Inside Higher Ed
Vice President for Audit, Compliance, Ethics and Risk Management
Inside Higher Ed, Augusta, Georgia, United States, 30910
" Vice President for Audit, Compliance, Ethics and Risk Management
About Augusta University
Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers. Our mission and values are documented at https://www.augusta.edu/about/mission.php. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center and a leading research institution. Job Summary
The Vice President of Audit, Compliance, Ethics, and Risk Management (VP-ACERM) is a senior leader charged with safeguarding Augusta University's integrity, accountability, and operational resilience. This role provides strategic leadership and oversight across five critical domains: Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance, Enterprise Risk Management, Privacy, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). The VP ensures that these entities implement appropriate policies and procedures, assess and monitor institutional risks, and report mitigation status to executive leadership. The VP promotes a culture of transparency, safety, and continuous improvement and serves as a trusted advisor to the president, senior leadership, and external regulatory bodies. The position is an active member of the President's Cabinet and the USG Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance team. Responsibilities
Principal Accountabilities
Creation, oversight, and strategic management of the Internal Audit, Compliance, Privacy, Environmental Health & Safety, Ethics, and Risk Management departments; serve as Chief Compliance Officer. Report to the President and partner with the Office of Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance at the University System of Georgia to implement systematic audit, risk management, controls, and governance processes.
Internal Audit
Oversee an internal audit program that evaluates financial, operational, and compliance controls and ensures management implements corrective actions. Ensure high‑quality internal audit and advisory services, including development and execution of an annual comprehensive risk‑based audit plan in accordance with Institute of Internal Auditors standards. Present findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and university policies and procedures. Oversee fraud investigations and whistleblower protections.
Ethics & Compliance
Direct the university‑wide ethics and compliance program, including policy development, training, and monitoring. Oversee investigations into misconduct, retaliation, and ethical violations and ensure management follow‑up on corrective actions. Review and strengthen existing processes and systems to measure, monitor, and mitigate risk, and recommend operational improvements. Collaborate with accountable institutional offices (e.g., athletics, research, DCG coding) for compliance with applicable laws, regulations and university policies and procedures.
Enterprise Risk Management
Develop and maintain a comprehensive ERM framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates strategic, operational, financial, and reputational risks. Facilitate cross‑functional risk assessments and scenario planning. Advise senior leadership on emerging risks and mitigation strategies. Integrate risk management into institutional planning and decision‑making.
Privacy Governance
Ensure compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, GDPR, and other applicable privacy laws. Oversee the development of privacy policies, training programs, and incident response protocols. Lead investigations of data breaches and coordinate with IT, legal counsel, and clinical operations. Promote a privacy‑aware culture across academic and clinical units.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)
Oversee EH&S programs to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and state regulations. Promote a safe and healthy campus through proactive risk assessments, emergency preparedness, and safety training. Oversee the Institutional Biosafety Committee and Chemical Safety Committee. Promote initiatives to improve campus safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Regulatory Affairs & Institutional Integrity
Ensure institutional alignment with USG policies and federal/state regulations. Liaise with external agencies including the Department of Education and state auditors. Monitor regulatory changes and assess institutional impact. Promote ethical leadership and decision‑making across all levels of the university. Assist the President and Cabinet in cultivating an ethical culture with no retaliation for legitimate concerns. Partner with Legal Affairs, Fiscal Affairs, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and other stakeholders to respond to audits or investigations, including conflict of interest, retaliation complaints, and Title IX concerns. Develop and monitor AU Enterprise Risk Policies and ensure major risks are reported to AU Executive Leadership and governing bodies. Coordinate the Executive Audit, Compliance, Privacy & Security Steering Committee to focus discussion and prioritize areas for further investigation. Ensure Internal Audit and Compliance conduct fair and objective audits and support risk mitigation monitoring. Work with Human Resources to develop multifunctional educational and training programs focused on the AU Compliance & Ethics and ERM program.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Business, Health Care Management, or a related field. Ten or more years of leadership experience in ethics, compliance, investigations, legal affairs, audit, or closely related activities. Experience conducting investigations. Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills. Strong work ethic and ability to multi‑task. Preferred Qualifications
Juris Doctorate or doctoral degree in a related field. Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CISA, CGEIT, CHC, CCEP, or CHPS. Preferred experience in higher education, academic healthcare, governance, or regulatory compliance. Shift/Salary/Benefits
Shift: Days/M‑F (work outside of normal business hours may be required). The position is full‑time (FTE 1.0). Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and achievements. Recruitment period: Until Filled. Conditions of Employment
All candidates must successfully pass a background check. All employees must safeguard the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information and adhere to cybersecurity and privacy policies. The position requires a customer‑friendly environment promoting superior service to patients, students, faculty, and employees. Augusta University is a tobacco‑free environment; use of tobacco products is prohibited. Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans. How To Apply
Consider applying with us today! Visit https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/ and select “University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants” if you are a candidate from outside the university or “Internal Applicants” if you are a current employee. Upload your letter of interest and curriculum vitae as one document. For assistance, contact 706‑721‑9365. "
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About Augusta University
Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers. Our mission and values are documented at https://www.augusta.edu/about/mission.php. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center and a leading research institution. Job Summary
The Vice President of Audit, Compliance, Ethics, and Risk Management (VP-ACERM) is a senior leader charged with safeguarding Augusta University's integrity, accountability, and operational resilience. This role provides strategic leadership and oversight across five critical domains: Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance, Enterprise Risk Management, Privacy, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). The VP ensures that these entities implement appropriate policies and procedures, assess and monitor institutional risks, and report mitigation status to executive leadership. The VP promotes a culture of transparency, safety, and continuous improvement and serves as a trusted advisor to the president, senior leadership, and external regulatory bodies. The position is an active member of the President's Cabinet and the USG Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance team. Responsibilities
Principal Accountabilities
Creation, oversight, and strategic management of the Internal Audit, Compliance, Privacy, Environmental Health & Safety, Ethics, and Risk Management departments; serve as Chief Compliance Officer. Report to the President and partner with the Office of Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance at the University System of Georgia to implement systematic audit, risk management, controls, and governance processes.
