Accreditation & Compliance Specialist

ACCREDITATION AND COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS DEPARTMENT

MALCOM X COLLEGE

JOB SUMMARY

An Accreditation and Compliance Specialist provides administrative oversight and serves as a resource to Deans, Program Directors, and other stakeholders in the management and coordination of regional and specialized program accreditation, state licensure, and associated compliance activities and reporting.  

Working in the Office of Accreditation and Compliance at an assigned college, positions report to and assist the Manager of Accreditation and Compliance in providing support to college administrators and faculty on regional and specialized regulatory and accreditation matters.  Performs related duties as required.                                     

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides independent support and engages Deans, Program Directors, and faculty in accreditation and compliance activities associated with maintaining a college’s regional accreditation, and obtaining and maintaining specialized accreditation and state licensure for new and existing academic and career programs.
• Advises and guides reaccreditation committee members on procedural requirements, evaluation processes, and required materials in preparation for a college’s scheduled comprehensive evaluation and on-site visit by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).  
• Reviews and suggests edits to a variety of reports including program self-studies,   institutional updates, Quality Initiative proposal and report, and specialized accreditation reports for content and clarity and to assure alignment and compliance with the accrediting agency’s standards and expectations.
• Maintains the HLC’s Assurance System, uploading and linking evidentiary materials to Assurance Arguments prepared by the college’s stakeholders demonstrating compliance with the Commission’s criteria for accreditation and federal compliance requirements.  
• Accountable for ensuring Program Directors and program faculty remain engaged and on schedule for completing activities necessary for obtaining and maintaining  regional and specialized accreditation and state licensure for academic and career programs.  
• Maintains communications with regional and specialized accreditors and State regulatory agencies to remain abreast of new or revised standards, processes or requirements and to communicate information to key stakeholders.
• Assists in maintaining an overall master calendar schedule to track regional accreditation and specialized accredited program due dates for self-studies, site-visits, follow-up compliance reports, and additional implementation follow-up activities
• Maintains an accurate and up to date inventory of a college’s programs (i.e. nursing, allied health, child development) with specialized accreditation and state licensure.
• Monitors and ensures the currency of information on the accreditation and state licensure status of programs on the District’s and college websites.
• Works closely with Program Directors and college administrators in preparing for focus and site visits, including conducting mock site visits and reviewing documents and presentation of evidence and data demonstrating compliance with standards.
• Leads work efforts to identify, compile, and analyze data relating to program and student learning outcomes assessment for inclusion in compliance reporting.
• Ensures adherence to HLC policies on institutional changes including new programs, preparing required applications, notifications, and support documentation in compliance with established procedures.
• During site visits serves as liaison to visitation teams, assisting in compiling informational materials and requested reports, providing logistical support, coordinating and planning schedules, and assisting with travel and hotel arrangements.
• Notifies college’s Financial Aid Office of HLC’s approval of new academic programs and ensures submission of program application to the Department of Education (DOE).

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university    
• Master’s degree or a Juris Doctor from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school preferred.                     
• Three years of work experience in higher education in and administrator or faculty role OR in a professional, non-academic organization in the areas of accreditation and compliance, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, certification and/or licensing of programs.
• Demonstrated project leadership skills.
• Familiarity with regional accreditation standards for colleges, as well as specialized accreditation standards for various career fields, including the health sciences is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulations and standards concerning post-secondary institutions highly desirable.
• A combination of education and experience may be taken into consideration based on the applicant’s credentials.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

• Knowledge and understanding of higher education accreditation and program review practices 
• Knowledge of the Higher Learning Commission’s regional accreditation processes and compliance requirements  
• Some knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Excellent writing and presentation skills 
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Ability to move an agenda/plan of action without direct authority over stakeholders
• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

$70,251 - $76,490

Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as other factors such as internal equity.

Benefits information is found at https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Benefits/