Director, Advancement Compliance and Legal Affairs

New Orleans, LA, United States

Job Description

Responsible for promoting and coordinating compliance with criteria of endowed and non-endowed funds supporting the University. The position determines and reports compliance issues and recommends corrective action. Audits, researches, and analyzes gift documents, resolutions, and financial reports for funds, and communicates criteria to individuals with financial responsibility for funds. This position oversees and monitors all endowed and selected non-endowed undergraduate scholarship funds to ensure that they are awarded according to specified criteria. The position reviews gift agreements, proposals, and resolutions for compliance issues. Monitors endowed professorships, chairs and other funds for compliance with criteria. Interaction with deans, department heads, and other university representatives is an integral component of this position.

Responsibilities

Conducts audit of endowed and selected non-endowed funds. Researches gift documents, resolutions, and accounting reports for endowed and selected non-endowed funds for accuracy and consistency of stated criteria. Reviews financial statements for endowed and non-endowed funds for compliance. Reports compliance issues according to procedure and recommends corrective action.

Implements and maintains compliance program for endowed and selected non-endowed funds. Sets timeline for documentation review of endowments and other non-endowed funds; tracks to meet reporting deadlines. Develops and maintains systems to support compliance activities, including paper and electronic files, databases, and Quest records. Trains and supervises the Associate Director in compliance procedures; cross-trains staff in other departments to assist in compliance.

Oversees and prepares for meetings with the financial administrators of academic units for compliance review. Communicates criteria to individuals with financial or budget authority over endowed and selected non-endowed funds. Provides training on compliance with criteria.

Monitors compliance with criteria for endowed and non-endowed need-based scholarship funds. Verifies that all endowed and selected non-endowed undergraduate scholarship funds are awarded according to specified criteria. Works with Donor Relations Office and Financial Aid Office to help address awarding problems and works to resolve them.

Monitors compliance with criteria for endowed chairs and professorships and other selected endowed funds.

Reviews endowed chairs and professorships for compliance with specified criteria. Writes reports for the Louisiana Board of Regents program. Prepares appointment forms for chairs and professorships. Assists with developing and updating policies and procedures for compliance, and for reporting and resolving problems. Determines compliance problems and reports them according to procedure.

Drafts and amends resolutions for selected endowed funds that deviate from the model forms or as needed. Assists with review of gift agreements, proposals, and resolutions prepared by development staff.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. A bachelor's degree and 7 years in stewardship, development, financial services, law, or compliance preferred. Transferable experience includes an advanced degree.
2. Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY:

1. Ability to analyze legal documents and financial statements and exercise judgment in determining whether criteria are met
2. Knowledge of legal and accounting matters, financial aid, and database management
3. Strong organizational skills
4. Exceptional attention to detail
5. Proven ability in interpersonal relations
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
7. Must be able to work independently, take initiative, and follow through with projects
8. Reasonable knowledge of database management and information systems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Previous experience in an academic environment, higher education.
2. Experience with Microsoft Office.