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This position is responsible for administration of policy, compliance, ethics, and Programmatic Agreements.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Office of Policy, Compliance, and Programmatic Agreements (PCPA), within the Office of the Controller and Business Services (OCBS), provides leadership for UC ANR policies, compliance obligations, and programmatic agreements, including memoranda of understanding (MOUs). The Director ensures UC ANR's statewide, regional, and county operations comply with University policy and state and federal law, while applying expert knowledge of University of California (UC) policies and regulatory requirements to guide contract terms, agreements, and governance decisions.

The Director is the division's central resource for all policy matters. The Director oversees policy development, compliance reviews, and programmatic updates. The role includes evaluating emerging laws and regulations, managing delegations of authority, overseeing conflict of interest reporting, and ensuring compliance with state information and transparency laws. The Director also leads UC ANR's records management and privacy programs to promote consistent and lawful information practices.

The Director acts as liaison with the Office of the General Counsel and UCOP administrative offices, advising senior leadership on legal, compliance, and procedural matters. The Director supports the UC ANR Controller, who serves as Campus Ethics and Compliance Officer (CECO) and Locally Designated Official (LDO). The Director contributes to systemwide committees, task forces, and delivers compliance training for UC ANR staff as needed.

In addition, the Director is responsible for the recruitment, supervision, training, and evaluation of unit staff. In this role, the Director fosters a culture of service excellence, accountability, and technological proficiency in support of UC ANR's mission.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

The home department for this position is Imm Office Controller Business Services. While this position normally is based in Davis, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $93,200/year to $133,700/year

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 10/20/2025.

Key Responsibilities:

25%

Project Policy Analysis: Lead the planning, development, and administration of UC ANR policies. Oversee the policy management system and ensure alignment with University-wide standards and applicable laws. Serve as liaison to the UC Office of the President and Systemwide Policy Officers.

20%

Ethics & Compliance: Provide leadership in compliance, governance, and accountability frameworks. Promote a culture of safety, equity, and ethical conduct through policies, training, and oversight. Develops and coordinates policy communications; formulates strategies for education, analysis and implementation. Ensure organizational practices align with applicable laws and University standards.

20%

Public Accountability and Governance: Oversee records management policies and practices to ensure efficiency, consistency, and compliance. Establish process & guidelines for the retention and disposition of University records. Research and summarize best practices in the field.

15%

General Administration: Guide the resolution of complex procedural issues and facilitate organizational improvements. Proposes and leads policy and planning committees and working groups. Manage and develop a professional staff team. Provides direction & manage professional staff in project, research and / or policy analyses, setting responsibility for results in terms of costs, methods, and resources. Provide highly complex analytical and interpretive support to the Controller and senior managers, serve as primary support to the Controller as needed, and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and UC policies.

10%

MOUs and Programmatic agreements: Involves structuring, and/or administering contracts and agreements, including MOUs and leases. Ensure compliance with University policies, state, and federal regulations. Collaborate with stakeholders and engage subject-matter experts as needed.

10%

Legal liaison: Serve as liaison with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). Advise senior leadership on legal and procedural matters to reduce risk and disruption to ANR Programs and operations. Support OGC attorneys and consult on quasi-legal issues.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

2. Comprehensive knowledge of ethics and compliance, including professional standards, internal controls, investigation practices, and applicable state and federal laws, as well as organizational processes, policies, and procedures in large, complex institutions.

3. Demonstrated project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives, evaluate risks, develop solutions, and ensure compliance with organizational priorities and requirements.

4. Strong ability to analyze legal documents, conduct policy analysis, and translate complex requirements into clear, actionable recommendations.

5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief leadership, guide staff, and engage effectively across all organizational levels and stakeholder groups.

6. Professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in managing sensitive issues and fostering collaborative, solutions-oriented outcomes with faculty, staff, management, legal representatives, and external partners.

7. Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to guide, develop, and evaluate staff while fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, compliance, and service excellence.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, MPA, or related field) or equivalent experience in policy, compliance, or legal administration.
• Professional certification(s) in compliance, ethics, auditing, or related areas (e.g., CCEP, CIA, CCEP-I).

• Demonstrated experience in higher education, research administration, or large public institutions with complex governance structures.

• Familiarity with the University of California's policies, systems, and administrative processes.

• Experience with public records laws.

• Skills, knowledge, and experience with internal workplace investigations and monitors or mentors internal and external investigations.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

    • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

This is a courtesy posting for a UC Agriculture and Natural Resource position.

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