Professional Standards Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of corporate governance, the role of a Professional Standards Director is crucial.

As businesses evolve and the regulatory landscape changes, the demand for proficient individuals who can develop, maintain, and enhance professional standards within an organization increases significantly.

So, what exactly is expected from a Professional Standards Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect job description,
• Or simply interested in the realm of professional standards,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Professional Standards Director job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Professional Standards Director Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Standards Directors are tasked with developing and implementing standards that adhere to industry laws and regulations.

They are primarily responsible for ensuring all employees and processes uphold these professional standards.

The duties and responsibilities of a Professional Standards Director include:

• Developing and implementing standards, policies, and procedures for the organization to ensure compliance with industry and legal standards
• Communicating these standards to all employees and providing training to ensure understanding and compliance
• Conducting regular audits to assess compliance with professional standards
• Identifying any areas of non-compliance and developing action plans to address these issues
• Staying updated with changes in industry laws and regulations and adjusting standards accordingly
• Working with various departments to incorporate standards into their processes
• Handling any queries or complaints regarding professional standards
• Reporting to senior management on compliance levels and any issues of non-compliance
• Collaborating with human resources to handle any disciplinary matters related to non-compliance

 

Professional Standards Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced Professional Standards Director to oversee our organization’s regulatory compliance and professional standards.

As a Professional Standards Director, you will be responsible for creating, implementing, and enforcing policies and procedures that ensure our organization operates within legal and ethical guidelines.

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about industry regulations and corporate governance, have strong leadership abilities, and demonstrate excellent communication skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement compliance and professional standards programs.
• Review and update policies and procedures to ensure they align with current regulations and professional standards.
• Oversee staff training on ethical conduct, laws, and regulations.
• Perform regular audits to identify non-compliance issues or areas of risk.
• Develop risk management strategies to avoid non-compliance.
• Report to the board or executive management on compliance and ethics matters.
• Manage investigations of any alleged breaches of professional standards.
• Stay informed about regulatory changes and industry best practices.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in a similar role, such as Compliance Officer or Professional Standards Manager.
• Thorough knowledge of industry laws and regulations.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Experience in developing and implementing compliance programs.
• Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business, or related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Standards Director
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for industry events or meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the CEO or Board of Directors.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $120,000 minimum to $200,000 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 a Professional Standards Director Do?

A Professional Standards Director is a key role in many organizations, particularly within professional services and education industries.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the organization upholds and adheres to the highest possible standards of professionalism and ethics.

They develop, implement and manage the company’s standards and ethics policies to ensure they are in line with industry regulations and best practices.

This involves a thorough understanding of business operations, as well as relevant laws and guidelines.

These professionals also handle internal investigations when there are complaints or issues related to the organization’s standards.

They work closely with human resources, legal departments, and management teams to handle such cases appropriately and ensure a fair and unbiased review process.

Professional Standards Directors also play a crucial role in staff education, often creating training programs and resources to educate employees about company standards, expectations, and ethical considerations.

They constantly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented standards and ethics policies, making necessary modifications for continuous improvement.

They may also be responsible for communicating these standards to external stakeholders, such as clients or regulatory bodies.

 

Professional Standards Director Qualifications and Skills

A Professional Standards Director should possess a unique blend of technical knowledge, communication skills, and leadership abilities, such as:

• Strong understanding of industry standards and regulations to ensure the organization is in compliance.
• Exceptional leadership skills to guide and manage the standards team, fostering a positive working environment.
• Excellent communication skills to interpret and articulate complex standards and regulations to various stakeholders within the organization.
• Problem-solving skills to address any compliance issues that may arise and implement effective solutions.
• Attention to detail to thoroughly examine and review procedures, documents, and reports.
• Strategic planning skills to develop and implement standards policies and procedures that align with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Experience in risk management to assess and mitigate potential risks related to compliance.
• Ability to liaise with external bodies or regulators, representing the organization professionally and ensuring regulatory requirements are met.

 

Professional Standards Director Experience Requirements

Professional Standards Directors generally have at least 5 to 7 years of experience in professional standards or related roles.

This experience is usually gained in fields such as human resources, legal, compliance, or education.

Entry-level candidates for this role may start in positions such as professional standards coordinator or analyst, where they can gain practical understanding of professional standards enforcement, ethics and integrity, or regulatory compliance.

Candidates seeking to become a Professional Standards Director should have a solid background in management, as the role often involves leading a team and making strategic decisions.

Experience with conflict resolution and mediation may also be beneficial.

Those with over 10 years of experience often have a significant track record of success in managing professional standards in their organizations.

They usually have a deep understanding of industry regulations, disciplinary procedures and ethics, and are capable of designing and implementing policies that ensure the highest professional standards.

Individuals with more than 15 years of experience may have held senior leadership roles and are often highly skilled in strategic planning, team leadership, and policy development.

They may also have a strong track record in influencing an organization’s culture towards high professional standards and ethical conduct.

 

Professional Standards Director Education and Training Requirements

Professional Standards Directors often have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, education, human resources, or a related field.

Deep knowledge and understanding of regulatory standards, corporate policies, ethical practices, and the ability to apply them in a variety of situations is crucial for this role.

Most employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in business administration, law, or human resources.

Often, a Professional Standards Director is required to have 5-10 years of experience in a related field, working with ethical conduct, compliance, or corporate policies.

Certifications such as the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) or Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) can be advantageous and are often preferred by employers.

Strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record of maintaining professional standards within an organization are also important.

Continued education and staying updated with changes in laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines are essential for this role.

Many Professional Standards Directors also attend seminars and workshops to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date.

 

Professional Standards Director Salary Expectations

A Professional Standards Director can expect to earn an average salary of $93,657 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as industry, geographical location, and the individual’s level of experience and qualifications.

 

Professional Standards Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professional Standards Director need?

A Professional Standards Director needs strong leadership skills to oversee the development and implementation of standards in an organization.

They should have excellent communication skills to articulate these standards clearly and concisely to all levels of staff.

Additionally, they should have strong analytical abilities to assess the effectiveness of current standards and determine areas for improvement.

 

Do Professional Standards Directors need a specific degree?

Typically, a Professional Standards Director should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field.

Some organizations may prefer candidates with a Master’s degree.

Depending on the industry, additional certifications may be required, such as Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) for healthcare settings.

 

What should you look for in a Professional Standards Director’s resume?

A Professional Standards Director’s resume should showcase their experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring organizational standards.

Look for candidates who have effectively worked in similar roles and have demonstrated results in improving operational efficiency and quality.

Additionally, look for strong leadership experience and knowledge of relevant industry regulations and standards.

 

What qualities make a good Professional Standards Director?

A good Professional Standards Director is detail-oriented, ensuring all standards and protocols are accurately followed.

They are adaptable, being able to adjust strategies as industry standards evolve.

They are strong leaders, capable of managing teams and promoting adherence to established standards.

Additionally, they should be excellent problem-solvers, able to identify issues and develop solutions to enhance compliance.

 

What is the role of a Professional Standards Director in an organization?

A Professional Standards Director is responsible for the development, implementation, and enforcement of organizational or industry standards.

They ensure that all operations within the organization align with these standards.

They also oversee the training of staff on these standards and evaluate their compliance regularly.

In the case of non-compliance, they may be tasked with investigating and resolving the issue.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the intricate role of a Professional Standards Director.

Surprised?

It’s not just about monitoring compliance.

It’s about shaping the ethical landscape, one policy at a time.

Armed with our handy Professional Standards Director job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.

But don’t stop here.

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for crafting spot-on listings or polishing your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every policy is a step towards a more ethical work environment.

Let’s shape that future. Together.