Description:

About the role:
We are seeking an accomplished Associate General Counsel, Ethics & Compliance Investigations to lead our enterprise Ethics & Compliance investigations program. Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, this highly visible leadership role will set the strategy and standards for investigations, oversee the Ethics & Compliance Hotline and complex, high-risk matters, and translate investigation findings and trends into meaningful organizational improvements. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, this leader will partner across Legal, Human Resources, Compliance, and the business while developing the Internal Investigations function and strengthening a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

Your Impact:
Set the strategy and operating standards for Neurocrine's enterprise Ethics & Compliance investigations program, ensuring matters are addressed objectively, consistently, and effectively
Advise senior leaders on complex legal, regulatory, reputational, and employee-relations matters and provide the Compliance Committee and Board with insights into emerging risks and investigation trends
Translate investigation findings and root causes into meaningful improvements to policies, controls, training, processes, and overall compliance program effectiveness
Lead the Enterprise Investigations Program
Develop and continuously strengthen investigation governance, policies, methodologies, documentation standards, quality assurance processes, and investigative best practices
Ensure investigations are conducted consistently, objectively, confidentially, and in accordance with Company policies, applicable laws, and regulatory expectations
Oversee Hotline, Intake & Case Governance
Oversee the Ethics & Compliance Hotline and other reporting channels, including case intake, risk assessment, triage, prioritization, escalation, and assignment
Establish metrics and service standards to monitor investigation timeliness, quality, resolution, and overall program effectiveness
Direct Complex & High-Risk Investigations
Lead or oversee sensitive investigations involving potential violations of the Code of Conduct, Company policies, healthcare laws, anti-corruption requirements, privacy requirements, and other legal or regulatory obligations
Develop investigation strategies; oversee interviews, evidence collection and analysis; prepare executive-level findings and recommendations; and manage outside counsel and external advisors as appropriate
Drive Corrective Action & Organizational Learning
Partner with Human Resources, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders on corrective actions, remediation plans, and appropriate disciplinary recommendations
Conduct root cause analyses and use investigation findings and trends to strengthen controls, policies, procedures, training, and broader compliance program effectiveness
Advance Program Strategy & Continuous Improvement
Develop investigation metrics, dashboards, and trend analyses for executive leadership, the Compliance Committee, and the Board, translating emerging risks into proactive program enhancements
Oversee investigation technologies and case management processes and support audits, regulatory inspections, government inquiries, and investigations as appropriate
Lead & Develop Talent
Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the Internal Investigations team while establishing clear priorities, performance expectations, and development plans
Foster a high-performing culture grounded in integrity, accountability, collaboration, sound judgment, and continuous improvement

Requirements:

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
10+ years of progressively responsible legal experience, including significant experience conducting and overseeing internal compliance investigations within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or another highly regulated industry
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction is required
Deep expertise leading corporate Ethics & Compliance investigations programs in highly regulated environments, including Hotline governance, risk-based triage, complex investigations, case management, and program governance
Extensive knowledge of healthcare compliance requirements, including the Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, FDA regulatory requirements, FCPA, and other applicable healthcare laws and regulations
Exceptional investigative and business judgment, with the ability to assess sensitive allegations, develop investigation strategies, evaluate evidence, conduct root cause analysis, and communicate objective, well-supported conclusions
Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior leaders, governance committees, and Boards while maintaining independence, credibility, discretion, and sound judgment
Proven people leadership and cross-functional influence, including developing experienced professionals, leading through change, building consensus, and managing outside counsel and external investigation resources