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 respond to issues as necessary and appropriate.

• Gathers feedback and analyze data to streamline compliance functions and support research funding growth.

• Participates in University-wide committees as necessary.

• Exercises delegated institutional authority on behalf of Associate VP for Research Administration and advise on further delegation.

• Participates actively in professional research administration organizations (COGR, FDP, ARIO, NCURA/SRAi).

• Represents the University in regulatory proceedings before federal, state and local agencies. Prepares the University's position statements and responses to information requests. Leads and manages audit responses and negotiations with administrative agencies.

• Develops the implementation of compliance activities designated by the University's strategic plans. Monitors University compliance with regulations and laws.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications 

Experience:

• Advanced degree or equivalent combination of training experience.

• Prior experience working in an academic, government, or laboratory environment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge: 

• Experience with compliance issues of sponsored program administrations and the communication of compliance policies to staff and to faculty.

• Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance or interpretation of similar regulations strongly preferred.

• Rapid proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as Huron Research Suite, Oracle Cloud, Workday, Concur and a high level of proficiency in Excel.

• Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite a must).

• Ability to develop proficiency and work with various sponsor/third-party electronic systems.

Preferred Competencies 

• Strategic Leadership: Provides visionary direction for the university's research compliance enterprise, ensuring alignment of compliance activities with institutional mission and strategic objectives. Inspires and mentors teams to uphold the highest standards in ethical research conduct, fosters a collaborative compliance culture, and drives innovation in compliance practices. Ability to connect short-term actions to long-term goals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

• Autonomy and Strategic Decision-Making: Independently navigates complex regulatory environments, proactively identifies risks and opportunities, and makes high-impact decisions to ensure compliance across sponsored research portfolios. Engages effectively with university leadership, faculty, and regulatory bodies to support continuous improvement and mitigate risks. 

• Communication & Advocacy: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate, interpret, and advocate for university-wide research compliance policies and regulations to diverse audiences, including faculty, staff, sponsors, and senior executives. Negotiates and resolves complex compliance matters while building consensus and trust among all stakeholders.

• Service Excellence: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with principal investigators, sponsors, compliance committees (e.g., IRBs/IACUCs), and external regulatory agencies. Delivers exemplary service and support to research teams, ensuring clarity in compliance requirements and facilitating successful outcomes.

• Discretion and Confidentiality: Upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct and confidentiality, especially in the review and management of sensitive compliance cases. Provides strategic leadership and training on ethical best practices, regulatory changes, and risk mitigation for research activities.

• Operational Excellence & Quality Control: Designs and implements robust compliance management systems, setting benchmarks for accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness. Oversees complex portfolios, assures quality in compliance reviews, and leads initiatives to streamline processes and enhance institutional compliance readiness.

• Organizational Agility & Technology Leadership: Adapts rapidly to evolving compliance requirements, regulatory updates, and industry trends. Champions digital tools and systems that enhance compliance tracking, reporting, and communication with campus stakeholders and external agencies.

• Strategic Judgment & Institutional Oversight: Utilizes advanced judgment to anticipate compliance risks, prioritize actions, and develop proactive mitigation strategies. Shapes the direction of compliance programs and ensures institutional adherence to regulations governing human subjects, animal welfare, export control, and research integrity.

• Change Management & Continuous Learning: Leads change management efforts to strengthen compliance infrastructure and respond to regulatory shifts. Models resilience and adaptability, integrates stakeholder feedback, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and curiosity within the compliance team.

Working Conditions 

• Sit for 4 hours or more.

• Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.

• Use standard office equipment and troubleshoot IT equipment in a remote/hybrid environment.

• Some evening and weekend work may be required. 

• Some Travel required.

Application Documents 

• Resume/CV (required) 

• Cover Letter (preferred) 

• Reference Contact Information (preferred) 

Job Family

Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$155,000.00 - $195,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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