Principal Compliance Advisor

The Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance (OARC) is looking for a Principal Advisor – Institutional Compliance to join our team.

In this role, you will be a key partner across Duke University, Duke University Health System, and affiliated entities—helping ensure that Duke maintains a strong, transparent, and highly effective institutional compliance and privacy program. You’ll work closely with Directors, Associate Directors, and colleagues across the university to evaluate business processes, analyze internal controls, and strengthen Duke’s compliance culture.

Every day, you’ll apply your critical thinking, relationship-building skills, and professional judgment to support Duke’s speak-up program, manage institutional disclosures, conduct risk screenings, and lead privacy program activities. This is a meaningful opportunity to grow your expertise while contributing to the integrity and mission of a world-class academic and healthcare enterprise.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, management information systems, or related field.
• At least four years of experience in business or compliance operations, including planning, oversight, and delivery of projects/engagements.
• Strong business acumen, analytical skills, understanding of risk and controls, and experience evaluating business processes.

• Advanced degree in public policy or law.
• Professional license and/or certification in project management, compliance, investigations, or other relevant areas.
• Experience in professional services.
• Demonstrated relationship‑management skills and strong communication abilities.

• May require handling confidential information with diplomacy, sound judgment, and adherence to Duke policy.
• No specific on‑call or licensure requirements are listed, but experience with compliance systems, disclosures, or investigations is beneficial.

This position is hybrid at Duke University in Durham, NC.
(Four days onsite/Fridays remote)

As a Principal Advisor, you will:

• Execute Duke’s Speak-Up program, including incident triage, substantiation, and case management.
• Facilitate Duke’s administrative and financial dual‑interests disclosure and conflict‑management program.
• Conduct third‑party risk assessments, debarment checks, and other institutional compliance services.
• Perform privacy program activities including responding to rights requests, conducting compliance assessments, and coordinating implementation of compliance initiatives.
• Analyze records, interview clients, and assess internal controls, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance with Duke and external requirements.
• Plan and deliver independent compliance advisory engagements informed by risk assessment and project milestones.
• Collaborate with OARC team members, departmental leadership, and other stakeholders to communicate results and drive improvements.

At Duke, you’ll become part of a community committed to excellence, discovery, and continuous improvement. The Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance is a dynamic, engaged, and mission‑focused partner to the institution. You’ll gain broad exposure to university and health system operations, develop meaningful partnerships, and contribute to work that directly supports Duke’s values and strategic goals.

OARC provides a supportive environment for career growth, offering opportunities to expand your expertise in compliance, risk, privacy, and advisory services.

Learn more about Duke University’s https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/ , including health plans, paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, and tuition assistance.

Bachelor's degree in business, economics, management information systems or related field; advanced degree in public policy or law highly desirable.  Professional license and/or certification in project management, compliance, investigation or other relevant professional credentials are strongly preferred.

Successful candidates will possess solid business acumen, well-developed analytical skills, risk and control understanding, strong relationship management abilities and the desire to achieve value-added project outcomes. Position requires at least four years' experience in business or compliance operations, including responsibility for project/engagement planning, oversight and delivery. Experience in professional services is preferred.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchangeof ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve of this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $68,970.00 to USD $127,008.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.