Director of Research Compliance

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) seeks a collaborative and experienced compliance leader to serve as its inaugural Director of Research Compliance within the Office of Compliance and Corporate Integrity (OCCI). Reporting to Bob Mangeot, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, and working in close partnership with Jennifer Pietenpol, Executive Vice President for Research and Chief Scientific and Strategy Officer, the Director will lead VUMC's research compliance program at a pivotal moment for the institution.

VUMC is at a critical juncture. The regulatory landscape is reshaping what ethical research conduct requires while federal research security expectations have never been more demanding. The Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is currently nationally ranked #4 in direct NIH awards, at over $420M. With more than 900 NIH-funded researchers submitting over 3,500 grant and contract proposals annually, the institution has decided to elevate its research compliance function for the first time to the Director level. This role reflects a strategic investment in proactive, enterprise‑level research compliance leadership. The Director will have a singular opportunity to advance and integrate VUMC’s research compliance program, building on an established foundation of institutional support, backed by the full commitment and direct partnership of VUMC's most senior research and compliance leadership from day one.

The incoming Director will be expected to engage, lead, and energize a broad network of compliance stakeholders across a research enterprise of significant scale and complexity. The successful candidate will bring judgment, credibility, and executive presence to steward a high-stakes, evolving portfolio while enabling ethical, compliant, high-quality research. Tasked with shaping a compliance function that will define VUMC’s research posture for years to come, the Director must build trust, community, and culture across the institution.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Randi Herrick and Rebecca Kennedy are leading this search with Ibaad Nazeer and Cortnee Bollard.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center recognizes that diversity is essential for excellence and innovation. They are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and to the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.