VP of Compliance & Governance

Job description

NCAA Olympic & Youth Sports League – Build a Foundation of Integrity

About Us

We are launching a transformational professional and youth sports league with $2.5 billion in equity capital being raised . Our mission is to revolutionize Olympic sports in America by creating a sustainable ecosystem that spans professional competition, comprehensive youth development, and world-class infrastructure.

Our Scope & Scale:

School Partnerships: Licensing NCAA Division I brands from 50 schools in Year 1, scaling to 300 schools by Year 6

Sports Coverage: 12 Olympic sports (soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, hockey, baseball, softball, and more)

Geographic Reach: 4 regions, 200+ teams competing across the United States

Workforce: 15,000+ employees across 50 states at full scale

Youth Participants: 500,000+ youth athletes (U10-U23) in development programs

Season: Mid-August through mid-May competition schedule

Infrastructure: $5B+ campus development, proprietary transportation, world-class facilities

The Compliance & Governance Imperative:

Regulatory Complexity: Navigate NCAA rules, youth safety regulations, 50+ state employment laws, data privacy regulations, and industry-specific compliance

Youth Protection: Ensure safety and protection of 500K+ minor participants (background checks, SafeSport, COPPA compliance)

NCAA Compliance: Maintain compliance with NCAA regulations while operating professional and youth leagues

Corporate Governance: Establish board governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and corporate controls for $2.5B+ enterprise

Multi-State Operations: Comply with employment, tax, and business regulations across all 50 states

Risk Management: Comprehensive risk identification, mitigation, and insurance across diverse operations

Data Privacy: Protect sensitive data for athletes, youth participants, employees, and business partners (COPPA, GDPR, state privacy laws)

Contracts & Licensing: Oversee 300+ school licensing agreements, thousands of vendor contracts, athlete contracts, and commercial agreements

Ethics & Integrity: Build culture of integrity, competitive fairness, and ethical business practices

This role is the guardian of the organization’s integrity, reputation, and legal compliance—essential for sustainable success.

Position Overview

The VP of Compliance & Governance will be the senior executive responsible for all compliance, regulatory affairs, risk management, corporate governance, and ethics programs. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer (or CEO), you will be the architect of the company’s compliance infrastructure—ensuring the organization operates with the highest standards of integrity while managing complex regulatory requirements.

This role requires a unique combination of legal/compliance expertise, risk management acumen, policy development skills, and the ability to build compliance programs in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.

Compensation Package: $850,000 total compensation

Base Salary: $500,000

Performance Bonus: $150,000 (target, tied to compliance program maturity and zero major violations)

Equity Grant: $200,000 annually (vesting over 4 years)

Key Responsibilities

1. Compliance Strategy & Program Development

Compliance Vision: Develop and execute comprehensive compliance strategy aligned with business objectives and risk profile

Compliance Framework: Design enterprise compliance framework spanning:NCAA Compliance: Rules for school partnerships, athlete eligibility, recruiting

Youth Safety: SafeSport, background checks, child protection policies

Data Privacy: COPPA, GDPR, CCPA, state privacy laws

Employment Law: Multi‑state employment compliance, wage & hour, discrimination, harassment

Sports Integrity: Anti‑doping, match‑fixing prevention, gambling policies

Financial Compliance: SOX controls, financial reporting, audit cooperation

Commercial Compliance: Advertising, marketing, FTC regulations

Environmental, Health & Safety: Workplace safety, campus safety, emergency preparedness

Risk‑Based Approach: Prioritize compliance resources based on risk assessment

Compliance Culture: Build culture where compliance is everyone’s responsibility

Policy Development: Create comprehensive policy library covering all compliance areas

2. NCAA Compliance & School Relations

NCAA Rules Expertise: Deep understanding of NCAA Division I rules and regulations

Compliance Framework: Develop framework ensuring all operations comply with NCAA rules including:Athlete Eligibility: Ensure professional athletes maintain or appropriately forfeit NCAA eligibility

Recruiting Rules: Compliance with recruiting calendars and contact rules

Financial Aid: Navigate scholarship and financial aid implications

Licensing Compliance: Ensure school brand licensing complies with NCAA and university policies

Name, Image, Likeness (NIL): Navigate NIL rules and implications

NCAA Relationship: Serve as primary compliance liaison with NCAA national office

Conference Coordination: Work with conference commissioners on compliance matters

