The Compliance Officer will be responsible for leadership and guidance in establishing and implementing an effective Institute Compliance Program. The Compliance Officer will function independently and objectively in reviewing and evaluating all compliance issues/concerns within the Institute. In addition, the Compliance Officer will act as advisor to the senior executives and Board of Trustees by monitoring and reporting results of the compliance/ethics efforts of the Institute and in providing guidance to the Board and executive management team on matters relating to compliance.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure regulatory compliance in a manner that promotes VAI’s mission.

• Develop, initiate, maintain and revise policies and procedures for the general compliance operation and its related activities to prevent illegal, unethical or improper conduct; includes authorizing implementation of all necessary actions and training programs to ensure achievement of the objectives of an effective compliance program
• Serve as a member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), reviewing protocols and making recommendations to the IACUC Chair regarding any compliance aspects of the animal program; serve as Human Protections Administrator with oversight of the Institutional Review Board for human subjects research.
• Serve on other committees as directed or requested (such as Conflict of Interest and Safety Committees) to provide input/recommendations regarding compliance issues.
• Assist in coordinating internal compliance review and monitoring activities; work with Risk Management team in conducting periodic risk assessments and identifying potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk.
• Provide reports as directed or requested to keep executive management informed of the operation and progress of compliance efforts.
• Establish standards for maintaining consistency in the application of policies and procedures for compliance with applicable statutes, circulars, policies, procedures and regulations; remain abreast of the status of all compliance activities and identify trends.
• Act as an advisor or internal consultant to departments / laboratories throughout the Institutes in their efforts to interpret and comply with laws, regulations, statutes and contract provisions that may affect their functional areas and establish methods to improve efficiency and quality of services, and to reduce the vulnerability to fraud, abuse, and waste.
• Conduct internal monitoring and auditing and respond promptly to detected offenses, develop corrective action, and report findings to the CAO/General Counsel and Research or Education Institute Director, as appropriate. When reporting to an external agency is necessary, the Compliance Officer will be the institutional official responsible for such communication, after appropriate internal notification/discussion.
• Institute and maintain an effective compliance communication program for the organization including promoting the awareness and understanding of new and existing compliance issues and related policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with other departments to direct compliance issues to appropriate existing channels for investigation and resolution; includes developing policies and programs that encourage management and employees to report suspected fraud, misconduct and other improprieties without fear of retaliation.
• Consult with General Counsel as needed to resolve legal compliance issues; respond to alleged violations of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and Standards of Conduct by evaluating or recommending the initiation of investigative procedures; includes developing and overseeing a system for uniform handling of such violations.

• MS, Ph.D., JD, or equivalent degree/experience desired. Minimum of 10-15 years of senior management experience in an academic, research or other comparable environment preferred to include demonstrated leadership; specialized training / experience in laboratory safety, environmental health and safety, export control, responsible conduct of research, regulatory affairs, etc.
• Familiarity with operations, financial, quality assurance, human resource procedures and regulations a must.
• Effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Leadership skills and experience, particularly with problem solving and resolution, research acumen as well as analytical skills.