Compliance and Policy Specialist

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Ithaca, NY

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Compliance and Policy Specialist (CPS) at Cornell University plays a crucial role in supporting the development and implementation of the university's compliance program, institutional risk management program, and university policy administration. This position is located on the Cornell University Campus in Ithaca, New York, and is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of three days of on-campus work each week. The CPS will work closely with compliance partners and risk partners across the university to ensure adherence to regulatory compliance and risk reduction activities. This includes conducting compliance program reviews, institutional risk assessments, and gap analyses, as well as preparing reports and dashboards to communicate findings and recommendations to various stakeholders. The CPS is responsible for creating a transparent compliance and risk-aware environment, administering efficient services, and delivering educational initiatives to raise awareness of compliance, risk, and policy among university staff and stakeholders. The role requires a strong analytical mindset to uncover trends and recommend strategic opportunities for improvement in university compliance. The CPS will also participate in compliance, policy, and risk committees, facilitating responses to incidents that may impact the university's mission or operations. This position demands a high level of service to internal and external stakeholders, with a commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and psychological safety within the university community. Candidates for this position should possess a bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience in a compliance-related discipline within higher education. A strong understanding of compliance frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and the ability to draft and implement policies and procedures is essential. The CPS must also demonstrate effective communication skills, project management abilities, and a passion for diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of the university compliance program and institutional risk management program.
• Conduct regulatory scoping, compliance program reviews, and assessments.
• Perform institutional risk assessments and gap analysis.
• Create and update dashboards for compliance, policy, and risk systems.
• Provide guidance and support to functional compliance program areas.
• Work with compliance partners to create and deliver outreach, education, and training initiatives.
• Analyze data and trends to recommend strategic opportunities for improving university compliance.
• Participate in compliance, policy, and risk committees.
• Facilitate responses to compliance and risk incidents that may impact university operations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for various committees and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 3-5 years of related experience in compliance within higher education or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of compliance-related laws, regulations, and policies relevant to a large, decentralized R01 research university.
• Experience monitoring compliance activities and emerging regulations.
• Ability to read and understand complex regulations and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Capacity to draft and implement written policies, programs, and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills to solve problems and interpret data trends.
• Effective communication skills with internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Strong project, task, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated use of Microsoft Suite products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree such as Master's or M.B.A.
• 2+ years of relevant compliance experience preferred.
• 3+ years related experience in higher education at an R01 research institution helpful.
• Audit experience.
• Management systems experience.
• Experience with higher education regulations.
• Experience with data analytics software.
• Compliance-related certifications.
• Project Management experience.

Benefits

• Educational benefits
• Access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts
• Health care coverage
• Paid vacation
• Health/personal time
• 12 university paid holidays
• Employer retirement contributions