Program Manager - Conflict of Interest Compliance

Posting TitleProgram Manager - Conflict of Interest Compliance

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypeRegular

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NREL

From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.

Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.

We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.

Job Description

The COI Compliance Program Manager will lead and evolve NREL’s Conflicts of Interest Compliance Program, including policy development, evaluation of personal and organizational conflicts, review of outside activity requests, and compliance with ethical standards, Prime Contract obligations, and regulatory requirements. This role sets strategic direction, provides organization-wide leadership on conflict management, and ensures the program adapts to NREL’s needs and regulatory changes.
 

The COI Compliance Program Manager makes impactful decisions that safeguard NREL’s integrity and reputation, applying extensive expertise to create innovative solutions for complex issues.

This position reports to the Assistant General Counsel (AGC) and collaborates with other laboratory counsel, as well as management and staff across all levels within NREL. The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Implementing, leading, and strategically developing NREL’s Conflicts of Interest Compliance Program. This includes setting objectives, operational strategies, and refining procedures to align with evolving regulatory and organizational needs. This role provides strategic direction with minimal supervision, ensuring decisions positively impact long-term compliance and the organization's reputation.
• Managing comprehensive analyses of potential conflicts of interest involving laboratory staff by identifying and evaluating relationships, financial interests, and affiliations.
• Assesses risk levels based on regulatory guidelines, institutional policies, and ethical implications. Recommend tailored resolutions or mitigation strategies to ensure compliance and maintain an ethical work environment.
• Document findings and recommendations for future reference and lead follow-up initiatives to monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions.
• Collaborates with senior management, legal counsel, NREL staff and external stakeholders to develop conflict mitigation strategies.
• Leads complex negotiations and problem-solving efforts, ensuring potential conflicts are resolved in alignment with NREL’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Provides training and leadership on conflict of interest compliance.
• Establishes NREL’s long-term ethical framework by guiding compliance strategies and developing comprehensive training programs to equip staff with the knowledge to manage potential conflicts effectively.
• Serves as NREL’s primary contact for COI-related matters, this role involves developing reports and presentations on the COI program’s effectiveness.

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Basic QualificationsRelevant Bachelor's Degree and 9 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Master's Degree and 7 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant PhD and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant JD and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Applies extensive technical expertise, and has full knowledge of other related disciplines. Contributes to the development of new concepts, techniques and standards. Considered internal subject matter expert. Extensive knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, procedures and practices related to specific field. Excellent leadership, project management and problem solving skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing compliance programs, including conducting conflict of interest assessments, developing mitigation strategies, and ensuring legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance.  
• In-depth knowledge of legal and ethical standards related to conflicts of interest and regulatory compliance, with strong analytical and risk assessment skills for evaluating complex conflicts and creating mitigation strategies.  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with senior management, legal counsel, and external stakeholders.  
• Strong leadership, mentoring abilities, task prioritization, and the capacity to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment are essential.
• High confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information are required.
• Proficiency in compliance management software and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Proficiency in data analysis software for analyzing complex datasets related to employee activities; familiarity with database software for managing and updating COI information.
• Expertise in document management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Documentum) for secure document storage and retrieval.
• Proficiency with electronic communication tools (e.g., Email, Microsoft Teams) for effective communication across NREL and with external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration, Master’s in Compliance and Ethics,  Master’s in Public Administration or Public Policy, Master’s in Legal 
  Studies, Master’s in Risk Management or Juris Doctor (this position is not 
  an attorney position and does not involve the practice of law)
• Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), or Project Management Professional (PMP)

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Professional IV / Annual Salary Range: $95,500 - $171,900

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging RequirementNREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

EEO is the Law | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Reasonable Accommodations

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