School Compliance: Partner with 300 school compliance offices

Interpretations: Seek NCAA rule interpretations as needed

Monitoring: Monitor NCAA rule changes and adapt policies accordingly

Violations: Manage any NCAA compliance violations or investigations

3. Youth Safety & Protection

Youth Protection Program: Build comprehensive youth protection program for 500K+ minor participants

Background Checks: Implement rigorous background check program for all individuals with youth contactScope: Coaches, volunteers, staff, officials, vendors with youth access

Process: Criminal background checks, sex offender registry checks, abuse registry checks

Frequency: Initial screening plus periodic re‑screening (every 2 years)

Disqualifying Offenses: Clear policies on disqualifying criminal history

SafeSport Compliance: Implement U.S. Center for SafeSport requirementsTraining: Mandatory SafeSport training for all coaches, staff, and volunteers

Reporting: Mandatory reporting of abuse or misconduct

Investigations: Process for investigating and responding to allegations

Disciplinary Action: Consistent disciplinary measures for violations

Youth Policies: Develop youth‑specific policies including:Coach/athlete interaction policies (electronic communications, one‑on‑one meetings, travel)

Locker room and changing area policies

Photography and social media policies

Medical treatment and emergency protocols

Transportation policies

Supervision requirements

COPPA Compliance: Ensure compliance with Children’s Online Privacy Protection ActParental Consent: Verifiable parental consent for collecting data from children under 13

Data Collection: Limit data collection to necessary information

Data Security: Protect children’s personal information

Parent Rights: Enable parents to review, delete, and control their children’s data

4. Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Compliance

Privacy Program: Build comprehensive data privacy and security program

Privacy Laws: Ensure compliance with data privacy regulationsCOPPA: Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (under 13)

GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation (EU participants/visitors)

CCPA/CPRA: California Consumer Privacy Act

State Laws: Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and other state privacy laws

Emerging Laws: Monitor and prepare for new state privacy laws

Privacy Policies: Develop and maintain privacy policies and noticesWebsite privacy policy

Mobile app privacy policy

Youth participant privacy notice

Employee privacy notice

Data Governance: Establish data governance frameworkData Inventory: Catalog what personal data is collected, where stored, and how used

Data Minimization: Collect only necessary data

Retention Policies: Define retention periods and deletion procedures

Access Controls: Limit access to personal data based on role

Rights Management: Process data subject rights requestsAccess requests (right to know)

Deletion requests (right to be forgotten)

Opt-out requests (do not sell)

Correction requests

Vendor Management: Assess and monitor third‑party data processors

Breach Response: Develop and test data breach response planIncident response procedures

Notification requirements (individuals, regulators, media)

Forensic investigation

Remediation and prevention

5. Employment Law Compliance

Multi‑State Compliance: Navigate employment law across 50 states

Employment Policies: Develop and maintain employment policiesEmployee handbook

Anti‑discrimination and harassment policies

Wage and hour policies

Leave policies (FMLA, state leave laws)

Accommodation policies (ADA)

Code of conduct

Social media policy

Whistleblower policy

Classification: Ensure proper employee classification (exempt vs. non‑exempt, employee vs. contractor)

Wage & Hour: Compliance with FLSA and state wage lawsMinimum wage and overtime

Meal and rest breaks

Timekeeping requirements

Pay statement requirements

I‑9 & Immigration: Work authorization verification and immigration compliance

Posters & Notices: Maintain required workplace postings in all locations

EEOC Compliance: Manage EEOC charges and discrimination complaints

Training: Mandatory training programsAnti‑harassment training (managers and employees)

Diversity and inclusion training

Ethics and code of conduct training

6. Sports Integrity & Competitive Compliance

Competitive Integrity: Protect integrity of competition through comprehensive program

Anti‑Doping Program: Implement anti‑doping program in partnership with USADA or similarTesting protocols (in‑competition and out‑of‑competition)

Therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs)

Results management and appeals

Education for athletes and staff

Match‑Fixing Prevention: Program to detect and prevent match‑fixing and manipulationMonitoring and detection systems

Betting patterns analysis

Reporting mechanisms

Education for athletes, coaches, and officials

Disciplinary procedures

Gambling Policies: Develop and enforce gambling policiesProhibition on betting by athletes, coaches, officials, employees

Education on gambling risks

Monitoring for violations

Partnership with betting operators on integrity monitoring

Code of Conduct: Enforce athlete, coach, and staff code of conduct

Disciplinary System: Fair and consistent disciplinary system for rule violations

7. Corporate Governance & Board Support

Board Governance: Support board of directors on governance matters

Board Meetings: Prepare materials and support board and committee meetingsBoard meeting agendas and minutes

