How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Director of Compliance for the College of Engineering (CoE) at the University of Michigan (U-M) plays a pivotal role in maintaining a comprehensive research compliance framework. This position ensures that CoE's diverse research activities meet evolving national and international regulatory requirements, particularly in high-risk areas such as export control, intellectual property, conflict of interest, and international collaborations.

With strategic oversight, the Director will lead the development and continuous improvement of compliance policies, proactively identifying and mitigating institutional risks. They will collaborate closely with University offices and external entities, applying technical and regulatory expertise to navigate compliance challenges and stay ahead of regulatory changes.

By fostering a culture of informed, ethical decision-making, the Director ensures that the CoE upholds its commitment to integrity while enabling innovation and global partnerships in its world-class research endeavors.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Responsibilities*

Strategic Compliance Leadership

Serve as the primary resource for CoE on compliance matters, fostering informed decision-making across the research enterprise and ensuring alignment with U-M's mission, values, and policies.
Lead the development and improvement of compliance programs, policies, and practices, and conduct periodic risk assessments to identify gaps and develop mitigation strategies.

Collaboration and Outreach

Develop and implement outreach programs to educate CoE faculty and staff on compliance topics and protocols.
Collaborate with key campus-level offices (e.g., OVPR, General Counsel, Innovation Partnerships) and committees on compliance activities and issue resolution.

Conflict of Interest and Research Integrity

Oversee the implementation of Conflict of Interest (CoI) and Conflict of Commitment (CoC) policies within CoE and manage compliance-related investigations as needed.
Provide guidance on research integrity and ethical conduct, collaborating with faculty committees to resolve authorship disputes and address research misconduct.

Export Control and International Compliance

Manage export control compliance, including restricted party screenings and technology assessments.
Coordinate Technology Control Plans (TCPs), oversee visiting scholar programs, and advise on international gift agreements and travel restrictions.
Stay updated on national policy and legislative changes related to export controls.

Data Privacy and Protection

Ensure compliance with relevant research/data protection regulations (Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), etc.).
Collaborate with the CoE Information Technology organization and the campus-wide Facility Security Officer on data security measures for sensitive research projects.

Compliance Monitoring and Reporting

Audit compliance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), carry out regular internal audits, and report back to CoE and university leadership.
Monitor agreements, roles, lab security, and program safety protocols to meet evolving research operational needs.

External Engagement and Continuous Improvement

Participate in national organizations and professional networks, advocating for U-M's interests in compliance discussions.
Collaborate with the U.S. government and regulatory agencies on implementing compliance requirements for CoE research projects.
Identify and implement best practices in research compliance, leading efforts to identify emerging risks and vulnerabilities.

Required Qualifications*

Education and Experience

Advanced degree (e.g., JD, PhD, MA, MS, MBA) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
7-10+ years of senior-level experience in academia, industry, or government, involving compliance in regulated research environments.
7-10+ years of progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience in complex, diverse operations, preferably in research or engineering settings.

Regulatory Knowledge and Expertise

Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal regulations in academic research environments, including national security policies, export controls, and intellectual property laws.
Familiarity with compliance principles and requirements impacting academic engineering research (e.g., export controls, technology control plans, restricted party screenings, conflict of interest and commitment, etc.).
Eligible to administer restricted research projects in compliance with U.S. laws and institutional policies.

Leadership and Communication

Proven ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff, and students in a diverse, multicultural environment, building relationships across organizational boundaries.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with experience managing and influencing senior academic, industry, and government officials.
Experience developing and implementing compliance education programs and outreach initiatives.

Problem-Solving and Judgment

Ability to manage multiple priorities and exercise sound, ethical judgment in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Experience investigating compliance issues, resolving conflicts related to research integrity and misconduct, and upholding high ethical standards.

Professional Engagement

Active participation in relevant national organizations or regulatory bodies related to research compliance.
Commitment to staying current with legislative changes and best practices in research compliance.

Desired Qualifications*

Understanding of university policies and operations, especially IT, Facilities, Safeguards, and Security as they relate to compliance and research.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.