Compliance Officer (Land Grant)

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number 0801856 Classification Title Compliance Officer (Land Grant) Working Title Department General Counsel Department Contact Email awhatley@centralstate.edu Job Summary/Basic Function

The Compliance Officer (Land Grant) serves as the University's primary compliance professional for federal and state obligations associated with its 1890 Land-Grant mission. Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel, the position develops, administers, monitors, and evaluates compliance programs related to research, extension, agricultural programs, cooperative extension, federally funded grants and cooperative agreements, outreach initiatives, and other Land-Grant activities. The position coordinates with academic and administrative units to promote regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, accountability, and program integrity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate the University's Land-Grant compliance and compliance monitoring activities in accordance with the University-wide compliance program.
• Monitor compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, agency guidance, grant award terms, and University policies affecting 1890 Land-Grant programs.
• Provide compliance support related to USDA, NIFA, extension, agricultural research, capacity-building grants, outreach programs, and other Land-Grant initiatives, including procurement and contracting processes.
• Conduct compliance reviews, risk assessments, internal audits, and monitoring activities to identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain compliance procedures, guidance documents, reporting tools, and internal controls for Land-Grant operations.
• Coordinate compliance reporting and documentation required by governmental agencies and funding entities.
• Collaborate with research administration, extension leadership, finance, grants management, procurement, and program administrators to promote compliance standards.
• Provide training and educational programs regarding regulatory requirements and institutional expectations.
• Investigate potential compliance concerns and assist with corrective action plans and remediation efforts.
• Maintain records demonstrating compliance activities, monitoring efforts, and institutional responses.
• Assist with external reviews, inspections, audits, accreditation-related requests, and agency inquiries affecting Land-Grant operations.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for the Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel regarding emerging compliance risks and trends.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in compliance, grants administration, public higher education, research administration, auditing, risk management, or related field.
• Knowledge of federal grant and cooperative agreement requirements, compliance frameworks, and regulatory obligations applicable to institutions of higher education.
• Strong analytical, organizational, investigation, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and funding requirements and translate them into operational guidance.

Core Competencies

• Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Assessment and Internal Controls
• Policy Development
• Audit Readiness
• Training and Education
• Investigative Analysis
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Written and Oral Communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in law (JD) or an advanced degree in public administration, agriculture, business, compliance, or related discipline.
• Experience with Land-Grant institutions, Cooperative Extension, agricultural research, USDA programs, or federally funded higher education programs.
• Professional certification in compliance, auditing, risk management, grants management, or a related area.

Posting Date 10/20/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Background Check: All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.

Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources.

Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The University is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position now or in the future.

Position Category Staff - Monthly (Exempt) Budgeted Annual Salary Commensurate with experience

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents