Kansas City University is a renowned institution committed to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. As we continue to advance our mission of fostering knowledge and shaping future leaders, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Vice President, Legal and Chief Compliance Officer to join our legal team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing legal guidance and support to ensure the university operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Kansas City University (KCU), founded in 1916, is a fully accredited, private not-for-profit health sciences university with Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences, and a developing College of Dental Medicine. The University offers multiple graduate degrees: a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; a Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology; a Master of Arts in bioethics; a Master of Science in the biomedical sciences; a Master of Business Administration in partnership with Rockhurst University; a new Master of Public Health in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center; and seated the first doctor of dental medicine students in 2023.

The Vice President, Legal and Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for overseeing all legal matters affecting the institution. This includes advising senior leadership, managing legal risks, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. The ideal candidate will possess a strong legal background, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the higher education landscape. The position reports to the Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations. Key accountabilities include:

• Provide legal counsel to the University's senior leadership and various departments on a wide range of legal issues, including strategic initiatives.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting higher education.
• Provide regular updates to the Audit, Ethics and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees and updates to the full Board of Trustees as may be necessary.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts and agreements, including academic collaborations, clinical partnerships, and vendor agreements.
• Ensure that contractual relationships align with the university's strategic goals and legal standards.
• Provide contract administration oversight for the University.
• Develop, review, and update university policies to ensure legal compliance and alignment with best practices.
• Collaborate with department heads to implement and monitor policies across the institution.
• Develop and maintain the University policy library.
• Manage and oversee legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Work with external counsel when necessary and represent the University's interests in legal proceedings.
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with the University’s operations and initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate legal risks and safeguard the University's interests.
• Oversee risk management initiatives for the University.
• Act as Chief Compliance Officer for the University and oversee the University’s compliance program. Serve as principal Title IX coordinator for the University.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
• Active membership in good standing with a state bar association.
• Minimum 10 years’ legal experience, with experience working in a complex organization and a focus on higher education law preferred.
• Demonstrated success in employment, healthcare, real estate, and construction law a plus.
• Strong in-depth knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations applicable to universities.
• Excellent analytical, communication, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and lead a high-performing legal team.
• Ability to travel to the University’s Joplin, MO campus occasionally.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal. Please direct all inquiries to:

OMNI Human Resource Management

Michelle Anderson, Vice President of Executive Search – manderson@omnihrm.com | 913-653-8067

OMNI Human Resource Management is an HR consulting firm with core lines of service in human resources consulting, talent acquisition, and outsourced payroll and benefits. Our Executive Search practice specializes in C-Level, Director, and Management level executive searches for small to mid-size public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment. EEO Employer W/M/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.