POSITION TITLE:  SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ACCREDITATION & COMPLIANCE 

REPORTS TO:  VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH & EFFECTIVENESS

CLASSIFICATION: FULL TIME - STAFF - HOURLY

DEPARTMENT: COMPLIANCE OFFICE

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Director for Accreditation & Compliance reports directly to the Vice President for Institutional Research & Effectiveness. This position is responsible to manage various compliance-related projects for the University.  The Senior Director will support the Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness in maintaining compliance with the University's regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Senior Director will monitor compliance with all Higher Education Act regulations and coordinate projects with responsible parties. The director will assist with State Authorization related applications and procedures. The above areas of responsibility are focused on the support and coordination of individuals ultimately responsible for compliance with the various standards outlined by the governing bodies. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

(OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED) 

Accreditation Support - Develop various means for monitoring compliance with SACS-COC standards. Examples include: monitoring the percentage of courses taught face to face at off-campus instructional sites, evaluating new programs for alignment with the substantive change policy, or conducting routine audits of various institutional policies that are in place to maintain SACSCOC compliance. Support the Vice President in preparing various reports pertaining to program, regional, and national accreditations.

Higher Education Act Support - Develop various means for monitoring compliance with HEA-related standards. Examples include: ensuring all relevant student notifications are distributed, maintain currency of the Consumer Information website, or coordinate with each responsible party to ensure deadlines are met. Monitor other federal requirements that fall within the scope of the office.

State Authorization Support - In conjunction with the Director of Compliance, develop various means for monitoring compliance with various State Authorization-related standards.  Assist with initial state authorization applications and renewal applications, as needed.

Coordination of Efforts - While this role may have more direct responsibilities, as outlined in the items above, they will also coordinate the efforts of offices across the university to ensure compliance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidates will be able to*:

Analyze and Interpret Data - Ability to analyze and interpret data, and prepare useable information and reports for various campus constituencies.

Communicate Efficiently - Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) with a wide variety of constituencies both within and outside the college/university community.

Create a collegial, collaborative environment - Experienced and competent manager who is willing and able to create and sustain a collegial, collaborative environment where people are treated fairly, ethically, and professionally.

Understand and have the ability to work effectively with complex administrative software systems - Functional understanding of data systems and experience identifying and promoting linkages among client services, operational requirements, and information management systems.

Be an Institutional Resource - Service as a resource person and recommend solutions to specific problems for administrators and university offices across the campus.

Understand Law, Policy, and Governance - Strong working knowledge of state and federal compliance mandates, training of staff and faculty, and of best practices related to higher education law, policy, and governance. Demonstrated professional achievement working with policy enforcement, managing projects, and overseeing complex operations

Apply Professionalism and Leadership - Provide effective leadership and management to the organizational area and to the institution in policy compliance, project management, and the responsibilities assigned to the operational units.

* Based on AACRAO Core Professional Competencies

Minimum Education Requirement

Bachelor's degree in education, business, administration, or organizational studies and/or applied experience within the discipline. Masters in stated field preferred.