Senior Director, Research Compliance

Department

Provost University Research Administration

About the Department

University Research Administration (URA) has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials.

Job Summary

The job provides leadership and direction through managers that oversee regulatory compliance program activities. Anticipates problems and develops systems to identify areas of risk through internal audits. Uses specialized expertise to manage compliance documentation submission and maintenance, compliance training, compliance committee formation, and other programmatic functions.

The Research Compliance Team within URA is responsible for all research-related compliance functions at the University including export controls, research security, research policy, research integrity, conflict of interest, training and financial research compliance/single audit, in addition to any emerging compliance areas. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for Research Administration, the Senior Director, Research Compliance is one of three senior members within the URA leadership team and responsible for the direction and leadership of University-wide services and research compliance oversight and implementation. This position will be a key partner in continuing to enhance the ability of University Research Administration and the Office of Research to perform its mission-critical work in support of the UChicago Research enterprise as well as in defining the program in response to an ever- evolving and increasingly more complex regulatory framework.

Responsible for a 14+ staff that includes direct supervision of two management positions. The staff consists of four teams: Research Compliance, Training, Conflict of Interest and Research Integrity; responsible for day-to day activity including: conduct risk assessments in the areas of financial and grants management compliance, subrecipient monitoring, protection of research subjects, conflict of interest management, responsible conduct of research education requirements, export control, and audit functions. The Senior Director supervises professional staff members to ensure that the teams are appropriately staffed, help manage allocation of workload, provide oversight of personnel training and performance feedback, and manage high level intra and inter team communications. The Senior Director provides oversight to ensure consistency, equitable workloads, and assistance, as needed.

In addition to these duties, the Senior Director, Research Compliance will serve as the institutional official in matters related to export controls and foreign influence, specifically in the role of Empowered Official or other designated regulatory roles.

Responsibilities

• Leads and Oversees the University’s research compliance program, including monitoring performance, evaluation, and ensuring alignment with regulations and policies.

• Manages day-to-day operations to promote a culture of compliance and ethical behavior.

• Provides guidance for the processes and personnel involved in managing research misconduct allegations, ensuring investigations are conducted thoroughly and in accordance with institutional and regulatory standards.

• Oversees and supervises the University Export Compliance Program and approve technology control plans.

• Provides leadership and support on conflict of interest matters, ethical conduct, and educate the university community.

• Provides strategic oversight for research security, ensuring comprehensive risk assessment, implementation of institution-wide safeguards, and adherence to relevant regulations and policies.

• Supervises and oversees all external research audits, serving as the primary institutional contact and ensuring audit processes meet regulatory requirements.

• Leads and implements training programs on research compliance for the campus community.

• Advises AVP Research Administration and senior university management on compliance risks and recommend/implement corrective actions.

• Collaborates with other Senior Directors to coordinate and lead cross-departmental teams, advancing strategic priorities in URA and Office of Research.

• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with university leaders, faculty, administrative staff, sponsors, agencies, and other institutions to advise, inform and