Job DescriptionAbout the Work Unit:
The Clinical Affairs unit supports VUSN academic programs by overseeing clinical placement operations, compliance, contracting, and external partnerships. The unit operates in a complex, highly regulated, multi-jurisdictional environment requiring coordination across state Boards of Nursing, accrediting bodies, clinical partners, and internal stakeholders. The Compliance function serves as a centralized governance and oversight mechanism to ensure regulatory readiness, audit preparedness, and institutional risk mitigation.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:Regulatory Compliance and Program Oversight- Oversee and maintain day-to-day operations of a comprehensive 50-state compliance program related to nursing education, clinical placements, faculty licensure, and student eligibility
- Monitor state Board of Nursing (BON) requirements and regulatory changes and assess operational impact on clinical education activities
- Ensure required documentation, tracking, and verification processes are in place to support BON compliance
- Prepare compliance summaries, reports, and documentation for internal review and submission, as required, with final approval by senior leadership
- Serve as the primary operational resource for regulatory compliance questions, escalating complex or high-risk issues to the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
Contracts Management and Risk Review Support- Maintain and manage a centralized contracts and agreements database for all clinical affiliation agreements
- Routinely audit contracts for expiration, renewal timelines, and alignment with institutional standards
- Initiate and track contract renewal processes to prevent lapses in authorization or coverage
- Conduct first-line vetting of clinical affiliation agreements for regulatory, compliance, and risk considerations prior to submission to the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
- Monitor contract workflow progress and follow up with internal and external stakeholders to resolve delays
- Collaborate with contracts staff and legal counsel, as directed, to support legally sound and operationally appropriate agreements.
Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Audit Readiness- Lead internal QA/QC processes related to compliance, contracting, licensure, and regulatory documentation
- Conduct routine internal reviews and audits of compliance records, systems data, and documentation
- Identify gaps, trends, and compliance risks and develop recommendations for corrective action
- Maintain audit-ready documentation to support internal audits, accreditation reviews, and external inquiries
- Support accreditation reporting and site visits by organizing and maintaining required evidence data and evidence
Certificates of Insurance and Worker's Compensation Administration- Oversee the collection, review, and ongoing management of Certificates of Insurance (COI) for clinical sites, preceptors, and partners, ensuring compliance with Vanderbilt and program requirements
- Verify appropriate liability coverage, limits, and endorsements as required for student placements and clinical affiliations
- Ensure appropriate workers' compensation documentation and coverage tracking for students and faculty in jurisdictions where required
- Maintain state-specific records related to insurance and workers' compensation requirements and support verification or reporting needs
- Monitor expiration dates, coordinate renewals, and follow up with sites to prevent lapses in coverage
- Escalate complex, ambiguous, or high-risk insurance or workers' compensation issues to senior leadership for review and determination
Leadership and Team Management- Manage or co-manage one to three staff members supporting compliance, contracting, credentialing, or related functions
- Establish standardized workflows, documentation practices, and internal controls within the compliance function
- Provide training, guidance, and oversight to staff to ensure consistent execution of compliance processes
Collaboration and Governance- Work closely with the Director of Clinical Affairs Operations, Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs and Assistant Director of Preceptor Engagement to align compliance, operational, and engagement activities
- Participate in compliance governance discussions and contribute to policy development and process improvement initiatives
- Escalate identified risks, regulatory ambiguities, and systemic issues to senior leadership in a timely and structured manner
Supervisory Relationships:This position has a co-supervisory responsibility for the clinical placement coordinator for compliance related tasks. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs.
Education and Certifications:- Bachelor's Degree or relevant job experience required
- Degree in nursing or allied health field preferred
- Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) or advanced practice nursing preparation (APRN) strongly preferred
Experience and Skills:- Two to four years of experience in regulatory compliance, clinical education administration, healthcare operations, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience supporting multi-regulatory or licensure compliance programs
- Working knowledge of clinical affiliation agreements, compliance auditing, and healthcare contracting
- Experience supporting accreditation process and regulatory reporting
- Prior experience supervising or leading staff in a compliance or operations-focused role
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and professional judgment
- Ability to identify compliance risk, apply established frameworks, and appropriately escalate issues in a regulated academic healthcare environment
