Villanova University-Director of Research Compliance

Villanova University - Villanova, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Villanova, PA

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Research Compliance at Villanova University plays a pivotal role in the development and growth of the University Compliance and Ethics Program. This position is responsible for providing institutional coordination, oversight, and implementation of the University's export controls and research security compliance programs. Reporting directly to the Chief Internal Audit and University Compliance Officer, the Director will work closely with various departments to ensure adherence to compliance regulations and foster a culture of ethics within the university community. In this role, the Director will serve as the primary point of contact for administering and providing training related to export control regulations, research security, and international collaborations. The position involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the University's export control program, including making determinations regarding export controls such as ITAR or EAR, and screening individuals involved in research activities. The Director will also collaborate with the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel to review proposals and contracts that may be subject to export controls, ensuring that all compliance obligations are met. The Director will develop and implement management and monitoring plans for export controls, capturing institution-wide compliance needs and utilizing data to analyze the effectiveness of the compliance program. Regular risk assessments will be conducted to evaluate compliance readiness across various university departments, and the Director will provide support for research compliance work in areas such as human subjects, biosafety, and financial conflicts of interest. Additionally, the Director will track federal guidance and regulations, updating policies and procedures as necessary, and will lead various university committees related to export controls and research security. Building effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and students is essential to promote a culture of ethics and compliance, ensuring that compliance matters are addressed promptly and effectively. The Director will also prepare educational materials and conduct training on research compliance topics, contributing to the overall mission of Villanova University.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the University's point of contact for export control regulations and research security compliance.
• Oversee and direct the University's export control program, including making export control determinations.
• Review proposals and contracts for export control applicability in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel.
• Coordinate operational functions and build relationships across the university impacted by research security regulations.
• Develop and implement export controls management and monitoring plans to capture compliance needs.
• Conduct regular research security and export controls risk assessments and compliance readiness evaluations.
• Support research compliance work in various departments, including human subjects and biosafety compliance.
• Execute the institution's Export Controls Management Plan and provide guidance to faculty and staff.
• Track federal guidance and regulations regarding research compliance and update policies accordingly.
• Lead and participate in university committees related to export controls and research security.
• Establish effective working relationships to promote a culture of ethics and compliance.
• Prepare reports and educational materials on research compliance topics.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field plus four years of experience, or Bachelor's degree plus eight years of experience.
• Minimum of four years of direct export controls compliance experience in a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of export controls and research security compliance matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet established timelines.
• High standards of integrity and ethics in work performance.
• Fluency in software and models for data collection and compliance metrics.

Nice-to-haves

• J.D. or Master's degree in Higher Education Administration or Legal Studies.
• Knowledge of compliance in higher education and sponsored research compliance.

Benefits

• Holistic benefits package including health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and flexible work options.
• Wellness programs including gym membership.
• Professional development and tuition assistance.