Committee meetings (audit, compensation, governance)

Annual board calendar

Corporate Governance: Establish corporate governance best practicesBoard composition and independence

Committee charters

Director onboarding and education

Board evaluation process

Succession planning

Fiduciary Duties: Advise leadership on fiduciary responsibilities

Corporate Records: Maintain corporate records and minute books

Related Party Transactions: Review and approve related party transactions

D&O Insurance: Manage directors and officers liability insurance

Subsidiary Governance: Governance for any subsidiaries or affiliates

8. Risk Management & Insurance

Enterprise Risk Management: Build comprehensive ERM program

Risk Assessment: Conduct enterprise‑wide risk assessmentsIdentify risks across all business functions

Assess likelihood and impact

Prioritize risks for mitigation

Develop risk mitigation strategies

Risk Categories: Strategic Risks: Market changes, competitive threats, partnership failures

Operational Risks: System failures, supply chain disruptions, human error

Financial Risks: Cash flow, fraud, financial reporting

Compliance Risks: Regulatory violations, litigation

Reputational Risks: Public relations crises, social media backlash

Physical Risks: Athlete injuries, facility accidents, natural disasters

Risk Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring and reporting of key risks

Insurance Program: Design and manage comprehensive insurance programGeneral Liability: Commercial general liability insurance

Professional Liability: Errors and omissions, directors and officers

Property: Property and equipment insurance

Workers Compensation: All 50 states

Auto Liability: Fleet and non‑owned vehicle coverage

Cyber Liability: Data breach and cyber incident coverage

Participant Accident: Accident insurance for youth participants

Event Cancellation: Insurance for major events and championships

Excess/Umbrella: Umbrella coverage above primary policies

Claims Management: Oversee insurance claims and litigation

9. Contract Compliance & Management

Contract Oversight: Provide compliance oversight for all major contracts

Contract Review: Review contracts for compliance risksSchool licensing agreements (300+)

Sponsorship agreements

Media rights agreements

Vendor and supplier contracts

Employment and coaching contracts

Facility leases and service agreements

Template Development: Create contract templates with standard compliance provisionsIndemnification clauses

Insurance requirements

Compliance with laws

Data privacy and security

Background check requirements

Termination rights

Contract Training: Train business teams on contract requirements and compliance

Breach Management: Manage contract breaches and disputes

Compliance Certifications: Track required compliance certifications from vendors and partners

10. Internal Controls & Financial Compliance

Internal Controls: Partner with Finance on internal control framework

SOX Compliance: Prepare for potential Sarbanes‑Oxley compliance (if IPO planned)Document financial processes and controls

Test control effectiveness

Remediate control deficiencies

Certifications and disclosures

Fraud Prevention: Develop fraud prevention and detection programWhistleblower hotline

Fraud risk assessment

Investigation procedures

Anti‑fraud training

Audit Coordination: Coordinate with internal and external auditors

Financial Reporting: Review financial statements for compliance issues

Expense Policies: Develop and enforce expense and reimbursement policies

Procurement Compliance: Ensure compliance in procurement processes (vendor selection, bidding, conflicts of interest)

11. Investigations & Enforcement

Investigation Program: Build internal investigation capability

Complaint Intake: Manage intake of compliance complaints and allegationsWhistleblower hotline

Email and web reporting

In‑person reporting

Anonymous reporting options

Investigation Process: Conduct fair, thorough, and timely investigationsFact‑finding and evidence gathering

Witness interviews

Documentation and record‑keeping

Findings and recommendations

Disciplinary Action: Recommend and oversee disciplinary measuresWarnings and counseling

Suspensions and fines

Termination or expulsion

Consistent application of discipline

Remediation: Implement corrective actions following investigations

Reporting: Report investigation findings to senior leadership and board as appropriate

12. Compliance Training & Education

Training Program: Develop comprehensive compliance training program

Training Topics: Code of conduct and ethics

Anti‑harassment and discrimination

Data privacy and security

NCAA compliance (for relevant staff)

Youth safety and SafeSport (for all youth‑facing staff)

Anti‑doping (for athletes and athletic staff)

Gambling and match‑fixing prevention

Whistleblower reporting

Training Delivery: New hire orientation

Annual refresher training

Role‑specific training

Just‑in‑time training (as issues arise)

Online learning management system

In‑person workshops and seminars

Training Tracking: Track completion and maintain records

Effectiveness: Measure training effectiveness through assessments and surveys

13. Monitoring, Auditing & Reporting

Compliance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of compliance with policies and regulations

Audits: Conduct periodic compliance auditsYouth safety program audits

Data privacy audits

Employment compliance audits

Financial compliance audits

SafeSport program audits

NCAA compliance audits

Testing: Test controls and compliance programs

Metrics & KPIs: Track compliance program metricsTraining completion rates

Time to complete background checks

Incident/complaint volumes

Investigation resolution times

Audit findings and remediation

Policy violations and discipline

Reporting: Regular compliance reporting to leadership and boardQuarterly compliance updates

Annual compliance program review

Risk dashboards

Incident reports

Certifications: Manage compliance certifications and attestations

14. Team Building & Leadership

Build Compliance Team: Recruit and lead comprehensive compliance organization

Team Structure: Year 1: 10‑12 compliance professionals

Year 3: 20‑25 compliance professionals

Year 6: 30‑40 compliance professionals

Team Roles: Director of NCAA Compliance

Director of Youth Safety

Director of Privacy & Data Protection

Director of Employment Compliance

Director of Sports Integrity

Compliance Managers (various specialties)

Compliance Analysts

Investigators

Training Coordinator

Regional Support: Deploy regional compliance support as needed

Team Development: Develop high‑performing team with clear goals and career paths

Cross‑Functional Partners: Build strong partnerships with Legal, HR, Finance, Operations

Required Qualifications

Experience:

15+ years in compliance, risk management, legal, or regulatory affairs

7+ years in senior compliance leadership roles (VP, Chief Compliance Officer, or equivalent)

Proven track record building compliance programs in complex, multi‑jurisdictional organizations

Experience with regulatory compliance in sports, youth organizations, or highly regulated industries

Demonstrated success managing multiple compliance domains simultaneously

Compliance Expertise:

Deep expertise in compliance program design, implementation, and maturity

Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks (employment law, data privacy, child protection)

Experience with investigations, enforcement, and disciplinary processes

Understanding of risk management and enterprise risk frameworks

Knowledge of corporate governance and board relations

Sports & Youth Protection:

Experience with youth safety programs, background checks, and child protection

Knowledge of SafeSport or similar youth protection frameworks

Understanding of sports integrity issues (anti‑doping, match‑fixing, gambling)

Familiarity with NCAA or college sports compliance (strongly preferred)

Experience working with athletes, coaches, and sports organizations

Legal & Regulatory:

Strong understanding of employment law across multiple jurisdictions

Deep knowledge of data privacy regulations (COPPA, GDPR, CCPA, state laws)

Experience with government investigations and regulatory inquiries

Understanding of contracts, licensing agreements, and commercial arrangements

JD or equivalent legal training (strongly preferred)

Leadership & Communication:

Exceptional leadership skills with ability to build and inspire compliance teams

Outstanding communication skills (written and verbal) for all audiences

Ability to influence and advise senior executives and board members

Strong judgment and ethical compass

Collaborative approach to working across departments

Education:

JD (Juris Doctor) strongly preferred

Bachelor’s degree required (if not JD)

Compliance certifications preferred (CCEP, CRCM, CRISC, CIPP, or similar)

Preferred Qualifications

Sports Experience: Previous compliance role in professional sports leagues, teams, NCAA, or sports governing bodies

Youth Organizations: Experience with youth sports organizations, camps, or education institutions

SafeSport: Direct experience implementing SafeSport or similar youth protection programs

NCAA Compliance: Experience as NCAA compliance director or conference compliance officer

Multi‑State: Experience managing compliance across multiple states and jurisdictions

Startup/Scale‑up: Compliance leadership in fast‑growing or startup environments

Law Firm Background: Experience at law firm with regulatory or compliance practice

Government: Experience with regulatory agencies (FTC, state attorneys general, etc.)

International: Experience with international compliance (GDPR, international sports regulations)

Certifications: Multiple compliance or privacy certifications (CCEP, CIPP/US, CRISC, etc.)

