Department: Risk, Audit, and Compliance
Salary/Grade: EXS/17

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President for Operations, the Assistant Vice President, Risk and Compliance will play a leadership role in enterprise risk management, risk management, and compliance.  The AVP will oversee and ensure coordination of risk management and compliance efforts, which were organizationally aligned in 2018.  The AVP will work in close partnership with key Northwestern stakeholders to identify and implement best practices appropriate to a complex private research university with distributed ownership and governance of risk.

The AVP will oversee University Compliance. Northwestern 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 dispersed throughout the University. The AVP will help guide the further buildout of the compliance program and ensure appropriate accountability and escalation processes exist.  Compliance staff will report to the AVP.

The AVP will also oversee the Office of Risk Management. The Office for Risk Management manages the University’s insurance and self-insurance programs and provides operational risk consulting services to the broader Northwestern community. The Office also oversees the student health insurance program. The Director/Senior Director of Risk Management will report to the AVP.

In partnership with the Director of Internal Audit, the AVP will be responsible for coordination and execution of the University’s enterprise risk management (ERM) program. The AVP will update the ERM framework and structures as appropriate and chair various risk committees.

The AVP will report quarterly on progress in all these areas to the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees and help lead the coordination of Board materials across the functions.

Specific Responsibilities:

• 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. Ensure appropriate handling of the University’s Ethicspoint Hotline and issue escalation processes.
• Oversee the Office of Risk Management. Identify and assess risk and work to reduce potential loss through risk mitigation and risk transfer.  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.
• In partnership with Internal Audit, 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 internal audit, compliance, and risk management functions. Lead ERM committees and track on key risks requiring additional mitigation or management awareness.
• 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.
• Assist in the management and staffing of the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees. Provide quarterly updates to the committee.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or above) in accounting, finance, business, law, or a related field required.
• At least five 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.
• 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.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Technical Competency – Subject matter expertise in risk management and compliance. Strong understanding of control and risk management models and their applicability to the higher education industry. Involvement in industry and professional associations. Familiarity and awareness of all aspects of AVP portfolio and the ability to represent riskand compliance in multiple institutional situations.
• Risk-sensitivity - Ability to balance risk with organizational objectives and navigate a decentralized control environment. Expert judgement when weighing institutional risk and opportunities. Strong critical thinking and analysis skills to solve problems.
• Leadership Presence and Credibility – Capability to hold the room with senior leaders and trustees. Willingness to engage on difficult issues and hold other leaders accountable with transparency and fairness.
• Action Oriented – Ability and desire to act quickly to resolve issues and develop solutions. Orientation to implement solutions vs. just identifying issues.
• Communication – Expert communication skills with internal clients, team members, peers, and senior leaders. Comfort will leading institutional messaging on behalf of risk and compliance team. 
• Customer and Personal Service – dedication to providing high service levels to internal and external campus stakeholders.  
• Negotiation and Influence – Documented expertise transforming outcomes based on the ability to build consensus and navigate competing objectives.
• Utilizing Technology – Understanding and expertise with the role technology plays in risk management and compliance initiatives.
• Law and Government - Knowledge of laws and the regulatory environment that influence higher education and Northwestern.
• Management - The ability to manage individuals with differing backgrounds and experience, with a passion for developing talent and fostering opportunity and growth.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ARM, CRM, or other professional certifications appropriate to the reporting functions of this position.
• Leadership experience in a university, academic center, or hospital environment.  Alternatively, leadership experience within a highly decentralized non-profit, corporate or government setting.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Understanding of Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards and OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Understanding of COSO and ISO frameworks and applicability to higher education.
• Familiarity with the unique aspects of research.
• Understanding of insurance markets, coverages, and claims.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, FERPA, GDPR, and other relevant privacy regulations.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.