Executive Director, NC State Approving Agency

Executive Director, NC State Approving Agency
The University of North Carolina System

Overview
The University of North Carolina System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics.

Individually Remarkable. Collectively Extraordinary.
The UNC System is one of the strongest and most successful systems of public higher education in the nation. It’s mission—to discover, create, transmit, and apply knowledge to address the needs of individuals and society—remains true to the University’s founding ideal of shared knowledge in a free society. In addition, the UNC System has a long-standing commitment to public service. PBS North Carolina, the UNC Health Care System, the NC Arboretum, and other University affiliates and programs reap social and economic benefits for the citizens of the state.

NCSAA
The North Carolina State Approving Agency (NC SAA) for Veterans and Military Education is an independent state agency funded by federal contract. NC SAA is affiliated with the UNC System, and the System Office acts as its trustee. Established by statute in 1947, NC SAA approves educational programs and determines which are appropriate for veteran students to utilize their VA educational benefits. The agency now approves courses and programs at over 300 institutions, supervises institutions for compliance with federal and state guidelines, and ensures that the interests of the state are preserved.

The Opportunity
The Academic and Regulatory Affairs division of the UNC System Office provides oversight of NC SAA. The NC SAA provides educational program approval, educational institution monitoring, and supervision of legal program requirements and services to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Executive Director (ED) of NC SAA ensures adequate and appropriate planning, administration, management, public relations, directives, and supervision of a statewide program for the education of entitled veterans, military participants, and other eligible persons. The position manages and administers the contract with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA); submits monthly and annual reports and fiscal records; develops and executes the Annual Business Plan; and administers the budget assigned by that contract. The ED ensures compliance with federal laws and regulations in coordination with existing State education statutes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and practices. The ED has the final authority for initial approvals and re-approvals of educational programs offered by N. C. educational institutions so that entitled individuals may receive DVA education benefits assistance.

This position also serves as a resource for the legislature, Governor’s office, and education leaders on issues generated by the veterans and military education programs, such as participation in Proprietary Schools’ matters and the Military education studies. The ED serves on commissions, committees and task forces, such as N.C. Military Education Advisory Council; conducts workshops and seminars for institution leaders, personnel, military bases, and interested groups to keep them updated and informed; prepares and releases regular information mailings to the participating institutions; represents the State and the program at national and state conferences; helps institutions and military administrative units identify sources for delivering instructional support; serves as outreach person to new and expanding student populations; and, upon invitation, prepares and delivers statements and testimony to congressional committees and federal update hearings.

The ED and NC SAA work closely with other states and their respective designated SAA agencies, as well as the U. S. DVA. Professional meetings of and with these groups and travel to and from often exceed normal working days and hours. The ED manages and supervises five full-time and additional part time and temporary staff and is responsible for counseling employees, resolving grievances, and making merit increase decisions, and complying with UNC System Office Affirmative Action and EEO Guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with five (5) years of related experience; or
• Master’s Degree with three (3) years of related experience; or 
• Doctoral Degree with one (1) year of related experience.

Preferred Competencies 

• Veteran’s preference in hiring shall be given in accordance with State law.
• Background in educational administration with a specialty in adult and higher education.

Location
The NC SAA is currently located in Research Triangle Park, a globally recognized center of research, innovation and thought leadership located between, and around, the three cities of Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill – known as the “Triangle.” Each of these cities is home to one or more UNC System institutions, as well as private universities, and other centers of learning and research.

The Triangle and its surrounding areas offer a mix of suburban, urban, and rural living, combined with access to an outstanding array of civic, cultural, and athletic events. Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled with the area’s comfortable climate and easy access to both mountains and sea. Food lovers will appreciate access to a thriving Triangle restaurant scene often profiled in national media.

More affordable living than many metropolitan areas and host to many vibrant businesses, the Triangle area is part of the reason North Carolina was voted #1 by Forbes as the “Best State to Do Business.” Often ranked high on lists of best places to live, the Triangle area offers beauty, diversity, and interest for residents and visitors alike. For more information, see: http://www.workinthetriangle.com/.

How to Apply
Interested applicants, please visit: https://bit.ly/NCSAA-Exec-Dir   For priority consideration, please apply by July 18, 2021.

The UNC System Office is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.