Job Information
Fairfield University Associate Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management in Fairfield, Connecticut
Job Description:
The Associate Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management reports to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and serves as the primary lead for enterprise risk management across Fairfield University. This role collaborates with the Risk Management Working Team and stakeholders to identify, assess, and prioritize institutional risks at the enterprise level. The Associate Vice President ensures compliance with established risk policies and mitigation strategies, continuously monitoring and reporting on risk status at defined intervals.
Working closely with Senior Leadership and departmental teams, this position integrates risk management practices into daily operations to enhance the University’s ability to proactively manage risks and ensure compliance with legal requirements at federal, state, and local levels. The role also monitors trends in higher education and broader community developments to inform risk management priorities.
Reporting to: Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration
Key Responsibilities:
Enterprise Risk Framework & Reporting
Promote a clear understanding of the enterprise risk management framework and process across the University.
Develop and implement risk assessment, prioritization, and reporting tools—including metrics and dashboards—to effectively communicate risk status and insights.
Risk-Based Decision-Making
Establish standardized criteria for conducting risk-based assessments to ensure the University makes informed, risk-aware decisions.
Uphold Jesuit values by fostering ethical decision-making and identifying noncompliance through established processes.
Risk Identification & Mitigation
Collaborate with University stakeholders to proactively identify and analyze potential risks across various institutional areas.
Coordinate assessment of the likelihood and potential impact of identified risks and prioritize them based on severity.
Coordinate/ensure the development and implementation strategies to manage and mitigate risks, convening cross-functional teams to address complex risk and compliance challenges.
Process Improvement
Partner with stakeholders across divisions and departments to ensure risk mitigation strategies also consider risk mitigation opportunities that improve operational efficiencies.
Work with stakeholders to conduct process improvement and gap analysis to identify inefficiencies, mitigating risks, and collaborating with teams to enhance operational effectiveness and compliance.
Risk Culture & Compliance
Support University offices and functions in establishing and maintaining effective risk management programs and controls.
Foster a risk-aware and compliance-driven culture through best practices and proactive engagement.
Regulatory Monitoring & Best Practices
Track emerging risks and compliance requirements, monitoring changes in existing regulations.
Provide best practice guidance to inform risk mitigation strategies and ensure regulatory alignment.
Higher Education Risk Intelligence
Stay informed on evolving risks in the higher education sector to facilitate effective communication and knowledge sharing.
Support senior leadership and staff across University offices in risk-informed decision-making.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills with independent decision-making capabilities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and concisely.
Proven ability to build successful relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to achieve institutional goals.
Adaptability, diplomacy, and the ability to lead initiatives from inception to completion.
Proficiency in project management principles for risk identification, assessment, and prioritization.
Understanding of risks associated with a university transitioning to high research spending and doctoral program development.
General knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices in higher education compliance.
Preferred Education & Experience:
Juris Doctor, Master’s degree, or equivalent advanced degree with at least three years of experience in project management, compliance, and risk management, or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience.
General knowledge of risk management frameworks and methodologies.
Experience working with committees or working groups on risk and compliance matters.
Expertise in data analysis and reporting.
Strong legal and regulatory awareness.
Ability to build relationships and collaborate across functional areas.
Category:
Finance - Admin
Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.
*Disclaimer
The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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