Manager, Conflict of Interest - UBC, Vancouver

Responsibilities

The Manager, Conflict of Interest, plays a pivotal role within the Office of the University Counsel at UBC, leading the comprehensive analysis and review of the University’s complex COI Policy (SC3) and related matters. This position is central to promoting awareness, ensuring compliance, and enhancing the effectiveness of the policy across the university community, working closely with the University Counsel and the Conflict of Interest Committee.

• Lead and coordinate the analysis of complex, significant, or unique conflict of interest cases on behalf of the Office of the University Counsel.
• Present findings on issues and concerns to legal counsel for assessment and direction regarding policy implications, potential mitigations, or procedural responses.
• Engage with Deans, Department Heads, Senior Managers, and other units across the university to clarify concerns and source relevant information on conflict of interest issues.
• Lead in-depth analysis of collected information, identify issues and sensitive cases with significant implications for the integrity and reputation of the University, and prioritize risks.
• Consult with legal counsel, external counsel, and other providers to understand and formulate strategies to respond to complex, significant, or unique cases.
• Present issues for consideration by the Conflict of Interest Committee, developing recommendations for risk mitigation and conflict management.
• Advise senior administrators on the development of appropriate conflict management strategies.
• Provide high-level reports on COI Policy files and other relevant policies.
• Oversee the implementation of case advice from legal counsel, external counsel, or the COI Committee.
• Initiate, develop, and lead significant initiatives to improve the operations and efficiency of the Conflict of Interest area within the OUC.
• Collaborate with peers at UBC and other research universities to leverage broad experience and align best practice regarding COI policy development, risks, case analysis, management plans, and administrative procedures.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments on training and policy awareness requirements across the University, developing training programs, systems, and resources.
• Lead the review process for conflict of interest related policies.
• Manage expenses associated with COI initiatives and activities.
• Provide operational oversight for the Conflict of Interest Committee, including maintaining committee membership and coordinating bi-monthly meetings.
• Monitor the operational effectiveness of the University’s administrative systems for receiving, tracking, reporting, and handling disclosures of conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment in both the Researcher Information System (RISe) and Workday (WD).
• Supervise the Conflict of Interest Administrator, providing guidance and direction.

Qualifications

To succeed in this critical role, candidates should possess a strong foundation in relevant disciplines and demonstrable professional experience, particularly within an administrative or university setting, coupled with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of three years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience with administrative bodies (preferably within a university environment) is preferred.
• Knowledge of UBC policies and procedures is preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational experience is preferred.
• Public speaking experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of conflict of interest principles is preferred.
• Ability to manage implementation of computer software systems is preferred.
• Essential skills include attention to detail; ability to exercise judgement, tact, and discretion; and effective organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

About the Employer

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, believing it is essential for achieving excellence in research, innovation, and learning. UBC offers a rewarding career environment where employment equity supports inclusion and fairness, bringing rich diversity to the university as a workplace.

The Office of the University Counsel (OUC) provides essential legal advice and services to UBC. Its mission is to apply sound judgment, thoughtful analysis, and constructive advice to help identify and manage risk, legal and otherwise. The OUC delivers timely, pragmatic, and proactive legal advice and works with academic and administrative units to streamline legal processes wherever appropriate.