Career Spotlight: Compliance Manager

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Job opportunities in compliance within all organizations are on the rise. Legal departments across the world are trying to work through new and constantly evolving government regulations. This is especially true in the cannabis industry. If you are detail-oriented, love research and data, and consider yourself a strong leader, then a compliance manager might be the right job for you!

What Does a Compliance Manager Do?

Compliance managers need to stay up to date with new laws and regulations to ensure that the organization they are working for is compliant. Job responsibilities and duties vary depending on the industry, however most positions include the following responsibilities:

  • Implement and manage an effective legal compliance program.
  • Advise management on compliance laws and regulations.
  • Develop and review company policies.
  • Audit company procedures, practices, and documents, and manage effective response plans to these discoveries.
  • Educate all employees on the rules and regulations.
  • Create new processes to ensure the company is compliant.

    • It is also the compliance manager’s responsibility to resolve any employee concerns about legal issues. Many compliance managers are also part of the legal or human resources team at the organization.

    The Importance of Compliance Managers in the Cannabis Industry

    The cannabis industry is new and evolving, therefore a compliance manager is necessary to ensure a successful and legal business. With the constant changes, it is important to have a dedicated person or team to manage all the legal aspects of the business. Some examples of what a compliance manager might be responsible for in the cannabis industry include:

  • Legal responsibilities on how to grow cannabis
  • Creating a tracking system that is compliant
  • Packaging supplies and materials, including information that must be on the label
  • Lab testing

    • These are only a couple of things that a compliance manager is responsible for, and can change depending on what state or county you are working in. Earning a graduate certificate in cannabis control will help you get started as a compliance manager in the cannabis industry.

    How to Become a Compliance Manager

    Compliance manager positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in law, finance, business management, or a related field. While education is important and necessary for this type of role, hiring managers also look for these common traits and qualifications from candidates:

  • Leadership experience. Compliance managers lead a team of analysts, as well as consultants and other specialists. It is imperative for compliance managers to show strong leadership skills, backed by proven experience highlighted on a resume.
  • Strong communication skills. As a compliance manager you work with many different individuals. The ability to explain legal jargon to people who may not be as experienced as you is important for this role, as well as for the leadership team. You are responsible for communicating information to employees in a clear, concise way that makes sense to everyone involved. This can be in written communications, as well as in public speaking
  • Demonstrate integrity. It is critical to have a strong moral compass and be able to make ethical decisions. You are responsible for directing analysts, compliance specialists, and other junior level staff members on how to make sound decisions.
  • Knowledge of laws and regulations. Just like any other job, you must be an expert in your field. A compliance manager’s field is rules, regulations, and laws within the industry. You must have a deep understanding of laws and regulations, and must be aware of updates.
  • Strong team player. As a compliance manager you may lead a team of your own, and work with a bigger team within the organization. A successful compliance manager is patient and works well with other members of the team. For instance, the ability to work with team members who do not have the knowledge of the laws and regulations is of the utmost importance.

    • Many compliance managers start off in an entry level role within the compliance office as an analyst, specialist, or coordinator. This experience, combined with your education, is a great starting point to get to a compliance manager position. While it is not a requirement for all candidates to obtain a graduate degree in business administration, public policy, or a related field, a degree can boost your knowledge and preparedness. To get started, check out Excelsior University’s bachelor’s in business degrees.

    Excelsior University Staff Donate Backpacks

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York—Excelsior University supported two organizations with backpacks and back-to-school supplies this season. The organizations distributed the supplies to the students they serve at community events held recently. Excelsior knows that learning is a lifelong journey and is providing a backpack to young students to help them start this school year with the gear they need.

    “We are grateful for the opportunity to supply backpacks to the elementary, middle, and high school students of our partners at Syracuse Housing Authority as well as those supported through 518 SNUG,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “We believe in the potential of all students at all stages of life. Excelsior is dedicated to helping students of all ages get back to school.”

    Staff at Excelsior University donated backpacks throughout August and are proud to meet the needs of the students from these two organizations. The community engagement group of staff organizes the donation drive annually in hopes that the backpacks meet a useful need to help students starting the school year. The generous support of this initiative also shows that Excelsior believes in their potential.

