Description

UC Davis

Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer

Job Summary

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is one of the preeminent major research universities in the nation with approximately 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students and more than 20,000 faculty, staff, and other research and academic professionals on the Davis campus and at the UC Davis Health System. Reporting directly to the Chancellor and acting with an exceptionally high degree of autonomy, the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer (CECO) develops, implements and leads critical and complex University-wide compliance programs. The CECO serves as a subject matter expert and has direct responsibility for ensuring the University complies with: (1) the University of California Policy on Reporting and Investigating Allegations of Suspected Improper Governmental Activities and the Policy for Protection of Whistleblowers from Retaliation; (2) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; (3) the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990; (4) other federal and state nondiscrimination laws; (5) federal affirmative action requirements; and (6) the Clery Act. Additionally, the CECO works with senior leadership and other campus partners to develop strategies for complying with emerging legal requirements and other ethics and compliance issues presenting significant risk to the University. The CECO is also responsible for the development of a comprehensive privacy program for the Davis campus as well as oversight of the UC Davis policy and delegation of authority function, investigations of police misconduct, and athletics compliance (along with the Director of Athletics). The CECO works with senior leadership to promote a culture of accountability, ethics and compliance.

Apply By Date

Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 11:59p Pacific Time Zone; screening and selection can begin an time.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences or in closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience handling personal, confidential, sensitive and complex information and matters, with composure, mature judgment, and discretion.
• Experience developing and implementing administrative processes with an emphasis on responsibilities that includes: ethics, codes of conduct, compliance, and privacy in a large complex organization.
• Expert knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, case law, and guidance related to sexual harassment, discrimination and other laws impacting higher education.
• Expert knowledge of the complexities of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual violence, in the postsecondary setting. Demonstrated understanding of the relevance of trauma in the context of sexual violence (for example, the neurobiology of trauma and trauma-informed investigation techniques).
• Expert knowledge of best practices and methodologies for conducting investigations, including interviewing, gathering and analyzing evidence, and writing investigation reports; demonstrated leadership expertise and political acumen overseeing sensitive investigations within a large, complex organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work with senior officials and executives from within and outside the University, and ability to think strategically, serve as a sounding board for executive managers and provide critical feedback.
• Experienced and adept at interacting with constituents who are diverse in characteristics such as age, education level, race, gender identity and expression, ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds in a culturally-competent manner.
• Ability to work with a high level of independence and lead in a team environment, display initiative, and manage multiple priorities under pressure of competing deadlines; strong problem solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited institution and multi-year experience in the practice of employment law or equivalent years of experience in a similar field. 
• Knowledge and understanding of the academic and administrative environs within a complex and widely diverse research university.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Oversight of Complaint Resolution and Investigations (30%)

Makes final decisions regarding the appropriate handling for a wide variety of concerns of substantial sensitivity to manage University-wide risks. Manages investigations that present issues of significant legal, financial and reputational risk. As the Locally Designated Official, receives and coordinates appropriate and effective responses to reported allegations of improper governmental activity (IGA) and allegations of retaliation for reporting an IGA. As the Title IX Officer and Title VI Officer, leads the University’s response to allegations of all forms of prohibited discrimination and harassment, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. Serves as liaison to federal, state and local agencies in matters related to civil rights.

Leadership of Civil Rights Compliance and Other Compliance Programs (40%)

Provides executive leadership and coordination of University-wide civil rights and other compliance programs that impact students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors. Responsibilities include identifying compliance risks and resolutions, advising executive leadership and other senior leaders on matters of significant compliance and ethics risk, leading project and policy redesigns, implementing new initiatives, monitoring compliance efforts in a decentralized environment, coordinating and facilitating effective compliance-related communications, and ensuring compliance-related matters are handled in a timely and appropriate manner, while providing  institutional guidance on highly sensitive, complex and confidential matters. Provides leadership and direct oversight of the University’s: (1) compliance with laws, regulations and policies related to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence, whistleblowing and retaliation, campus crime and safety, and affirmative action; (2) resolution of complaints about discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, accessibility, improper governmental activities and police misconduct; (3) development and revision of University policies and delegations of authority; and (4) development and administration of a comprehensive privacy program for the Davis campus. In partnership with the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, has joint oversight of intercollegiate athletics compliance. As Title VI and Title IX Compliance Officer, leads Title VI and IX compliance efforts to prevent all forms of prohibited discrimination and harassment, including sexual violence and sexual harassment, providing oversight and monitoring of related policies, complaint processes and procedures, and the provision of education and training programs to the University community. As the ADA Compliance Officer, leads and oversees coordination and development of ongoing efforts to comply with the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other federal and state laws regarding equal access for people with disabilities and provides guidance to management. As the University’s Affirmative Action Officer, leads and coordinates the University’s compliance with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related state and federal laws and regulations. Serves as liaison to federal and state agencies in matters related to civil rights and other relevant compliance matters.

Leadership of Compliance Program and Governance (20%)

Serves as the Campus Ethics and Compliance Officer (CECO) and oversees the University’s ethics and compliance program consistent with guidelines provided by the University of California. Works in coordination with other University departments (e.g., Risk Management, Audit and Management Advisory Services, Health Compliance, Office of Research, Campus Counsel, etc.) with compliance responsibilities to identify high risk compliance issues and mitigating measures as part of an enterprise-wide compliance and risk plan. Provides an independent review to ensure that compliance issues/concerns across the University are being appropriately evaluated, investigated and resolved. Serves as liaison to the UC Office of the President and federal/state enforcement agencies on compliance matters. Leads sensitive compliance  initiatives to mitigate significant institutional risks. Collaborates with leadership across the enterprise to monitor compliance in all areas and levels of the University. Provides campus leadership for systemwide and local compliance initiatives. Represents function in systemwide and University compliance committees and workgroups. Works with management in all areas to promote a culture of accountability, ethics and compliance.

Operational Oversight of Compliance & Policy Organization (10%)

Provides leadership and operational and management direction of the following units within the Compliance & Policy organization: the Harassment & Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program (HDAPP), the Investigations unit, the Clery Compliance function, the Administrative Policies & Procedures unit, and the Privacy office. Provides oversight for Athletics Compliance, which has a dotted line reporting relationship to Compliance & Policy.

Department Overview

At UC Davis, compliance is a shared responsibility. All members of the university community are responsible for adhering to University policies as well as the laws and regulations that apply in our environment. The UC Davis Office of Compliance and Policy promotes ethical conduct and a culture of compliance by educating community members about their compliance responsibilities; responding to concerns regarding unethical and noncompliant behavior, including conducting investigations into violations of the University's Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence, Nondiscrimination, Whistleblower and Whistleblower Protection policies as well as allegations of police misconduct; maintaining accessible and comprehensive policies and procedures; and providing leadership for the University's Title IX, Clery Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Affirmative Action and privacy programs.

Position Information

• Full Salary Grade Range: $209,600 - $435,400
• Salary Frequency: Annual, paid monthly in arrears
• Salary Grade: Grade 31
• UC Job Title: ETHICS AND CMPLNC MGR 4
• UC Job Code: 006056
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8-5
• Location: Mrak (MRAK)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. 

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination 

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere 

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

To view full job description and submit an on-line application visit UC Davis Career Opportunities at 

http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=316377

Job ID # 83659

The University of California, Davis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer