Chief Compliance Officer

Apply for the Chief Compliance Officer position at Howard University
.

Location:

Washington, DC.

We are committed to fostering a culture of integrity, transparency and ethics, and we actively engage in building a compliant environment that meets federal, state, and local regulations and internal policies.

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

The Chief Compliance Officer oversees the university’s compliance program, promoting a culture of honesty, integrity and adherence to internal policies and external regulatory requirements. The role requires extensive experience in compliance to effectively advise leadership and navigate complex university operations.

The office provides independent and objective oversight of the university’s compliance program, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations and university policies.

The officer reports directly to the Office of the President and to the Board of Trustees.

The officer has direct supervisory oversight of the compliance divisions across the enterprise, including Howard University, Howard University Health Sciences and Howard University Hospital.

• Lead the enterprise‑wide compliance program following the 7 Elements of an Effective Compliance Program, promote and manage the university’s Code of Ethical Conduct, maintain and manage the compliance hotline, oversee campus compliance committees, advise on conflict of interest issues and lead compliance training efforts across the enterprise.
• Serve as liaison to the Audit and Legal Committee of the Board of Trustees, reporting at scheduled and ad‑hoc meetings.
• Represent the university at external meetings on compliance topics, participate in the President’s staff meetings, represent the compliance function on standing and ad‑hoc university committees and departments, and meet frequently with key administrators and leaders across the enterprise.
• Manage all administrative and leadership functions for the Office of Audit and Compliance: hiring, supervision, personnel decisions; manage the department budget; maintain a professional audit, compliance and Title IX staff; and oversee departmental strategic planning.

• A minimum of 10 years of professional audit experience in a leadership position, preferably in higher education and research.
• In‑depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks relevant to academic and research institutions.
• High competency in investigative processes and collaborative engagement in cross‑functional university operations.
• Active participation in professional organizations in a leadership role, speaking, writing articles or active committee participation.
• Experience building, training, and developing audit teams of five or more professionals.
• Operational/program analysis, quality improvement and efficiency reviews experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of the operation of large university systems and their unique characteristics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, public speaking and training abilities, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• In‑depth knowledge of compliance practices, risk assessment and investigative processes.
• Skill in preparing or monitoring comprehensive reports, interpreting policies and conducting interviews.
• Ability to present training on fraud prevention, effective controls and best practices to faculty, staff and management.
• Supervisory skills: motivate staff at different locations, educate, promote learning culture and serve as mentor and advocate.
• Organizational and prioritization skills, independent judgment and evaluation of evidence.
• Ability to build working relationships and resolve conflicts with diverse constituencies.
• Willingness to travel.
• Maintain confidentiality and objectivity, sound judgment, ability to interact with senior management and committees, transparency, open‑mindedness.
• Adaptability to handle ambiguity.
• Interpersonal skills, influencing through credibility, integrity and professionalism.
• Commitment to affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, diversity and inclusion.

• A bachelor’s degree.
• Compliance certification is required (Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional – CCEP).

Annual salary range: $240,000 – $260,000.

• Seniority level:
  Executive
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Legal
• Industry: Higher Education

Howard University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, diversity and inclusion.