Description

Job Description

The Director of Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Disclosures will oversee and manage Virginia Tech's Conflict of Interest (COI) and Conflict of Commitment (COC) programs. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university regulations and policies related to conflicts of interest and commitment. The Director will provide strategic direction, operational leadership, and oversight of the COI and COC programs, including the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, procedures, and training programs. The Director reports to the Vice President for Audit, Risk, and Compliance and Chief Risk Officer and will work collaboratively with various departments to coordinate the COI and COC program.

This is a hands-on position that liaises with a broad range of university professionals in a highly decentralized environment. The Director must exhibit independence and objectivity in reviewing and evaluating compliance policies, programs, processes, activities, and reported issues or concerns. The incumbent must be detail, action, solution, and results-oriented and dedicated to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management:
• Develop, implement, and maintain the university's COI and COC programs.
• Review disclosures, analyze situations, and determine whether conflicts of interest or commitment exist.
• Develop and implement management plans for identified conflicts and ensure ongoing compliance with these plans.
• Collaborate with various departments, including Scholarly Integrity & Research Compliance, Research Security, Human Resources, Procurement, and General Counsel, to ensure proper functioning of the COI and COC programs.

Compliance and Risk Assessment:
• Conduct periodic risk assessments to identify potential conflicts and areas for improvement in the COI and COC programs.
• Monitor regulatory updates and industry best practices to ensure the university's programs remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance to faculty, staff, and administrators on COI and COC regulatory requirements.

Training and Education:
• Develop and deliver training programs to educate university employees on COI and COC policies and procedures.
• Create educational materials and resources to support the university community in understanding and complying with COI and COC requirements.

Disclosure Systems Management:
• Oversee the electronic COI and COC disclosure systems, ensuring proper functionality and user access.
• Provide training and assistance to users regarding the electronic disclosure process.
• Evaluate system performance and recommend improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the COI and COC programs.

Investigations:
• Resolve minor non-compliance issues and refer serious cases.
• Lead investigations into potential conflicts of interest and commitment, ensuring thorough documentation and reporting of findings.
• Prepare reports for senior leadership and regulatory agencies as required.

Collaboration and Communication:
• Foster relationships with campus constituents to enhance the university's culture of compliance and ethics.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance in meetings and committees as needed.

Reporting:
• Prepare and present reports on COI and COC compliance activities, issues, and initiatives to senior leadership.
• Communicate regularly with the Vice President for Audit, Risk, and Compliance and Chief Risk Officer and other key stakeholders (as needed) regarding the operation and progress of compliance efforts.

Required Qualifications

• An advanced degree in related field, or a bachelor's degree with significant related experience.
• Extensive experience in compliance, ethics, conflict of interest management, or a related field, ideally in a complex, decentralized organization.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state COI and COC regulations and requirements.
• Proficiency in using electronic disclosure systems and other compliance-related software.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion, sound judgment, and integrity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences, including senior leadership and boards.
• Experience developing data-informed reports and actionable recommendations.
• Must successfully complete a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or a not-for-profit sector.
• Knowledge of Virginia-specific COI and COC requirements.
• Previous legal, regulatory, audit, and/or compliance experience at large, decentralized organizations.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCEP or similar).

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Salary range of $125,000 - $175,000

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

October 13, 2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Marisela Garza at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 12, 2025
Applications close: