VP of Compliance & Governance

  • Full Time
  • Charleston, SC
  • September 30, 2026

Website nationenter nation.enterprises

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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 contact
    • Scope: 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 requirements
    • Training: 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 Act
    • Parental 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 regulations
    • COPPA: 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 notices
    • Website privacy policy
    • Mobile app privacy policy
    • Youth participant privacy notice
    • Employee privacy notice
  • Data Governance: Establish data governance framework
    • Data 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 requests
    • Access 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 plan
    • Incident 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 policies
    • Employee 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 laws
    • Minimum 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 programs
    • Anti-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 similar
    • Testing 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 manipulation
    • Monitoring and detection systems
    • Betting patterns analysis
    • Reporting mechanisms
    • Education for athletes, coaches, and officials
    • Disciplinary procedures
  • Gambling Policies: Develop and enforce gambling policies
    • Prohibition 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 meetings
    • Board meeting agendas and minutes
    • Committee meetings (audit, compensation, governance)
    • Annual board calendar
  • Corporate Governance: Establish corporate governance best practices
    • Board 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 assessments
    • Identify 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 program
    • General 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 risks
    • School 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 provisions
    • Indemnification 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 program
    • Whistleblower 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 allegations
    • Whistleblower hotline
    • Email and web reporting
    • In-person reporting
    • Anonymous reporting options
  • Investigation Process: Conduct fair, thorough, and timely investigations
    • Fact-finding and evidence gathering
    • Witness interviews
    • Documentation and record-keeping
    • Findings and recommendations
  • Disciplinary Action: Recommend and oversee disciplinary measures
    • Warnings 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 audits
    • Youth 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 metrics
    • Training 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 board
    • Quarterly 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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