Chief Compliance and Risk Officer

The University of Akron, Department of the Vice President, Finance and Administration / CFO, seeks applicants for the position of Chief Compliance and Risk Officer.

Reporting to the Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Compliance and Risk Officer (CCRO) will play a leadership role in compliance and enterprise risk management. The CCRO will oversee and ensure coordination of the risk governance functions and work in close partnership with the Chief Audit Executive and other key University of Akron stakeholders to identify and implement best practices appropriate to a complex public research university.

The CCRO will also oversee the Office of University Compliance. The University of Akron operates in a decentralized compliance model, with University Compliance holding direct accountability for certain compliance areas (such as Clery and Conflict of Interest) while partnering with issue-specific compliance owners (such as Title IX, HIPPA, NCCA, FERPA, HR, Training, and other) dispersed throughout the University. The CCRO will help guide the further buildout of the compliance program and ensure appropriate accountability and escalation processes exist.

The CCRO will also oversee the Office of Risk Management and be responsible for coordination and execution of the University’s enterprise risk management (ERM) program. The Office of Risk Management manages the University’s insurance and self-insurance programs and provides operational risk consulting services to the broader University of Akron community. The office also oversees the student health insurance program. The CCRO will update the ERM framework and structures as appropriate and chair various risk committees. The Director of Risk Management will report to the CCRO.

The CCRO will report quarterly on progress in all these areas to the Audit & Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees and collaborate on the coordination of Board materials across the functions.



Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership direction for compliance with state and federal regulations related to higher education designed to add value and improve operations across the University. Monitor compliance follow-ups and mitigation plans for timely and accurate completion. Develop a dashboard for senior leadership and the Board to inform and report on university compliance. Escalate issues or themes as appropriate. Determine appropriate allocation of internal and external resources needed to achieve desired compliance results.
  
• Oversee the University’s enterprise risk management program. Develop a risk assessment framework to identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor risks that will drive the planning of the compliance and risk management functions. Lead ERM committees and track on key risks requiring additional mitigation or management awareness.
  
• Oversee the Office of University Compliance. Monitor and provide direction in the development, review, and revision of compliance-related policies and procedures. Partner with issue-specific compliance leaders across the University to foster a culture of ethics and compliance and mitigate institutional risks. Coordinate effective compliance monitoring and training programs.
  
• Oversee the Office of Risk Management. Identify and assess risk and work to reduce potential loss through risk mitigation. Ensure appropriate risk financing and insurance programs are in place, along with strong claims management practices. Collaborate with campus partners on operational risk management initiatives.
• Identify any issues or trends that need to be escalated to University leadership and ensure appropriate follow-up and resolution.
  
• Be accountable for budget planning and performance and manage recruitment, development, and retention of staff for the two functions.
  
• Participate in other University committees or initiatives as assigned and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field; at least ten years of demonstrated leadership / supervisory experience in the areas of risk management or compliance; direct experience with enterprise risk management and general knowledge of compliance and risk issues facing higher education; and a track record of capacity and team building, including the ability to recruit and retain high-performing individuals and develop the talents and expertise of staff.



Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree (or above) in accounting, finance, business, law, or a related field; CRM or other professional certifications appropriate to the reporting functions of this position; and leadership experience in a university, academic center or alternatively, leadership experience within a highly decentralized non-profit, corporate or government setting.


About University of Akron:

As one of the largest employers in the region, The University of Akron is creating a community and workforce committed to making a difference in the lives of our students and in the region. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package to qualified candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists, and leaders.



Salary: The salary range for this position starts at $140,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. We offer a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. 

Application Deadline:

Open until filled, however, review of applicants will begin October 2, 2021. 



For complete position details, visit

https://www.uakron.edu/hr/job-openings/openings.dot

Job ID # 13107

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Akron, as an equal education and employment institution, is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified individuals in its education programs or activities, including applicants for admissions or employment, will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military status or status as a veteran. To further this commitment, the University complies with state and federal laws which prohibit discrimination. Questions or concerns about the administration of this commitment can be directed to the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office (uakron.edu/hr/eeoaa).

The University also strives to provide an environment free from the negative impacts of gender-based discrimination and harassment as prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Questions about Title IX can be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education or both. For more information on Title IX at the University of Akron, including how to contact the Title IX Coordinator, how to file a complaint under Title IX with the University or the Title IX process at the University of Akron, please visit the University’s Title IX page at uakron.edu/title-ix/at-uakron.