Director for Regulatory Affairs

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:            Director for Regulatory Affairs

Department/Unit:        Policy and Regulatory Affairs

Reports to (Title):        Vice President for Policy and Regulatory Affairs

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Policy and Regulatory Affairs, the Director for Regulatory Affairs is responsible for ensuring consistent implementation of all requirements of federal, state, and other accreditation requirements by developing a comprehensive monitoring and implementation process which includes the planning, drafting, and evidence-compiling for all reports and public comments submitted on behalf of the Commission.  The incumbent is required to track evidence and prepare the petition submission and any monitoring reports required by the United States Department of Education.  The incumbent will monitor the regulatory environment of the international higher education ministries where MSCHE has current or future locations. The Director for Regulatory Affairs will prepare training and institutional guidance for the Commission, MSCHE staff, institutions, and peer evaluators on new and revised regulations. The Director will monitor federal regulations for changes in requirements and expectations for institutions with regard to changes to the verification of compliance process; and work collaboratively with the Compliance Officer in preparing and delivering compliance training.   The Director for Regulatory Affairs is charged with working collaboratively with Commission staff and other stakeholders to mitigate risk exposure through carefully considered accreditation policies, procedures, and guidelines that are aligned with federal regulation. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the organization is meeting current regulations and understands any emerging federal requirements.  This position also oversees the systematic and regular monitoring and review of the Commissions Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation. The incumbent would serve as the appeals administrator in the event of an appeal.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, remote teleworking position but does require onsite presence in Philadelphia, PA, Wilmington, DE, and other locations when necessary to fulfill the work of the Commission.   

This position requires energetic and positive interactions with staff, Commissioners, member institutions, peer evaluators, and all constituents through exceptional customer service and communication skills. 

The Director for Regulatory Affairs is expected to travel to and attend conferences, workshops, and/or meetings sponsored by the United States Department of Education (USDE), the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and other regulatory organizations, funds permitting.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

% of Total

Effort

40 %   Regulatory Affairs Management:

• Ensure the Commission consistently implements federal regulations and other external requirements in all accreditation activities.
• Serve as the primary advisor on all regulatory matters in jurisdictions where the Commission, its member institutions, or applicants institutions operate.
• Serve as a primary resource to the Commission in monitoring all relevant regulatory processes, including but not limited to the federal negotiated rule-making process and the rulemaking process for other agencies as appropriate to inform policy changes for the Commission.
• Proactively identify and produce timelines and plans for reviewing and vetting calls for comments that are appropriate for the Commission’s advocacy efforts, including responses to relevant federal notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and state regulatory proposals. Ensure the timely submission of comments on behalf of the Commission.
• Provide support in government or regulatory agency investigations, working with the Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel and Records Officer to coordinate responses to regulatory agency investigations.
• Identify emerging, new, or changing federal regulatory requirements and develop guidance and resources for Commission representatives and institutional members. Update and maintain portions of the MSCHE website that relate to regulatory affairs.
• Serve as a primary resource for MSCHE policy development to ensure the Commission’s standards, policies, and procedures meet regulatory requirements. Provide feedback during the drafting phase to ensure policy is crafted in a manner that is in concert with existing or anticipated federal requirements and other external mandates.
• Ensure that the interpretation and application of Commission accreditation policies and procedures are done in a manner that is in concert with external regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to peer and institutional training to ensure regulatory expectations are being addressed.

35% Commission Recognition through USDE: 

• Prepare application to the USDE for recognition including the written narrative, collection and tracking of documentation and evidence, and timely submission of all required materials.
• Manage any required follow-up reporting and correspondence with the USDE or other federal or state agencies regarding complaints, institutional matters, FOIA requests and changes to scope.
• Produce timelines and plans for the Commission’s scheduled recognition activities, including but not limited to evidence gathering, drafting the organization response regarding the staff analysts report, drafting, and producing presentation materials in preparation for the Commissions appearance before NACIQI.
• Proactively track evidence for reporting to the USDE through participation in meetings.
• Represent the Commission in its recognition-related relationship with the federal government, serving as primary liaison throughout the review and recognition process.
• Update and maintain portions of the MSCHE website pages that relate to the USDE.

15% Review of Accreditation Standards

• Ensure and lead the review of the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation through a continuous cycle of assessment and improvement.
• Produce timelines and plans to ensure a well-organized process that aligns with Commission policy and ensures constituency engagement and feedback.
• Revise, develop, and implement accreditation standards and requirements of affiliation.
• Ensure the consideration of technological shifts that are required to support any changes.

10% Appeals for Adverse Actions:

• Serve as the MSCHE Appeals Administrator and coordinate with others, including the Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, to manage the appeals proceeding.
• Manage the Appeal Panel pool including the preparation of and execution of training for the panel.
• Conduct appeals in accordance with the established policy and procedures including creating, maintaining, and properly retaining the complete record.
• Revise, develop, and implement the Appeals Procedures through collaboration with the Vice President for Policy and Regulatory Affairs.
• Ensure appropriate maintenance and retention of related records.

Note:  Percentages may vary.  Other duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibility

1. Supervision Exercised

None.

Education and Experience Required

Required:

1. This position requires a minimum of a master's degree in legal studies, higher education administration, public policy and administration, or similar field from an institution with accreditation recognized by the United States Department of Education.
2. Minimum of three years’ experience in higher education, government relations, or a related industry, with considerable experience in the areas of accreditation, federal or state regulation and/or educational policy.
3. At least one year of experience coordinating research particularly in state, federal, or international regulations/codes and guidance documentation.
4. Experience working with a broad range of constituents in a fast-paced and changing environment.
5. Ability to represent the Commission to a broad range of constituents in a professional manner.
6. The position requires an individual with:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong and developed organization and project management skills;
• The ability and willingness to learn and maintain knowledge of federal, state and other accreditation requirements as they pertain to the organization;
• The ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment;
• The ability to exercise independent judgement and discretion, and balance competing demands;
• The proven ability to manage confidential information with discretion;
• Ability to professionally represent the Commission to a broad range of constituents
• Superior customer service focus with attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.

Preferred: The following reflects preferred education and /or experience for this position.

• Experience with the development and delivery of training.

MSCHE offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits and work environment.  This is a full-time, non-exempt, remote teleworking position but does require onsite presence in Philadelphia, PA, and other locations when necessary to fulfill the work of the Commission.  

MSCHE does not provide work visa sponsorships.

How to Apply: 

Application materials may be sent to: employment@msche.org.

Application materials should include:

1) a detailed letter of interest;

2) a current resume; and

3) a list of three professional references with contact information.

* Please note that references will not be contacted without explicit permission from the candidate.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For best consideration, please submit your complete application materials by May 30, 2022.

MSCHE is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. MSCHE strictly prohibits and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons on the basis of protected class membership. For information please visit, https://www.msche.org/about-us/equal-employment-opportunity