[Hiring] Manager, State Authorization and Academic Compliance @The Community Solution Education System

Role Description

The Manager, State Authorization & Academic Compliance serves as the University's lead coordinator for state authorization and related academic compliance activities. This position is responsible for managing the institution's multi-state authorization portfolio, monitoring regulatory requirements applicable to distance education, coordinating renewal and reporting activities, maintaining compliance documentation, and supporting ongoing institutional compliance efforts.

This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in advancing Saybrook University's state authorization and academic compliance efforts. The successful candidate will support regulatory compliance, manage complex projects, and help develop and maintain effective systems for tracking and meeting compliance obligations. Exceptional writing, research, and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to interpret regulatory requirements and communicate them clearly. Experience with state authorization, NC-SARA, accreditation, or higher education compliance is preferred.

• Lead preparation and submission of state authorization applications, renewals, annual reports, and related filings.
• Research and monitor state regulatory requirements affecting academic programs and distance education.
• Draft regulatory narratives, reports, analyses, and responses for state agencies and institutional leadership.
• Develop and maintain compliance calendars, tracking systems, and documentation repositories.
• Support institutional readiness for state authorization, regulatory reviews, and potential NC-SARA participation.
• Assist with accreditation-related reporting, documentation, substantive change processes, and evidence collection.
• Coordinate with academic and administrative stakeholders to gather, verify, and organize information for regulatory and accreditation submissions.
• Identify emerging compliance risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with state agencies, accreditors, and other external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in higher education administration, academic affairs, compliance, accreditation, institutional effectiveness, regulatory affairs, governmental affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience preparing complex written reports, regulatory submissions, accreditation documentation, policy analyses, grant proposals, or similar high-stakes materials.
• Excellent written communication, editing, and analytical skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities, with experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to interpret complex requirements and communicate them clearly to diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Comfortable working in a fully remote environment using tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Law, or a related field.
• Experience with state authorization compliance and distance education regulations.
• Familiarity with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
• Experience supporting accreditation reviews, self-studies, substantive change applications, or annual reporting processes.
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies, accreditors, licensing boards, or governmental organizations.
• Experience supporting professional licensure disclosures.

Benefits

• Generous paid time-off.
• Medical and dental coverage.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development.
• Regular employee appreciation events.