Internal Audit
Oversee an internal audit program that evaluates financial, operational, and compliance controls and ensures management implements corrective actions. Ensure high‑quality internal audit and advisory services, including development and execution of an annual comprehensive risk‑based audit plan in accordance with Institute of Internal Auditors standards. Present findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and university policies and procedures. Oversee fraud investigations and whistleblower protections.
Ethics & Compliance
Direct the university‑wide ethics and compliance program, including policy development, training, and monitoring. Oversee investigations into misconduct, retaliation, and ethical violations and ensure management follow‑up on corrective actions. Review and strengthen existing processes and systems to measure, monitor, and mitigate risk, and recommend operational improvements. Collaborate with accountable institutional offices (e.g., athletics, research, DCG coding) for compliance with applicable laws, regulations and university policies and procedures.
Enterprise Risk Management
Develop and maintain a comprehensive ERM framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates strategic, operational, financial, and reputational risks. Facilitate cross‑functional risk assessments and scenario planning. Advise senior leadership on emerging risks and mitigation strategies. Integrate risk management into institutional planning and decision‑making.
Privacy Governance
Ensure compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, GDPR, and other applicable privacy laws. Oversee the development of privacy policies, training programs, and incident response protocols. Lead investigations of data breaches and coordinate with IT, legal counsel, and clinical operations. Promote a privacy‑aware culture across academic and clinical units.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)
Oversee EH&S programs to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and state regulations. Promote a safe and healthy campus through proactive risk assessments, emergency preparedness, and safety training. Oversee the Institutional Biosafety Committee and Chemical Safety Committee. Promote initiatives to improve campus safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Regulatory Affairs & Institutional Integrity
Ensure institutional alignment with USG policies and federal/state regulations. Liaise with external agencies including the Department of Education and state auditors. Monitor regulatory changes and assess institutional impact. Promote ethical leadership and decision‑making across all levels of the university. Assist the President and Cabinet in cultivating an ethical culture with no retaliation for legitimate concerns. Partner with Legal Affairs, Fiscal Affairs, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and other stakeholders to respond to audits or investigations, including conflict of interest, retaliation complaints, and Title IX concerns. Develop and monitor AU Enterprise Risk Policies and ensure major risks are reported to AU Executive Leadership and governing bodies. Coordinate the Executive Audit, Compliance, Privacy & Security Steering Committee to focus discussion and prioritize areas for further investigation. Ensure Internal Audit and Compliance conduct fair and objective audits and support risk mitigation monitoring. Work with Human Resources to develop multifunctional educational and training programs focused on the AU Compliance & Ethics and ERM program.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Business, Health Care Management, or a related field. Ten or more years of leadership experience in ethics, compliance, investigations, legal affairs, audit, or closely related activities. Experience conducting investigations. Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills. Strong work ethic and ability to multi‑task. Preferred Qualifications
Juris Doctorate or doctoral degree in a related field. Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CISA, CGEIT, CHC, CCEP, or CHPS. Preferred experience in higher education, academic healthcare, governance, or regulatory compliance. Shift/Salary/Benefits
Shift: Days/M‑F (work outside of normal business hours may be required). The position is full‑time (FTE 1.0). Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and achievements. Recruitment period: Until Filled. Conditions of Employment
All candidates must successfully pass a background check. All employees must safeguard the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information and adhere to cybersecurity and privacy policies. The position requires a customer‑friendly environment promoting superior service to patients, students, faculty, and employees. Augusta University is a tobacco‑free environment; use of tobacco products is prohibited. Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans. How To Apply
Consider applying with us today! Visit https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/ and select “University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants” if you are a candidate from outside the university or “Internal Applicants” if you are a current employee. Upload your letter of interest and curriculum vitae as one document. For assistance, contact 706‑721‑9365. "
#J-18808-Ljbffr