Overview

Reporting to the Associate Provost for Research Integrity and Compliance (AP-RIC), the Executive Director, Research Integrity and Compliance is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing policies, procedures, and programs related to research integrity, ethics, compliance, research conflicts of interest and commitment, and research security. This includes oversight of the Responsible Conduct of Research Program, Research Compliance and Quality Assurance Program, and Research Conflict of Interest Program. The Executive Director provides leadership on research compliance across the GW research enterprise and facilitates training on research ethics and compliance. The role partners with the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance to support the GW research enterprise within a changing regulatory environment. The Executive Director also serves as the institution\'s Research Integrity Officer, conducts investigations into allegations of research misconduct, and develops/maintains education and training in responsible and ethical conduct of research in accordance with GW and federal requirements. The position leads corrective and preventative actions as needed and represents GW with external regulators and stakeholders. The Executive Director oversees department staff, ensures quality and efficiency, manages budget and staffing decisions, and implements policies to ensure a safe and ethical work environment. It also ensures training, monitoring and operations initiatives comply with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.

Specific responsibilities include leading and coordinating with stakeholders to enhance the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance\'s mission and impact.

Responsibilities

• Direct, develop and implement strategic and operational institutional policies and procedures related to research compliance; stay current with regulatory changes; advise on policy, procedural, and resource needs; develop standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and institutional requirements including reporting and certification.
• Develop, implement and direct a research compliance, quality assurance and monitoring function across the GW enterprise, including internal assessments of regulatory reviews and approvals (e.g., minutes, review procedures).
• Facilitate and ensure the appropriate implementation of the process for addressing allegations of research misconduct.
• Oversee the development of responsible and ethical conduct of research (RCR) programming, including RCR education and training for faculty, staff, and students; provide related resources to support responsible research conduct.
• Participate as a senior leader in the development and maintenance of a robust research conflict of interest program, including policy development and education on disclosure requirements in line with federal sponsor expectations and GW policy.
• Participate as a senior leader in the development and maintenance of a robust research security program, including policy development and education on disclosure requirements in line with federal sponsor expectations and GW policy.
• Participate as a senior leader in the development and maintenance of an export control program in collaboration with university partners; assist OVPR and other GW offices to establish web pages and related communications.
• Supervise research compliance officers with responsibilities for research-related conflicts of interest/commitment, data use agreements, data management plans, and related programming across the research enterprise.
• Provide leadership and engagement by conducting regular department meetings, performance appraisals, new hire feedback, coaching, and recognition to achieve outcomes.
• Facilitate inspection of regulatory committee activity and on-site research facilities by regulatory agencies during investigations and audits.
• Identify opportunities to build strategic relationships and drive cross-department collaboration to achieve business goals; lead or participate in process improvements as needed.
• Oversee department operations, projects, schedules and activities to meet goals within timeframes; set priorities and standards; guide staff to ensure high-quality service and satisfaction.
• Promote safe and high-quality outcomes by optimizing department workflow and operations; implement process improvements using lean principles; model situational awareness and safety.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve operations; lead unit projects and task forces; represent AP-RIC in external meetings as appropriate; drive change and adapt to new structures and cultures; partner with stakeholders.
• Engage in career development with management; maintain an individual development plan (IDP) and discuss staff development.
• Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the role.

To carry out these duties, the Executive Director will work with AP-RIC, OVPR leadership, Office of General Counsel, the Office of Ethics, Compliance and Risk, the Office of Sponsored Projects, Information Technology, and other offices as necessary; build relationships with related institutional offices and engage GW research community members, including research deans.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor\'s degree in an appropriate area plus 10 years of relevant professional experience; a Master\'s degree or higher in a related field is preferred. At least 2 years of senior leadership/executive-level experience is required. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications

Additional required licenses/certifications or posting-specific minimum qualifications are not listed beyond the above requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten years of substantive experience in research compliance in higher education, a research institute, or a government regulatory agency with a focus on research integrity.
• Experience in a higher education setting.
• Expertise in at least two research compliance areas with working knowledge of others.
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies, accreditation, or oversight organizations.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and integrity.
• Graduate degree in the sciences or law.
• Experience managing internal investigations.
• Experience designing RCR programming.
• Experience engaging with leadership and stakeholders on operational elements.
• Supervisory/managerial experience.

Hiring Range

$138,128.76 - $240,315.85

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Job Details

• Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
• College/School/Department: Office Vice President of Research (OVPR)
• Family: Research Administration
• Sub-Family: Research Compliance
• Stream: Executive
• Level: Level 1
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Hours Per Week: 40+
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM
• Onsite Requirement: Yes (Hybrid)
• Telework: Yes
• Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, SSN Trace, Sex Offender Registry Search
• Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
• Internal Applicants Only?: No
• Posting Number: S013841
• Job Open Date: 09/25/2025
• Job Close Date:
• Background Screening: Successful completion of a background screening required
• EEO Statement: The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.