Director of Accreditation and State Authorization

Director of Accreditation and State AuthorizationThe George Mason University, Office of Academic Affairs, invites applications for a Director of Accreditation and State Authorization. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.About the Position:The Director for Accreditation and State Authorization, located in the Academic Affairs pier of the Office of the Provost, is the person responsible for ensuring that Mason's practices align with the expectations of the various accreditors, both at the national level (SACSCOC) and at the disciplinary level (schools and colleges), who approve George Mason University's academic programs. This leader also oversees other compliance areas associated with online delivery and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), and interstate professional licensing requirements. This leader will work closely with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (OIEP) on accreditation issues.The work in this area requires attention to detail, experience in and passion for quality higher education, and energy to keep all the systems functioning. The Director must stay up to date on accreditation processes and help Mason meet and exceed regulatory responsibilities while supporting Mason's goal to be nimble and creative in its academic initiatives.Responsibilities:This position is responsible for managing Mason's accreditation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), as well as coordinating with the teams supporting the requirements of other specialty and discipline-specific accreditation and regulatory processes (e.g., SARA, ABET).The position includes:SACSCOC Liaison: Responsible for the on-going maintenance of Mason's accreditation processes, including substantive change and interim reporting. The Director is expected to actively participate in SACSCOC activities, and stay current with changes in accreditation standards. They are responsible for communicating these changes to the Mason community, and serving as an internal consultant on regulatory issues.Accreditation System Oversight: The Director is responsible for ensuring that the processes developed in response to accreditation standard requirements will continue to be monitored and maintained. This includes the Faculty Credentialing system, the Complaints process, and the University Policy areas relevant to academic affairs.Regulatory Process Monitor: The Director is responsible for keeping the Office of the Provost aware of critical issues impacting Higher Education. Particularly, this leader works closely with the Office of Digital Learning regarding the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and with school and units on professional licensing standards for their academic programs.Policy Review: Responsible for working with other relevant offices to ensure university and academic policies remain up-to-date and relevant.Required Qualifications:Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience;Experience with, and knowledge of, regional higher education accreditation;Excellent writing and public speaking skills;Demonstrated ability to communicate with a diverse audience, including academic leaders, faculty, and accreditation agencies;Experience using publication, presentation, database, and project management software;Excellent organizational skills;Knowledge of higher education academic affairs policies and procedures; andAbility to conduct independent research and provide interpretation and analysis.Preferred Qualifications:PhD in a related field;Experience managing a full institutional accreditation or reaccreditation process;Experience participating in an on-site compliance visit; andSpecific knowledge of SACSCOC requirements.

For full consideration, applicants must apply for FA866z at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."