Vice President for Enterprise Risk and Operational Effectiveness

Job Description : Please Read

For consideration, please contact our search partner, Ken McGovern, President of KMR Executive Search LLC, at kmcgovern@kmrsearch.com or (860) 404-2526.

The Vice President for Enterprise Risk and Operational Effectiveness 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 works closely with members of leadership to ensure that the enterprise infrastructure and core operations of the University are compliant with established policies, including but not limited to physical and plant; IT enterprise systems and network; risk management processes and frameworks; procurement and contract management; campus safety and emergency operations; compliance with regulatory administration; real estate and other property; and other operational functions. These functions must be efficient, dependable, and aligned with University standards and best practices.

Additionally, as per the Enterprise Risk Management framework and process, this role is responsible for aligning operational processes and practices to ensure that gaps and / or non-existing processes are identified, documented, and treated by the respective risk owners. This person also collaborates closely with the VP for Strategy and Chief of Staff to the President to assist in ensuring that mitigation strategies are aligned with strategic priorities.

This role collaborates with the established Risk Management Working Team and stakeholders to identify, assess, and prioritize institutional risks at the enterprise level. 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. The Vice President ERM also ensures compliance with established risk policies and mitigation strategies, continuously monitoring and reporting on risk status at defined intervals.

Key Responsibilities :

Lead and mature the University’s enterprise risk management framework, promoting a clear understanding of the ERM framework and process.

Integrate risk awareness into operational planning and execution, ensuring a culture of accountability, service orientation, and operational transparency.

Identify vulnerabilities across infrastructure and support services; develop consolidated, enterprise level mitigation strategies as needed.

Ensure risk-informed decision-making in capital planning, vendor relationships, and contingency preparation.

Develop and implement risk assessment, prioritization, and reporting tools—including metrics and dashboards—to effectively communicate risk status and insights.

Ensure operational initiatives improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of institutional operational services.

Drive benchmarking, performance metrics, and continuous process improvement specifically for all enterprise processes identified by the Enterprise Risk Management Committee of the Board of Trustees as part of risk mitigation strategies.

Foster a culture of accountability, service orientation, and operational transparency.

Track emerging risks and compliance requirements, monitoring changes in existing regulations.

Provide best practice guidance to inform risk mitigation strategies and ensure regulatory alignment.

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 start 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 collaborating with committees or working groups on risk and compliance matters.

Ability in data analysis and reporting.

Strong legal and regulatory awareness.

Ability to build relationships and collaborate across functional areas.

Please Read

For consideration, please contact our search partner, Ken McGovern, President of KMR Executive Search LLC, at kmcgovern@kmrsearch.com or or (860) 404-2526.

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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