
• Certification in research compliance from an accredited program, or ability to receive within one year of hire.
• Experience managing in a relational database system using grant administration software.

Responsibilities

• Provides support to the VPRC & AVP by analyzing regulatory requirements applicable to the University and committees responsible for sponsored programs.
• Coordinates personnel actions, budget preparation and control, and related administrative services.
• Oversees operating budgets and prepares budget recommendations based on input from leadership.
• Coordinates development of templates for publications and visual materials.
• Reviews contracts, regulatory policies, and procedures, and recommends improvements.
• Coordinates support for institutional compliance committees (IRB, IACUC, IBC).
• Prepares compliance reports, cost/benefit analyses, and performance data; maintains documentation.

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provides support to the Vice President for Research & Compliance (VPRC) & the Associate Vice Presidents (AVP) by analyzing regulatory requirements applicable to the University and committees responsible for sponsored programs. Coordinates professional and administrative services, including personnel actions, budget preparation and control, computerization needs, and special management studies.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Reporting to this position are a variety of administrative, clerical, and temporary personnel.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include executive-level administration, the Dean, chairs, faculty, students, and staff involved in sponsored research. External contacts include regulatory agencies, auditors, and inspectors, representatives working on behalf of sponsored research from other universities, colleges, service personnel, vendors, the general public, and other organizations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Identifies administrative needs and develops appropriate solutions and recommendations.

Reviews and analyzes budget reports, and prepares and develops budgets and recommendations based on input from the VPRC and AVP's. Oversees the preparation and management of the operating budget for the OVPRC.

Coordinates and/or conceives and develops templates for publications and other visual materials, including newsletters, brochures, and flyers.

Reviews and makes recommendations regarding financial terms and conditions in contracts.

Analyzes, develops, and administers regulatory policies and procedures and recommends improvements.

Coordinates administrative support provided to the OVPRC and the institutional compliance committees (IRB, IACUC, IBC).

Conducts research and analytical studies, preparing reports that include cost/benefit analyses, comparative financial data evaluations of programs, staffing, and resource utilization.

Reviews incoming IACUC and IBC applications prior to committee assignment and review. Assists the VPRC with the recruitment of institutional compliance committee members.

Monitors compliance documentation and document retention for the regulatory committees.

Coordinates and directs the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies and procedures for institutional committees.

Studies methods of improving work measurements and performance standards.

Coordinates data collection and preparation of compliance reports for the OVPRC and RCO.

Prepares and approves time and attendance records; prepares operating reports such as time terminations, new hires, transfers, budget expenditures, and statistical records of performance data.

Interprets operating policies in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Reviews and responds to related correspondence.

Directs services such as computer and office equipment purchase, maintenance and repair, supplies, mail, and files.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Superior skills in analyzing and implementing office procedures.

Excellent organization, communication, supervisory, and management skills, especially with cross-functional teams.

Ability to assemble and manage a division budget.

Ability to design policies and standard operating procedures related to sponsored program compliance functions.

Extensive knowledge of federal and state regulations governing sponsored research and compliance. Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high level of confidentiality.

Skill in operating a positive customer service environment.

Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers and associated software, and mastery of database management software.

Ability to use technology and grants management software, website technology, and a standard suite of office software applications.

Excellent communication skills, with competence in oral and written English, and the ability to prepare and proofread reports and other publications.

Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the general public.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field. Ten (10) years of relevant experience in compliance and sponsored programs, with four years of supervisory experience in an academic research environment, is desired, or any combination of relevant education and experience. Certification in research compliance from an accredited program, or the ability to receive certification within one year of hire. Experience managing in a relational database system using grant administration software is required.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $79,374 - $87,312