Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Ethics Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about building and maintaining a culture of integrity? This role requires a dedicated Ethics Coordinator to become a cornerstone of our global Ethics & Compliance team. In this pivotal role, you will act as a central point of contact, supporting the operational aspects of our ethics program. You will manage our ethics reporting systems, assist in preliminary inquiries, contribute to impactful training and communication initiatives, and help embed our corporate values into the fabric of our daily operations. This is a fantastic opportunity for a professional with a strong moral compass and a keen eye for detail to grow their career and make a tangible difference in a thriving, values-driven organization.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Paralegal or Legal Assistant
HR Generalist or Coordinator
Junior Internal Auditor or Risk Analyst

Advancement To:

Ethics & Compliance Manager
Senior Investigator, Corporate Conduct
Director of Business Integrity

Lateral Moves:

Risk Management Specialist
HR Business Partner (Employee Relations focus)
Corporate Policy Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the intake and triage process for all reports received through the company's ethics hotline and other reporting channels, ensuring timely acknowledgment and appropriate assignment.
Conduct preliminary inquiries and fact-gathering for allegations of misconduct, including policy violations, conflicts of interest, and other ethical concerns.
Maintain meticulous and confidential records of all cases and inquiries within the case management system, ensuring data accuracy and integrity from opening to closure.
Assist senior investigators and legal counsel in conducting formal internal investigations by scheduling interviews, collecting and organizing evidence, and preparing investigation summaries.
Develop, update, and deliver engaging ethics and compliance training content for new hires and existing employees on the Code of Conduct, anti-corruption, and other key risk areas.
Administer the annual conflict of interest disclosure process, including campaign launch, tracking completion rates, and performing the initial review of submitted disclosures.
Serve as a trusted point of contact for employees seeking guidance on ethical questions, interpreting company policies, and navigating potential dilemmas.
Prepare regular and ad-hoc reports, metrics, and dashboards on ethics program activities, case trends, and training statistics for the Ethics Committee and senior leadership.
Support the periodic review and revision of the Code of Conduct and related ethics and compliance policies to ensure they remain current with laws and best practices.
Coordinate and execute communication campaigns to enhance awareness of the ethics program, promote ethical decision-making, and publicize reporting channels.
Assist in performing ethics and compliance risk assessments across different business units and geographic regions to identify and prioritize potential areas of vulnerability.
Manage the company's gift, hospitality, and entertainment disclosure and pre-approval process, providing guidance to employees and reviewing submissions in a timely manner.
Support third-party due diligence processes by assisting with screening, risk assessment, and ongoing monitoring of suppliers, vendors, and business partners.
Monitor regulatory changes and enforcement trends globally to help ensure the company’s compliance program adapts to new legal requirements and risks.
Help maintain the content on the company's internal ethics and compliance portal, ensuring resources, policies, and training materials are easily accessible to all employees.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including Human Resources, Legal, Internal Audit, and Security, on investigations and program initiatives.
Track and report on the completion status of mandatory ethics and compliance training for all employees, and manage the follow-up process for delinquencies.
Assist in the preparation of materials and presentations for the Board of Directors' Audit and Compliance Committee meetings.
Champion a "speak-up" culture by building trust and reinforcing the company's firm commitment to non-retaliation.
Analyze data from investigations, disclosures, and employee surveys to identify underlying trends, root causes, and opportunities for proactive risk mitigation.
Coordinate the company's "Ethics Ambassador" network, providing them with resources and support to promote integrity within their local teams.

Secondary Functions

Assist in preparing presentations and summary documents for the Board of Directors and senior leadership.
Monitor regulatory developments and industry best practices to inform program enhancements and strategic planning.
Participate in cross-functional committees and working groups related to risk, culture, and corporate responsibility.
Provide general administrative and project support to the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer as required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Case Management Software: Proficiency with ethics and compliance case management systems (e.g., Convercent, NAVEX, OneTrust).
Data Analysis: Strong skills in Microsoft Excel for tracking, analyzing, and reporting on data; experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.
Policy Management: Experience using and administering policy management software and platforms.
Project Management: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello) to track initiatives, deadlines, and deliverables.
MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating compelling presentations and Word for drafting policies and communications.
Regulatory Knowledge: Foundational understanding of key legal and regulatory frameworks such as the FCPA, UK Bribery Act, and whistleblower protection laws.

Soft Skills

Integrity and Discretion: Unquestionable personal integrity and the ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to fact-finding and analysis.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex issues clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Interpersonal Skills: High degree of emotional intelligence and interpersonal savvy to build trust, show empathy, and interact effectively with employees at all levels.
Organization & Prioritization: Superior organizational and time-management abilities to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Resilience: A calm, professional, and resilient demeanor, especially when dealing with stressful or emotionally charged situations.
Cultural Awareness: Global mindset with sensitivity and awareness to effectively navigate a diverse, international business environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree, Juris Doctor (JD), or a relevant professional certification (e.g., CCEP, LPEC).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Business Administration
Law / Pre-Law
Human Resources
Public Policy or a related field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of experience in a compliance, ethics, legal, human resources, or internal audit function.

Preferred: Direct experience working within a corporate ethics and compliance or legal department, with exposure to internal investigations, policy management, and training.