Job No. 158748
- Job Title:
- Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
- Employer:
-
Syracuse University
- Location:
-
Syracuse , NY
- Posting Date:
- 10-Jun-2026
- Description:
-
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $235,000 - $275,000
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S7
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description
The Chief Risk and Compliance Officer serves as the University’s leader for risk management and compliance, providing strategic direction and oversight for institution wide risk programs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the CRCO develops and maintains an integrated framework to identify, assess, and address risks across University operations.
The Chief Risk and Compliance Officer promotes adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and University policies while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct. The position collaborates with academic and administrative leaders to align risk and compliance efforts with the University’s mission and strategic priorities.
The Chief Risk and Compliance Officer works with University leadership and internal stakeholders to evaluate strategic, operational, reputational, and compliance risks and to advance effective mitigation strategies that strengthen institutional resilience. The role also presents risk analyses and compliance updates to senior leadership and participates in meetings of the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee to support governance oversight and helps ensure the University meets its regulatory and ethical responsibilities. This is an on-site position.
Syracuse University has retained Korn Ferry, a national and global executive search firm, to assist in this search. All applications, inquiries, and nominations, which will remain confidential, are invited.
Applications should include a detailed resume and a letter of interest that highlight the applicant’s personal vision and relevant leadership experience. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations and applications should be submitted electronically in confidence to: SyracuseCRCO@KornFerry.com
Education and Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree in a field directly related to compliance or institutional risk is preferred.
Required Experience
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in compliance and risk management within higher education, demonstrating a deep understanding of the regulatory and operational environment.
Leadership experience directing enterprise wide risk management and compliance functions in a complex setting, including collaboration with academic, administrative, and operational units.
Experience with risk mitigation, internal controls, and compliance program design, with the ability to apply best practices to strengthen institutional risk posture and accountability.
Preferred Experience
Experience designing, implementing, or overseeing an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program.
Experience overseeing or working closely with Athletics Compliance to support NCAA, conference, and institutional requirements.
Experience overseeing ethics and compliance reporting systems, including whistleblower reporting and case management.
Experience overseeing risk management and insurance programs, including workers’ compensation, liability coverage, and claims management in a university setting.
Skills and Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting higher education, with the ability to interpret evolving requirements and guide institutional compliance efforts.
Demonstrated understanding and ability to develop and communicate enterprise risk management frameworks and compliance standards to executive leadership, supporting informed decision making in a complex, decentralized university environment.
Strong capability in program and policy development, including drafting, reviewing, and aligning policies to regulatory and operational requirements.
Ability to oversee compliance functions in highly regulated environments, including Division I athletics compliance programs, ensuring adherence to NCAA, conference, and federal requirements.
Knowledge of risk management and insurance principles, with the ability to provide strategic oversight of liability, property, workers compensation, and related coverage programs within a large institutional setting.
Exceptional judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence decisions at senior levels.
Ability to navigate the operational and research complexities of an R1 university, including working effectively across academic, research, administrative, and operational units.
Responsibilities
University Compliance Oversight – Provides strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight of the University’s compliance program, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local laws, as well as institutional policies. Develops and maintains institutional compliance frameworks, oversees compliance risk assessments and monitoring activities, and partners with stakeholders across campus to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct. Additionally, the position provides oversight for research related compliance activities, including research security, foreign influence, and export control regulations. Advises faculty and staff on risk mitigation strategies for sponsored research and works directly with the Vice President for Research to support compliant, secure, and federally aligned research operations.