Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. The position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in‑person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

$235,000 - $275,000

Staff Level: S7

Exempt

Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Full‑time

Unionized Position Code:
Not Applicable

The Chief Risk and Compliance Officer serves as the University’s leader for risk management and compliance, providing strategic direction and oversight for institution‑wide risk programs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the CRCO develops and maintains an integrated framework to identify, assess, and address risks across University operations.

The Chief Risk and Compliance Officer promotes adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and University policies while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct. The position collaborates with academic and administrative leaders to align risk and compliance efforts with the University’s mission and strategic priorities.

The Chief Risk and Compliance Officer works with University leadership and internal stakeholders to evaluate strategic, operational, reputational, and compliance risks and to advance effective mitigation strategies that strengthen institutional resilience. The role also presents risk analyses and compliance updates to senior leadership and participates in meetings of the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee to support governance oversight and helps ensure the University meets its regulatory and ethical responsibilities.

This is an on‑site position.

• Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree in a field directly related to compliance or institutional risk is preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in compliance and risk management within higher education, demonstrating a deep understanding of the regulatory and operational environment.
• Leadership experience directing enterprise‑wide risk management and compliance functions in a complex setting, including collaboration with academic, administrative, and operational units.
• Experience with risk mitigation, internal controls, and compliance program design, with the ability to apply best practices to strengthen institutional risk posture and accountability.

• Experience designing, implementing, or overseeing an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program.
• Experience overseeing or working closely with Athletics Compliance to support NCAA, conference, and institutional requirements.
• Experience overseeing ethics and compliance reporting systems, including whistle blower reporting and case management.
• Experience overseeing risk management and insurance programs, including workers’ compensation, liability coverage, and claims management in a university setting.

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting higher education, with the ability to interpret evolving requirements and guide institutional compliance efforts.
• Demonstrated understanding and ability to develop and communicate enterprise risk management frameworks and compliance standards to executive leadership, supporting informed decision making in a complex, decentralized university environment.
• Strong capability in program and policy development, including drafting, reviewing, and aligning policies to regulatory and operational requirements.
• Ability to oversee compliance functions in highly regulated environments, including Division I athletics compliance programs, ensuring adherence to NCAA, conference, and federal requirements.
• Knowledge of risk…