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    Media Contact Excelsior University:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
    Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

    KeyBank Donation Funds Scholarships for Excelsior Students of Syracuse Housing Authority

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York—Excelsior University is excited to announce a generous donation from KeyBank that will provide Syracuse Housing Authority residents with access to scholarship funds for a degree.

    “Thank you to KeyBank for your generosity and support. Excelsior is committed to access to education for students who are historically underrepresented in higher education,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “These scholarship funds will provide greater access for residents of Syracuse Housing Authority.”

    Excelsior University partnered with Syracuse Housing Authority to offer residents and staff access to affordable higher education. The Degrees Open Doors Scholarship funded by KeyBank makes an Excelsior education even more affordable by funding full scholarships for housing authority residents.

    “Providing access to education, financial guidance and resources are important ways that KeyBank helps the communities we serve to thrive,” said Stephen Fournier, market president of KeyBank Central New York market. “We are proud to partner with the Syracuse Housing Authority and Excelsior University as they launch this innovative program to support students transitioning to college and their ability to complete their college education.”

    “One of the best ways to create opportunities is through continued education, which is why Syracuse Housing Authority is extremely excited to partner with KeyBank and Excelsior College,” said William Simmons, SHA executive director. “These grant funds and financial guidance will allow our residents to complete their educational goals and be a catalyst for financial growth and greater possibilities for themselves and their families.”

    The donation was celebrated by all three organizations on August 31 at the Opening Doors Community event in Wilson Park with residents of Syracuse Housing Authority. Residents attending learned about the opportunity to enroll at Excelsior University, children received a backpack for back-to-school, and pizza and BBQ was available for all.

    # # #

    Media Contact Excelsior University:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
    Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

    Steven Lucas, BS in History, 2002

    Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

    Steven Lucas shares that he, “never thought I would ever earn a college degree. Excelsior University [then Excelsior College] provided me the opportunity to earn my bachelor’s degree while serving as an active duty Marine in 2002. This degree not only served as a stepping stone to lifelong learning, but [also] to professional opportunities of which I never would have dreamed possible.”

    Lucas retired from the military in 2003 and began teaching as a second career, while pursuing a Master of Education. In his career in education, he has also served as a vice principal, principal, and currently as a district superintendent.

    Lucas shared that he wrote this alumni note with the hope someone who is considering Excelsior University will be inspired take the leap into post-secondary or graduate education. “The non-traditional route of earning my degree was the perfect option and has served me well. I thank the professional staff at Excelsior University for getting me started on this path and all they do to make earning a degree a possibility for many like me.”

    Herman Estrada, MPA, 2021

    Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

    Herman Estrada earned a Master in Public Administration at Excelsior University (then Excelsior College) in 2021. He attributes two of his major achievements to Excelsior: “Excelsior College gave me the opportunity, whether it be attaining my bachelor’s or my current achievement—attaining my master’s.”

    Rosanne Raso, BS in Nursing, 1981

    Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

    Rosanne Raso’s career as a nurse leader has apexed in the past few years as a result of the following professional accomplishments: fellowships in the American Academy of Nursing and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, her doctorate (DNP) from Case Western Reserve University, multiple publications of her ongoing leadership science research, bringing her current organization to its initial Magnet designation for nursing excellence, and being editor in chief of Nursing Management journal.

    She attributes much of this to Excelsior: “None of this would be possible without my foundational bachelor’s in nursing from Excelsior (then the Regents External Degree Program—“online” was not invented yet).”

    Ronald Mendell, BS in Liberal Arts, 1978

    Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

    Ronald Mendell is a faculty member at Western Governors University and has taught information security for five years. He earned a master’s degree in Network Security in 2005 from Capitol College. Mendell holds a CISSP designation in Information Security and is a member of the Human Threat Management Council of ASIS International. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1978.

    Gregory Fant, BS in Liberal Arts, 1990

    Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

    Gregory Fant graduated from Excelsior College (then Regents) with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1990. He has since earned a professional certification in data science (CIMP-Data Science) in February 2021 and a PhD in health sciences from Poornima University in India in March 2021. He is a public health epidemiologist in the federal government with 25 years of service. He shares, “I have had a good professional and public service career. …“I could not have done any of it without completing my undergraduate degree. Thanks.”