Ethics Program Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era marked by ethical complexity, the role of Ethics Program Coordinators has never been more critical.
As society continues to evolve, so does the need for skilled professionals who can navigate, develop, and protect our ethical guidelines and corporate practices.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an Ethics Program Coordinator?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core requirements of this role,
- A hiring manager drafting the perfect job specification,
- Or simply fascinated by the function of ethics coordination,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Ethics Program Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s get started.
Ethics Program Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities
Ethics Program Coordinators play a crucial role in establishing, implementing, and maintaining an organization’s ethical conduct standards.
Their main role is to ensure the organization complies with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Develop and implement ethics and compliance programs
- Ensure the organization’s policies align with ethical standards and regulations
- Coordinate ethics training programs for employees
- Provide guidance to management on ethical issues and potential risks
- Conduct ethics audits and investigations to ensure compliance
- Report on the progress of the ethics program to the management
- Manage allegations of misconduct and ethical breaches
- Revise programs and policies as necessary to improve the organization’s ethical conduct
- Maintain a database of ethics-related incidents and resolutions
- Stay current with changes in laws and regulations that may affect the organization’s ethics program
Ethics Program Coordinator Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Ethics Program Coordinator to develop, implement, and oversee our company’s ethics program.
This position involves promoting ethical culture and integrity in the workplace, coordinating ethics training, and handling any reports or investigations of unethical conduct.
The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, excellent communication, and a deep understanding of legal and ethical standards within a corporate environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement an effective ethics program for the organization.
- Coordinate and conduct ethics training sessions for all employees.
- Provide advice on ethical matters and potential risk areas.
- Manage reporting mechanisms for unethical conduct and oversee subsequent investigations.
- Promote a culture of integrity and ethical conduct in the workplace.
- Monitor compliance with the ethics program and make improvements as needed.
- Collaborate with various departments to ensure alignment of ethics policies with business objectives.
- Prepare and present reports on the effectiveness of the ethics program to senior management.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as an Ethics Program Coordinator or similar role.
- Solid understanding of legal and ethical standards within a corporate environment.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Degree in Law, Business Administration, or relevant field.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Ethics Program Coordinator
- Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for training or meetings.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Compliance Officer or relevant senior management.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Ethics Program Coordinator Do?
Ethics Program Coordinators typically work in businesses across sectors including healthcare, finance, technology, and education.
They may also work for government agencies or non-profit organizations.
Their primary responsibility is to develop, implement, and maintain a company’s ethics program.
This includes creating and updating policies and procedures that promote ethical conduct within the organization.
They work with various departments to ensure that all activities align with the organization’s ethical standards.
This may involve organizing training sessions, conducting audits, and providing consultation on ethical issues.
Ethics Program Coordinators also handle complaints regarding unethical behavior.
They may lead investigations into these complaints, enforce disciplinary measures, and recommend changes to prevent future misconduct.
In addition to this, they regularly report to the senior management on the effectiveness of the ethics program and propose necessary improvements.
They also stay updated on laws and regulations that relate to the ethical conduct of businesses in their industry.
The goal of the Ethics Program Coordinator is to foster an ethical culture within the organization, thereby preventing misconduct and enhancing the company’s reputation.
Ethics Program Coordinator Qualifications and Skills
An Ethics Program Coordinator needs to have a set of skills and qualifications that ensure the effective implementation and management of an organization’s ethics program, including:
- Strong understanding of corporate ethics, compliance laws, and regulations to ensure the organization’s actions are in line with ethical standards and legal requirements.
- Excellent communication skills to convey ethical guidelines and policies to employees at all levels of the organization, as well as address any concerns or violations.
- Superior organizational and project management skills to manage various aspects of the ethics program, including training, policy development, and enforcement.
- Problem-solving abilities to address and resolve ethical dilemmas or conflicts within the organization.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals and groups, including employees, management, and regulatory bodies, showcasing strong interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented to ensure all aspects of the ethics program are implemented accurately and thoroughly.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrating high levels of integrity and professionalism.
- Experience in creating and delivering training materials to educate employees about the organization’s ethical standards.
Ethics Program Coordinator Experience Requirements
Entry-level Ethics Program Coordinators often need a bachelor’s degree in fields such as philosophy, social science, law, or related fields, with a specific focus on ethics.
