Vice President for Accreditation Relations

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is seeking a Vice President for Accreditation Relations to expand the team dedicated to advancing the quality of higher education.

HLC is a membership organization that serves as the regional accreditor for 19 states and sovereign U.S. tribal nations within those states, accrediting approximately 1,000 institutions. Nine vice presidents act as institutional liaisons, managing the accreditation processes and relationships for the institutions.

 Through their work, the vice presidents become deeply familiar with the institutions they are assigned and gain significant knowledge of the entire HLC membership. The position thus offers an unusual base from which to experience the full diversity of American higher education; to grasp the emerging trends and innovations in higher education; and to address the challenges and opportunities of quality assurance, continuous improvement, transparency to the public, and the values of voluntary, peer-reviewed self-regulation.

The vice presidents participate in the shaping, evaluation and improvement of HLC policy and practice and contribute to the conduct of HLC services such as the provision of presentations and workshops. They contribute significantly to the advancement of HLC’s strategic plan.

Qualifications and desired attributes include:

• Significant work experience in higher education in a position of major responsibility, preferably at both faculty and administrative levels
• Broad familiarity with higher education in the United States
• Credentials and capacity to represent HLC with credibility
• Capacity for holistic, complex judgments; analysis; problem solving; and translation of policy into practice
• Capacity to work collaboratively
• Ability to act as both guide and evaluator
• Ability to handle a sizeable caseload of institutions, to manage the detail of multiple simultaneous activities, to share the setting of policy and practice with colleagues, and to work in a team framework for carrying out the various processes and programs of HLC
• Willingness to travel as needed
• High communication skills and inclination
• Doctoral degree
• Candidates with significant experience in institutional finances, institutional research or academic administration are encouraged to apply.

Review of nominations and applications will commence September 18. Nominations and applications may be sent by e-mail to VPAR@hlcommission.org. Electronic submissions in one PDF file are preferred. No calls, please. Applications should include a letter of interest and a current resume. A detailed position description can be found at hlcommission.org.

HLC is the largest regional accrediting agency in the United States, serving approximately 1,000 affiliated colleges and universities in a 19-state region. HLC has approximately 60 employees. HLC offers a competitive salary and a rich benefits package, including an employer contribution of 10 percent of base salary to a retirement plan and 20 vacation days, in addition to the office closing the week of Dec. 24–Jan. 1.

HLC is an equal opportunity employer.