Success Metrics – First 18 Months

First 90 Days:

Complete comprehensive compliance risk assessment across all business functions

Build initial compliance team (6‑8 core hires)

Develop compliance framework and program charter

Create prioritized compliance roadmap

Establish relationships with key stakeholders (NCAA, SafeSport, regulators, school compliance offices)

Implement hotline and complaint reporting system

Develop initial policy library (code of conduct, youth safety, data privacy, employment)

Design compliance training curriculum

Months 4‑6 (Q2):

Launch youth safety program:Background check process operational for 100% of youth‑facing staff

SafeSport training mandatory and tracking system in place

Youth protection policies published and distributed

Implement data privacy program:Privacy policies published on all platforms

COPPA parental consent process operational

Data inventory and mapping completed

Privacy training for relevant staff

Roll out employment compliance program:Employee handbook finalized

Mandatory training launched (anti‑harassment, code of conduct)

I‑9 and employment verification processes

Establish NCAA compliance framework with school partners

Launch compliance training for all employees

Months 7‑12 (Q3‑Q4):

Zero Major Violations: No significant regulatory violations or enforcement actions

Youth Safety: 100% background check completion for all youth‑facing staff

Training Compliance: 95%+ completion of mandatory compliance training

Policy Implementation: All major policies published and communicated

NCAA Compliance: Zero NCAA violations; strong relationships with NCAA and schools

Incident Management: Establish 30‑day average investigation resolution time

Risk Management: Complete insurance program design and placement

Audit Program: Complete first round of compliance audits (youth safety, privacy, employment)

Board Reporting: Establish quarterly compliance reporting to board

Months 13‑18 (Year 2, Q1‑Q2):

Scale compliance team to 15‑20 professionals

Achieve compliance program maturity level: “Defined” or higher

Implement automated compliance monitoring and reporting systems

Launch advanced training programs (scenario‑based, role‑specific)

Complete first full‑cycle compliance audits across all major areas

Achieve 98%+ mandatory training completion

Zero substantiated youth safety incidents

Strong compliance culture survey results (85%+ positive)

Prepare for potential SOX readiness assessment (if IPO planned)

Achieve industry recognition (speaking engagements, thought leadership)

Why This Role is Exceptional

Build From Scratch:

Greenfield opportunity to build world‑class compliance program from the ground up

Freedom to design programs using best practices without legacy constraints

Opportunity to establish compliance culture from day one

No inherited compliance issues or problems to remediate

Critical Organizational Impact:

Compliance is foundational to league’s success and reputation

Protect 500K+ youth participants through robust safety programs

Enable $2.5B business to operate with confidence and integrity

Safeguard partnerships with 300 schools through NCAA compliance

Complex & Challenging:

Unique combination of professional sports, youth programs, and NCAA partnerships

Multi‑jurisdictional compliance (50 states, international)

Cutting‑edge issues (data privacy, sports integrity, NIL)

Broad scope spanning multiple compliance domains

High visibility and executive engagement

Resources & Support:

$2.5B in equity capital being raised demonstrates commitment to doing things right

Strong executive support for compliance and ethics

Resources to build best‑in‑class programs and hire top talent

Authority to implement comprehensive compliance infrastructure

Compensation & Upside:

Highly competitive compensation package ($850K total)

Significant performance bonus tied to program success ($150K target)

Substantial equity upside as league grows

Potential for advancement to Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel roles

Professional Growth:

Build comprehensive compliance expertise across multiple domains

Become thought leader in sports compliance and youth protection

Develop extensive network in NCAA, sports governance, and compliance communities

Gain unique experience at intersection of professional sports, youth development, and college athletics

Legacy & Impact:

Your compliance programs will protect hundreds of thousands of youth athletes

Establish integrity standards that influence sports industry

Build model compliance program that others will emulate

Create safe, ethical, compliant organization that transforms Olympic sports

Application Process

Timeline:

Applications Reviewed: Rolling basis, priority given to early applications

First Round: Virtual interviews with Chief Legal Officer and COO (1 hour)

Second Round: Full‑day onsite with executive team including CEO, CFO, CRO, VP HR

Third Round (if applicable): Meetings with board members (audit committee, governance committee)

Final Round: Case presentation on compliance strategy including:Year 1 compliance priorities and roadmap

Youth safety program design

NCAA compliance framework

Data privacy program approach

Organizational structure for compliance team

Key risks and mitigation strategies

Compliance program maturity plan

Offer: Anticipated by Q4 2026

What to Include:

Resume highlighting compliance leadership experience and accomplishments

Cover letter addressing:Your most significant compliance achievements (program builds, crisis management, risk mitigation)

Your experience with youth safety and protection programs

Your understanding of NCAA compliance or college sports regulations

Your approach to building compliance programs from scratch

Why you’re passionate about integrity in sports and this opportunity

3‑5 professional references from compliance or legal roles (please do not contact without permission)

Optional: Brief POV (2‑3 pages) on compliance program priorities, youth safety approach, or key compliance risks for the league

Confidentiality: Please indicate in your cover letter if you require discretion during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to build a world‑class compliance program. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

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Who can apply

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