Senior Director of State Authorization and Licensure

Job Description:

Senior Director for State Authorization and Licensure

The Community Solution Education System

Job Purpose:

The Senior Director for State Authorization and Licensure in Academic Affairs will provide expertise and guidance, supporting compliance with state regulations and requirements for offering educational programs across state lines for NC-SARA and non NC-SARA colleges and universities within The Community Solution Education System. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Assessment and Accreditation, this role will provide support for all activities related to monitoring, tracking, and supporting college and university efforts for compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Compliance Oversight: The position involves monitoring and ensuring compliance with state authorization requirements and state licensure regulations which may include licensing, accreditation, and other regulations specific to each state where the institutions offer programs. In addition, responsibilities to explore authorization and licensure requirements in key international markets will be part of the responsibilities of this role.
• Policy Development & Implementation: Developing and implementing policies and procedures related to state authorization and state licensure, including those related to student recruitment, program delivery, and academic standards in different states.
• Regulatory Research & Interpretation: Staying up to date on changes in state regulations, interpreting those regulations with guidance from legal counsel, and ensuring the institutions’ practices align with the latest requirements.
• Collaboration with State Agencies: Working closely with state agencies, such as departments of education or licensing boards, to address compliance issues, seek clarification, and maintain positive relationships.
• Communication & Training: Communicating with faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees about state authorization requirements, training them on compliance procedures, and ensuring they understand their roles in maintaining compliance.
• Risk Management: Coordinating System resources to identify potential compliance risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure the institutions’ practices minimize the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.
• State Authorization Application & Maintenance: This includes review and consultation on applications for state authorization, maintaining those authorizations, and managing the ongoing compliance processes for each state.
• Documentation & Recordkeeping: Maintaining accurate records of state authorization applications, approvals, compliance activities and timeline, and any relevant communication with state agencies.
• Engagement with key external organizations such as:
  • NC-SARA: The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is a key organization that facilitates state authorization processes, particularly for institutions offering online programs across multiple states.
  • WCET/SAN Networks: Professional organizations that specialize in regulatory best practices and policy development for online learning in higher education
  • Cooley, LLP: Contracted company that provides information on state and federal requirements pertaining to state authorization of postsecondary institutions

Knowledge & Skillsets:

• Knowledge of state authorization regulations and licensure compliance, higher education accreditation standards, and relevant legal frameworks is essential for this role
• Familiarity with accreditation standards, compliance requirements, and regulatory frameworks in higher education. 
• Experience in online program management, higher education marketing, accreditation and regulation management is appreciated.
• Visionary leadership and the capability to anticipate and adapt to changes within higher education. 
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, including the ability to create workflows and facilitate process management. 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners. 
• The capability to foster a positive and inclusive environment. 
• Proficiency in data analysis and assessment methods to evaluate academic performance, trends, and program effectiveness. 
• Ability to use data to make informed decisions and drive improvements. 
• Attention to detail, transaction tracking, and documentation is a must.

Education:

• At a minimum, a master’s degree, in a discipline that demands strong writing and research skills, including data analysis and data informed decision making, is required. A Juris Doctorate (JD) may be substituted for this requirement however, this is not work as legal counsel at The Community Solution.
• A terminal degree in higher education administration or related field is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of a proven track record in senior administrative roles within higher education institutions, demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility and leadership preferred. 

• Experience specifically in accreditation (institutional and programmatic/ specialized), regulation, and licensure in a higher education environment. 

Working Conditions: 

• Ability to travel as needed. 

• Ability to perform sedentary work 

• Ability to utilize office equipment such as laptop 

Compensation & Benefits

https://www.tcsedsystem.edu/careers/

The Community Solution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.