Vice President of Accreditation Relations

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a non-profit higher education association, is seeking a Vice President of Accreditation Relations (VPAR) to expand the team dedicated to advancing the quality of higher education.

This role serves as the primary liaison to HLC’s member institutions by maintaining relationships with institutional contacts and helping them navigate accreditation processes and requirements.

The position offers an unique base from which to experience the full diversity of American higher education; to grasp the emerging trends and innovations across colleges and universities; and to address the challenges and opportunities of quality assurance, continuous improvement, transparency to the public, and the values of voluntary self-regulation.

HLC Vice Presidents participate in the shaping, evaluation, and improvement of HLC policy and practice and contribute to the conduct of HLC services through provision of presentations, workshops, and other forms of engagement. They contribute significantly to the advancement of HLC’s strategic priorities.

• Doctoral degree
• 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 and openness to known and emerging innovations and promising practices
• 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 information resource and evaluator for both institutions and peer review teams
• Ability to handle a sizeable caseload of institutions, to manage the detail of multiple simultaneous activities, to contribute to 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
• Demonstrable communication skills in both writing and public speaking

HLC offers a rich benefits package including an employer 10% contribution of base salary to the retirement plan; medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance options; long term disability insurance; and dedicated funding for professional development.

HLC’s time-off includes 20 vacation days, 10 personal days, and a typical annual office closure for ten days in December.

The annual pay range for this salary is expected to be $150,000-$155,000, although the actual salary for the position may vary based on experience, qualifications, and HLC budget considerations.

About HLC

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent accrediting agency founded in 1895. HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. HLC has approximately 60 employees.

HLC is a hybrid work environment. In general, employees are expected to work in the HLC Chicago office on an occasional basis. Non-local candidates will be considered for Alternative Work Arrangements.

HLC is an equal opportunity employer. If you may require reasonable accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].    

Initial review of applications will begin on August 22nd.