Compliance Officer

Compliance Officer Job Description

Job Summary

Oversees legal and operational compliance across all organizational activities, with primary focus on fiscal sponsorship agreements. Ensures that sponsored projects, employment practices, and operational procedures adhere to relevant regulations, grant guidelines, and internal policies to maintain Onward!'s integrity and tax-exempt status. This position requires local travel to various locations (less than 25% of time) to conduct compliance audits and site inspections.

Reports To

Chief Executive Officer

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance Monitoring

• Review sponsored project activities regularly to ensure alignment with stated missions and compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Conduct due diligence on potential sponsored projects before entering into fiscal sponsorship agreements
• Identify and manage potential conflicts of interest, addressing concerns promptly
• Ensure proper recordkeeping and documentation for all sponsored projects
• Investigate potential compliance violations, document findings, and recommend corrective actions

Contract Management

• Review and negotiate fiscal sponsorship agreements, clearly outlining responsibilities and compliance expectations
• Ensure sponsored projects adhere to the terms of grant agreements and contracts with funders
• Monitor contract compliance and maintain documentation of all agreements

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare compliance reports for Onward!'s board and management team, highlighting key compliance risks and areas for improvement
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify potential issues and proactively address compliance concerns
• Track and report on compliance metrics and key performance indicators

Stakeholder Management

• Provide guidance and support to sponsored projects on compliance matters, including training on relevant regulations and best practices
• Collaborate with Onward!'s legal counsel to address complex compliance issues
• Maintain open communication with funders and regulatory agencies regarding compliance matters
• Serve as primary compliance contact for internal and external stakeholders

Policy Development

• Create and maintain organizational policies and procedures that align with legal requirements and industry best practices
• Review and update policies regularly to reflect changes in regulations and operational needs
• Ensure policies are effectively communicated and implemented across the organization

Risk Assessment

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify areas of potential non-compliance and prioritize mitigation strategies
• Maintain proper insurance coverage for all grant contracts and organizational activities
• Develop and implement risk management frameworks and controls

HR Compliance

• Create and update compliance programs that align with employment law requirements
• Provide training to HR staff, managers, and employees on compliance-related topics and best practices
• Monitor strategies to minimize legal risks associated with employment law
• Support investigation and resolution of employee complaints or concerns related to compliance
• Ensure proper record-keeping practices for employee information and related documentation
• Verify that employee benefit plans and compensation structures comply with applicable regulations

Operational Compliance

• Conduct site visits to ensure proper signage per employment and safety laws is maintained at all locations
• Monitor insurance coverage across all facilities and operations
• Perform on-site equipment inventory for each location as required for insurance purposes

Whistleblower Program

• Manage whistleblower reporting system and ensure all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved
• Maintain confidentiality and protect whistleblowers from retaliation
• Document investigations and implement corrective actions as needed

Other Duties

• Perform other compliance-related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Accounting, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field  or equivalent experience required

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of compliance experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector
• Experience with fiscal sponsorship models and nonprofit financial management
• Demonstrated experience conducting audits and reviews of compliance data

Required Skills and Abilities

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, grant compliance, and relevant tax laws
• In-depth knowledge of legal frameworks governing nonprofit operations, including fiscal sponsorship agreements
• Familiarity with nonprofit compliance regulations at federal, state, and local levels
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations
• Proficiency with compliance management software and databases

Professional Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with sponsored projects and internal stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to conduct thorough investigations and document findings clearly
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Physical Requirements

This position requires both office work and local travel to multiple locations for compliance audits. Physical requirements include:

• Local travel to conduct site inspections and equipment inventories (less than 25% of time)
• Valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle required
• Ability to walk, stand, and climb stairs during facility audits
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to use computer and read documents for extended periods
• Visual acuity to inspect signage, equipment, and documentation

Compensation and Benefits

Position Details: Part-time, 20 hours per week with flexible scheduling

Salary Range: $28-30 per hour ($29,120-$31,200 annually based on 20 hours/week)

Benefits:

• Eligible to participate in company-sponsored SIMPLE retirement plan after 60 days
• Mileage reimbursement provided for approved business travel

Growth Opportunity: This position has potential to expand to full-time based on organizational needs and performance

Onward! is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.