Vice President, Legal and Chief Compliance Officer
Kansas City University (KCU), founded in 1916, is a fully accredited, private not-for-profit health sciences university with Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences, and a College of Dental Medicine. As we continue to advance our mission of fostering knowledge and shaping future leaders, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Vice President, Legal and Chief Compliance Officer to join our legal team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing legal guidance and support to ensure the university operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The Vice President, Legal and Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for overseeing all legal matters affecting the institution. This includes advising senior leadership, managing legal risks, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. The ideal candidate will possess a strong legal background, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the higher education landscape. The position reports to the Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations. Key accountabilities include:
• Provide legal counsel to the University's senior leadership and various departments on a wide range of legal issues,
including strategic initiatives.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting higher education.
• Provide regular updates to the Audit, Ethics and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees and updates to the
full Board of Trustees as may be necessary.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts and agreements, including academic collaborations, clinical
partnerships, and vendor agreements.
• Ensure that contractual relationships align with the university's strategic goals and legal standards.
• Provide contract administration oversight for the University.
• Develop, review, and update university policies to ensure legal compliance and alignment with best practices.
• Collaborate with department heads to implement and monitor policies across the institution.
• Develop and maintain the University policy library.
• Manage and oversee legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Work with external counsel when necessary and represent the University's interests in legal proceedings.
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with the University’s operations and initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate legal risks and safeguard the University's interests.
• Oversee risk management initiatives for the University.
• Act as Chief Compliance Officer for the University and oversee the University’s compliance program. Serve as principal
Title IX coordinator for the University.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
• Active membership in good standing with a state bar association.
• Minimum 10 years’ legal experience, with experience working in a complex organization and a focus on higher
education law preferred. Health care experience also a plus.
• Strong in-depth knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations applicable to universities.
• Excellent analytical, communication, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and lead a high-performing legal team.
• Ability to travel to the University’s Joplin, MO campus occasionally.
OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal.