Accreditation and Assessment Specialist - 502121

SUMMARY:

Reporting to both the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and the Program Chair for Graduate Education, the Assessment and Accreditation Specialist for the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) manages the accreditation and assessment process for all graduate and undergraduate education programs at the University of Richmond in compliance with the Council for Accreditation of Education Programs (CAEP) standards. In addition, the position works closely with the Dean, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and the program chairs in SPCS academic programs to collect and measure student enrollment and retention data and other metrics that pertain to the assessment and evaluation of academic programs. The Assessment and Accreditation Specialist also manages some aspects of compliance to meet standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). The position also interfaces with community and state-level organizations. By providing expertise in assessment methods, tools and practices and through on-going collaboration with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, the Assessment and Accreditation Specialist works to promote a culture of continuous improvement within the School.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary Areas of Responsibility:

ACCREDITATION: With program quality and continuous improvement as the focal points, work with faculty and staff in undergraduate and graduate Education to assure accreditation of graduate and undergraduate education programs with CAEP. Lead all aspects of the CAEP accreditation process, including developing and managing research-based assessment protocols which are both valid and reliable, scoring and calibration of assessment instruments, and writing of reports. Ensure that other SPCS programs meet needs of respective accreditation agencies, such as the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council for the Nonprofits Studies program. Working with staff from IFX and the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, manage aspects of the SPCS's program data collection related to SACSCOC accreditation standards. Assist in documenting CAEP accreditation as requested by the Dean and the University's Office of Institutional Effectiveness (IFX).

ACADEMIC PROGRAM DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Consult with the Dean, Associate Dean, and SPCS academic program chairs to provide expertise with the identification and/or development of program evaluation tools for improvement of enrollment and retention of students in academic programs in SPCS. Assist program chairs in the development and implementation of indirect and/or direct evaluation and assessment measures to align academic program goals with those of the school.

STATE AND FEDERAL STANDARDS AND REPORTING: Collect and report data as required by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), including the Title II Report, Biennial Report, and any other reporting requirements mandated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Work with administrative staff in the Education Department to ensure timely submission of student data for accurate reporting.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Develop and staff CAEP Advisory Board comprised of local school personnel, alumni, and other stakeholders related to accreditation and program quality. Serve as liaison to local school divisions, other institutions of higher education, VDOE, and SACSCOC as it pertains to accreditation, assessment and compliance. Attend CAEP conferences annually (more frequently if necessary) and SACSCOC conferences periodically to ensure current understanding of standards and expectations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with both the theory and practical application of learning assessment in a higher education environment, especially direct measures of student learning outcomes. Skill in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting. Knowledge of Excel or SPSS or similar program for data analysis. Must be detail-oriented and have excellent interpersonal, customer service, organization and planning, prioritization, problem-solving, follow-through, time management, and oral and written communication skills. Also, must be flexible and possess the ability to successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously and work well independently and as part of a team.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree in educational measurement and evaluation, educational research and statistics or a related field required. A doctorate is not required but preferred. A minimum of 3 years professional level experience in assessment, evaluation or a related area. CAEP experience strongly preferred. Higher education experience preferred.

WORK HOURS:

• Full-time, exempt position
• Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 7.75 hrs./day; 38.75 hrs./week

SALARY STRUCTURE:
Pay Grade 8 (Hiring Range $62,345.00 to $82,600.00 annually)

COVID-19:

The University of Richmond requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty, and staff. The University allows exemptions to this requirement for religious, medical and strong personal conviction reasons. All newly hired employees must report their status within the first two weeks of employment.

ABOUT UR:

At the University of Richmond, we're creative, inclusive, and determined. We're Spiders, and our mission is to create positive change in the UR community and beyond. Located minutes from downtown Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond (www.richmond.edu) blends the intimacy of a small college with exceptional academic, research, and cultural opportunities usually found only at large institutions. There's only one place like Richmond.

UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE