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EXEC DIR INTERNAL AUDIT & ASSURANCE SVS
Job Title: EXEC DIR INTERNAL AUDIT & ASSURANCE SVS
Job Code: 1151
FLSA: E
Job Level: 98
Revised Date: 11/01/2025
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Office of Audit Risk and Compliance (OARC) is a dynamic risk and controls assurance partner for Duke University, Duke University Health System and their affiliated entities ("Duke"). OARC performs operational, financial compliance and information technology assessments to evaluate business processes and technology systems for efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy. OARC also conducts advisory engagements focused on risk assessment, root cause analysis, performance metrics, process design and technology pre implementation. OARC Directors share responsibility for the operational, financial, compliance and information technology assurance plans. The Director reports to the Chief Audit, Risk and Compliance Officer.
The Executive Director leads and coordinates the integrated internal audit work plan for all Duke entities - university (DUz0, health system (DUHS) and investment management company (DUMAC). This leadership role is supported by a senior associate director, audit managers and principal auditors. The Executive Director also collaborates with executives, senior leadership, functional managers, and process owners to assess risks, evaluate the current internal control environment and business activities, test the efficacy of risk management and compliance outcomes, advise on planning for future process changes or technology system upgrades, and consider the potential effects of emerging risks areas.
The Executive Director is responsible for building and maintaining professional relationships with key stakeholders, participating on interdisciplinary committees and working groups, being active in appropriate professional organizations and representing Duke in the internal, local and national communities. The Executive Director must be a seasoned strategic thinker and purpose-driven professional who is comfortable with ambiguity, facile with organizational dynamics, willing to be adaptable and flexible, values coaching and mentoring, and exercises independent thought and self-motivation.
Work Performed
Develop and oversee delivery of an agile, comprehensive internal audit engagement work plan using risk analyses and discussion with senior leaders and management representatives.
Communicate the engagement work, results, risk trends and proposed changes to the annual plan to the audit and compliance committees for DU, DUHS and DUMAC at each meeting.
Implement the annual engagement work plan, as approved by the audit and compliance committees, including any special tasks or projects that arise during the plan year.
Maintain and develop a professional staff with sufficient knowledge, skills, experience, and professional certifications to perform engagements in compliance with applicable professional standards.
Facilitate risk assessment processes or assist management with risk assessment initiatives as part of the enterprise-wide risk management effort.
Provide assessments on the adequacy and effectiveness of processes for controlling business and compliance activities and managing risks based on audits performed.
Report issues and observations related to the processes for controlling the business and compliance activities, including potential improvements to those processes, and provide information concerning such issues through resolution.
Perform advisory engagements to assist management in meeting its objectives. Examples may include facilitation, process design, training and other similar services.
Lead the investigation of significant suspected fraudulent activities within the organization.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein or as assigned by the Chief Audit, Risk and Compliance Officer.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Work requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, business, legal studies or other closely-related field of study. Relevant professional certification is required. Candidates with experience in auditing/assurance services or significant experience directly related to the position are strongly preferred. Additionally, those with industry-recognized certifications will be considered favorably.
Experience
Work requires 10 years of relevant work experience, showcasing a proven track record in successfully leading, managing, and developing high- performing teams in complex and dynamic environments. Exceptional communication and presentation skills are essential, specifically in interactions with governing boards, senior leadership, and functional area management. The ideal candidate will have current experience in the not-for-profit industry, preferably within a comprehensive top-tier research university or academic medical center setting.
Skills
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
