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.
