Lehigh University's commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity runs deep. As the enterprise-wide compliance program grows in scope and complexity, Lehigh is seeking a Director of Institutional Compliance to serve as its chief advocate for a culture where regulatory responsibility and ethical conduct are embedded across every corner of the institution. Reporting directly to the VP and General Counsel, you will lead the design, implementation, and ongoing maturation of Lehigh's compliance program. This is a senior leadership role with university-wide reach, working across Academic Affairs and administrative units to protect institutional integrity.
Position Number: S98190
This position is a Grade: 12 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $104,850-$127,550 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.
Key Accountabilities
- Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the University's enterprise-wide compliance framework and strategic performance goals.
- Conduct periodic compliance assessments to establish annual priorities and adjust plans to meet university objectives.
- Track emerging laws and higher-education best practices, including regulations like FERPA, GDPR, ADA, Clery, and Title IX.
- Serve as a primary administrative lead and facilitator for the Institutional Risk and Compliance Committee (IRCC) alongside the Director of Risk Management.
- Establish strategic meeting agendas focused on institutional risks, regulatory shifts, and compliance gaps to align the IRCC’s work with the University's mission.
- Prepare and present compliance dashboards, metrics, and high-level reports to inform the IRCC, senior leadership, and board committees.
- Lead the creation, review, and revision of University-wide policies, partnering with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) to accurately interpret regulations and update policy language.
- Provide expertise on the intersection of compliance and federal funding, specifically addressing export controls, foreign influence, and grant compliance.
- Manage faculty-wide policy compliance, including Conflict of Interest (COI) tracking, academic visitor policies, and the restricted party screening process.
- Design mandatory compliance training programs and manage anonymous reporting mechanisms, while collaborating with key departments to diplomatically support internal investigations and resolve compliance issues.
- Serve as the primary liaison for regulatory agencies, accreditation bodies, and auditors, coordinating responses to inspections and audits while managing the unit’s budget.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, law or related field required; Master's Degree preferred
- Seven to ten years of progressive experience in compliance, risk management, or legal affairs
- Experience in a University or nonprofit environment is preferred
- CCEP (Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or related credentials preferred
- Strong working knowledge of higher education regulatory frameworks, including accreditation requirements and federal compliance obligations relevant to research universities
- A track record of translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable institutional guidance
Why Lehigh
Lehigh sits at the intersection of rigorous research, close-knit community, and a proud legacy of innovation rooted in Bethlehem, PA. You will join a collaborative Office of General Counsel where your expertise will genuinely shape institutional decision-making. Lehigh offers a strong benefits package including generous leave provisions, above-market retirement contributions, and robust professional development support, including access to the University's own academic resources. This is an institution that takes compliance seriously, and gives its compliance leadership the standing to match.Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.
Special Considerations
- This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University, therefore a credit check is required.
- This position has direct contact with minors, therefore a background check is required.
- The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.
Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.