They should have relevant internship experience or part-time roles in areas like ethics consultation, program development, or nonprofit work.
This provides them with foundational knowledge of ethical guidelines and the ability to manage and coordinate ethics programs.
Those with 2 to 3 years of experience will have gained a deeper understanding of ethical principles and how they apply in various situations.
They may have worked in roles such as Ethics Advisor or Compliance Officer, further broadening their practical knowledge of ethical standards and regulatory compliance.
Candidates with over 5 years of experience are expected to have significant leadership experience and are often ready for a more senior position.
They could have gained expertise in areas such as developing and implementing ethics training programs, policy creation, and resolving ethical dilemmas in a corporate setting.
In addition to the above, it’s advantageous for Ethics Program Coordinators to have strong skills in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and a solid understanding of corporate social responsibility.
They may also require professional certifications such as the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) depending on the complexity of the role.
Ethics Program Coordinator Education and Training Requirements
An Ethics Program Coordinator typically holds a bachelor’s degree in Ethics, Philosophy, Law, Business, or a related field.
A background in business ethics, compliance, or corporate social responsibility is often highly desirable.
For some organizations, a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Law, or Ethics may be required, particularly for positions that involve high-level decision-making or management.
Ethics Program Coordinators need to be familiar with organizational ethics programs, compliance and regulatory standards, and ethical decision-making processes.
Continuing education in the form of workshops, seminars, or courses is generally encouraged to stay abreast of the latest developments in ethics and compliance.
Certifications such as Certified Ethics and Compliance Professional (CECP) or Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) can highlight a candidate’s dedication to the field, though these are not universally required.
In addition to these educational requirements, strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of ethical principles and regulations are vital for success in this role.
Ethics Program Coordinator Salary Expectations
The average salary for an Ethics Program Coordinator is $67,428 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, location, and the size of the organization.
Ethics Program Coordinator Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Ethics Program Coordinator need?
Ethics Program Coordinators need excellent communication skills, as they are required to deliver presentations, lead training sessions, and interact with employees at all levels.
They should also possess analytical skills to interpret ethical issues and regulations effectively.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills are crucial as they may need to address ethical dilemmas and provide viable solutions.
Lastly, they should have strong organizational skills to manage and coordinate various ethics programs.
Do Ethics Program Coordinators need a specific degree?
While there isn’t a specific degree requirement for an Ethics Program Coordinator, a bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or related field is often preferred.
Some employers may also require a master’s degree in Business Ethics or Professional Ethics.
Familiarity with ethical standards, laws, and regulations is a must, and relevant work experience can be beneficial.
What should you look for in an Ethics Program Coordinator resume?
When reviewing a resume, look for educational background in law, business administration, or a related field.
Experience in ethics, compliance, or risk management is essential.
Evidence of strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills is also important.
Certifications like Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) can be a plus.
What qualities make a good Ethics Program Coordinator?
A good Ethics Program Coordinator is diligent and principled.
They must be able to handle sensitive information with utmost confidentiality.
They should have excellent judgment to discern right from wrong and have the courage to uphold ethical standards even under pressure.
They should also be approachable and trustworthy, as employees must feel comfortable coming to them with ethical concerns or dilemmas.
What are the daily duties of an Ethics Program Coordinator?
The daily duties of an Ethics Program Coordinator may include creating and implementing ethics training programs, advising management on ethical issues and regulations, conducting internal audits to ensure compliance, responding to ethical inquiries from staff, and maintaining documentation of ethical compliance activities.
They may also participate in meetings with upper management and update them about the progress and effectiveness of the ethics programs.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it truly entails to be an Ethics Program Coordinator.
Surprise in store?
It’s not just about enforcing rules.
It’s about shaping a culture of integrity, one ethical decision at a time.
With our go-to Ethics Program Coordinator job description template and real-life instances, you’re ready to take the leap.
But why stop at readiness?
Immerse further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards accuracy-drafted listings or honing your resume to perfection.
Keep in mind:
Every ethical decision shapes the overall corporate culture.
Let’s shape that culture. Together.
How to Become an Ethics Program Coordinator (Complete Guide)
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