Senior Director, Research Compliance

* Leads and Oversees the University’s research compliance program, including monitoring performance, evaluation, and ensuring alignment with regulations and policies.* Manages day-to-day operations to promote a culture of compliance and ethical behavior.* Provides guidance for the processes and personnel involved in managing research misconduct allegations, ensuring investigations are conducted thoroughly and in accordance with institutional and regulatory standards.* Oversees and supervises the University Export Compliance Program and approve technology control plans.* Provides leadership and support on conflict of interest matters, ethical conduct, and educate the university community.* Provides strategic oversight for research security, ensuring comprehensive risk assessment, implementation of institution-wide safeguards, and adherence to relevant regulations and policies.* Supervises and oversees all external research audits, serving as the primary institutional contact and ensuring audit processes meet regulatory requirements.* Leads and implements training programs on research compliance for the campus community.* Advises AVP Research Administration and senior university management on compliance risks and recommend/implement corrective actions.* Collaborates with other Senior Directors to coordinate and lead cross-departmental teams, advancing strategic priorities in URA and Office of Research.* Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with university leaders, faculty, administrative staff, sponsors, agencies, and other institutions to advise, inform and respond to issues as necessary and appropriate.* Gathers feedback and analyze data to streamline compliance functions and support research funding growth.* Participates in University-wide committees as necessary.* Exercises delegated institutional authority on behalf of Associate VP for Research Administration and advise on further delegation.* Participates actively in professional research administration organizations (COGR, FDP, ARIO, NCURA/SRAi).* Represents the University in regulatory proceedings before federal, state and local agencies. Prepares the University's position statements and responses to information requests. Leads and manages audit responses and negotiations with administrative agencies.* Develops the implementation of compliance activities designated by the University's strategic plans. Monitors University compliance with regulations and laws.* Performs other related work as needed.* Advanced degree or equivalent combination of training experience.* Prior experience working in an academic, government, or laboratory environment.* Experience with compliance issues of sponsored program administrations and the communication of compliance policies to staff and to faculty.* Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance or interpretation of similar regulations strongly preferred.* Rapid proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as Huron Research Suite, Oracle Cloud, Workday, Concur and a high level of proficiency in Excel.* Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite a must).* Ability to develop proficiency and work with various sponsor/third-party electronic systems.* Strategic Leadership: Provides visionary direction for the university's research compliance enterprise, ensuring alignment of compliance activities with institutional mission and strategic objectives. Inspires and mentors teams to uphold the highest standards in ethical research conduct, fosters a collaborative compliance culture, and drives innovation in compliance practices. Ability to connect short-term actions to long-term goals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.* Autonomy and Strategic Decision-Making: Independently navigates complex regulatory environments, proactively identifies risks and opportunities, and makes high-impact decisions to ensure compliance across sponsored research portfolios. Engages effectively with university leadership, faculty, and regulatory bodies to support continuous improvement and mitigate risks.* Communication & Advocacy: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate, interpret, and advocate for university-wide research compliance policies and regulations to diverse audiences, including faculty, staff, sponsors, and senior executives. Negotiates and resolves complex compliance matters while building consensus and trust among all stakeholders.* Service Excellence: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with principal investigators, sponsors, compliance committees (e.g., IRBs/IACUCs), and external regulatory agencies. Delivers exemplary service and support to research teams, ensuring clarity in compliance requirements and facilitating successful outcomes.* Discretion and Confidentiality: Upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct and confidentiality, especially in the review and management of sensitive compliance cases. Provides strategic leadership and training on ethical best practices, regulatory changes, and risk mitigation for research activities.* Operational Excellence & Quality Control: Designs and implements robust compliance management systems, setting benchmarks for accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness. Oversees complex portfolios, assures quality in compliance reviews, and leads initiatives to streamline processes and enhance institutional compliance readiness.* Organizational Agility & Technology Leadership: Adapts rapidly to evolving compliance requirements, regulatory updates, and industry trends. Champions digital tools and systems that enhance compliance tracking, reporting, and communication with campus stakeholders and external agencies.* Strategic Judgment & Institutional Oversight: Utilizes advanced judgment to anticipate compliance risks, prioritize actions, and develop proactive mitigation strategies. Shapes the direction of compliance programs and ensures institutional adherence to regulations governing human subjects, animal welfare, export control, and research integrity.* Change Management & Continuous Learning: Leads change management efforts to strengthen compliance infrastructure and respond to regulatory shifts. Models resilience and adaptability, integrates stakeholder feedback, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and curiosity within the compliance team.When applying, the document(s) **MUST** be uploaded via the **My Experience** page, in the section titled **Application Documents** of the application.The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world.We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.To learn more about the university click here
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