Executive Director / CEO

Key Responsibilities: The Executive Director will: Assist and support the Commission in achieving its mission of serving as a dependable authority as to the quality of education and training offered by career education institutions. Assist and support the Commission in establishing and fostering high educational standards, quality, accountability, and ethical practices among accredited institutions. Administer the Commission’s operations including but not limited to all aspects of the accreditation process, annual budgets and financial management, organizational design and IT infrastructure, staff management and human resources, and physical space and equipment. Cultivate and distribute timely information, advice, and direction needed by the Commission to set strategy; develop accrediting standards, policies, procedures; and make accreditation decisions. Ensure the delivery of clear and timely correspondence to member institutions expressing the Commission’s decisions, actions, and guidance as well as any changes or revisions to the Standards of Accreditationor the accreditation process. Implement actions determined by the Commission and perform such other duties as assigned by the Chair of ACCSC, Executive Committee, or the Commission. Maintain effective and harmonious relationships with the Commission, staff, the U.S. Department of Education, state regulators, accredited institutions, other accrediting agencies, trade associations representing career schools, and other ACCSC constituents. Engage in education policy discussions across a spectrum of forums representing the interests of ACCSC and accreditation as an enterprise. Schedule, plan, and attend all meetings of the Commission and the Executive Committee participating in deliberations in a non-voting capacity unless otherwise directed by the Executive Committee. Devote time and attention to professional development activities, scholarships, and research that are complementary to ACCSC.The Executive Director is accountable to the Commission for the successful achievement of these duties and responsibilities, with the Chair acting on behalf of the Commission to oversee and review the Executive Director’s annual performance in accordance with the administrative policies and procedures of ACCSC.

Qualifications and Experience: Successful candidates will have significant senior leadership experience (i.e., 10+ years) in one or more of the following areas:

• Institutional or programmatic accreditation; Higher education administration; Education policy; Regulatory compliance; Nonprofit governance. The strongest candidates may come from backgrounds such as:
• Senior executive leadership within an accrediting agency President or CEO of an education-focused nonprofit organization Senior higher education administration Education policy leadership Chief academic or compliance officer roles within multi-campus educational systems
• Experience working with the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation recognition processes, Title IV issues, compliance oversight, and regulatory environments is highly desirable.
• Leadership Characteristics
• The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Commitment to student-centered decision-making
• Strong belief in accountability, peer review, and continuous improvement
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Exceptional communication skills Integrity, transparency, and professionalism
• The ability to lead effectively in complex regulatory environments
• A collaborative leadership style and strong governance partnership skills
• Education
• A graduate degree in a field aligned to the requirements and expectations of the position such as educational or organizational leadership, educational administration, public policy, nonprofit management, is required.
• A doctorate or terminal professional degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D.) is strongly preferred.
• Required Experience10 + years of relevant leadership experience in accreditation, higher education, education policy, regulatory compliance, or a related field.

Salary Range: $250,000 - $325,000 annually. Starting salary will be determined based on relevant executive leadership experience, credentials, organizational management expertise, and overall qualifications. Retirement Contribution Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Life Insurance Vacation Leave Paid Holidays Parking Tuition Reimbursement Partner Travel Benefit