Senior Policy and Program Officer

This position is responsible for coordinating policy development and projects that support student success and credential completion goals of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council).   The role will help strengthen collaboration among postsecondary institutions and partners, including  K-12 education stakeholders.  The Commission is the coordinating board for the state’s public universities and the Council is the coordinating board for the state’s community and technical colleges.  Both agencies also authorize private and proprietary postsecondary institutions to operate in West Virginia.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs with assessing performance of Academic Affairs programs and policies and makes recommendations for strategies to achieve desired results.
• Works with agency staff, institutions and stakeholders to develop and execute statewide postsecondary student success initiatives.   
• Solicits feedback and updates from institutions, agency partners, and staff about Academic Affairs policies and projects.
• Evaluates data and proven practices to identify new approaches to student success and to improve existing policies and initiatives.
• Works with the West Virginia Department of Education and institutional staff to develop high-quality credential pathways between K-12 and postsecondary institutions.
• Assists with development and implementation of grant proposals that benefit postsecondary access and success efforts pursued by the Commission, the Council, and the institutions these agencies support.
• Collaborates with nonprofit, philanthropic, and advocacy groups for student success projects.
• Develops reports and presentations for the Commission, Council, Legislature, and other workgroups and committees. 
• Develops and delivers professional presentations at local, regional, and national meetings and conferences.
• Manages other agency and Academic Affairs projects as assigned.       

 Minimum Requirements:

  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A master’s degree is required, preferably in a field of study related to education, business, law, or public policy.  A minimum of three years of relevant experience related to education is required.  
• The ideal candidate will have experience at a postsecondary board/system office or institution, K-12 agency, or an organization supporting P-20 education efforts, having performed project management, planning, and analysis in support of student success. Experience with federal, state or private grants is a plus. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of postsecondary academic administration, trends, issues, and processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of officials from postsecondary institutions, public agencies, and education organizations.
• Proven ability to plan and manage projects requiring coordination with diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and synthesize complex information.
• Committed to teamwork, public service, and the mission of postsecondary education.

 Supplemental Information:

Review of applications begins immediately. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. 

Application Process: 

In addition to filling out the job application, qualified candidates must submit a letter of interest and current contact information for three professional references. DETAILS OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE MUST BE SHOWN IN YOUR APPLICATION TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE. 

Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks. 

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Veterans/Disabled

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial, respectful and inclusive environment that values the diversity, creativity and contributions of its staff.