Director of Accreditation
Apply NowCompany: Harrisburg University
Location: Harrisburg, PA 17112
Description:
About Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is a private, STEM-focused institution dedicated to providing high-quality, career-oriented education. With approximately 6,000 learners, HU is committed to fostering innovation, research, and workforce development in fields critical to the future economy. Our faculty and leadership are deeply engaged in shaping an institution that responds to industry needs and empowers students through experiential learning, cutting-edge research, and strong industry partnerships.
Position Summary
Harrisburg University is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Accreditation to lead and manage all accreditation and regulatory compliance efforts. Reporting to the Provost, the Director will oversee institutional and programmatic accreditation processes, serve as the university's primary liaison to accrediting bodies, and ensure the institution meets all accreditation and compliance requirements.
This position is crucial to maintaining HU's reputation for academic excellence and innovation, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, and supporting continuous improvement across all university programs. The Director will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and leadership to develop and implement best practices in accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Accreditation & Compliance Oversight
Serve as the university's primary liaison with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and other relevant accrediting bodies.
Oversee the preparation, submission, and follow-up for all accreditation-related reports, self-studies, and site visits.
Monitor evolving accreditation standards and proactively guide the university in aligning policies and procedures with best practices.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation-related policies, including Title IV, state authorizations, and licensure requirements.
Develop and maintain systems to track accreditation timelines, reporting requirements, and compliance deadlines.
Institutional Effectiveness & Continuous Improvement
Partner with academic leadership, faculty, and institutional research teams to collect and analyze data that inform accreditation and compliance efforts.
Support the development of strategic initiatives and policies that enhance institutional quality and student success.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement by working with faculty and administration to implement evidence-based decision-making strategies.
Leadership & Collaboration
Provide training and guidance to faculty and staff on accreditation requirements and compliance expectations.
Collaborate with academic and administrative units to ensure alignment with accreditation standards and university-wide goals.
Regularly present updates and reports on accreditation and compliance status to university leadership, faculty committees, and the Board of Trustees.
Represent HU at accreditation-related meetings, conferences, and workshops.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Master's degree required; Doctorate preferred in higher education administration, public policy, institutional research, or a related field.
5-7 years of experience in accreditation, institutional effectiveness, compliance, or academic affairs within higher education.
Deep knowledge of Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation standards and other relevant accrediting bodies.
Strong background in regulatory compliance, including Title IV, state authorization, and licensure requirements.
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills, with attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with accrediting agencies, faculty, staff, and senior leadership.
Experience in data-driven decision-making, assessment design, and institutional effectiveness strategies.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience leading institutional accreditation efforts at a private STEM-focused or similar-sized institution.
Knowledge of emerging trends in higher education policy, assessment, and compliance.
Familiarity with institutional research tools, accreditation software, and compliance tracking systems.
Experience working with university governance structures and faculty committees on accreditation matters.
Why Join Harrisburg University?
Impactful Leadership Role - Play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing HU's accreditation and academic reputation.
Innovative STEM-Focused Institution - Be part of a fast-growing, industry-aligned university committed to cutting-edge research and workforce development.
Collaborative & Mission-Driven Environment - Work alongside faculty, staff, and industry leaders who are dedicated to academic excellence and student success.
Competitive Salary & Benefits Package - HU offers a comprehensive benefits program, including healthcare, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
A cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications.
A resume or CV.
A statement on their experience with accreditation, compliance, and institutional effectiveness.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is a private, STEM-focused institution dedicated to providing high-quality, career-oriented education. With approximately 6,000 learners, HU is committed to fostering innovation, research, and workforce development in fields critical to the future economy. Our faculty and leadership are deeply engaged in shaping an institution that responds to industry needs and empowers students through experiential learning, cutting-edge research, and strong industry partnerships.
Position Summary
Harrisburg University is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Accreditation to lead and manage all accreditation and regulatory compliance efforts. Reporting to the Provost, the Director will oversee institutional and programmatic accreditation processes, serve as the university's primary liaison to accrediting bodies, and ensure the institution meets all accreditation and compliance requirements.
This position is crucial to maintaining HU's reputation for academic excellence and innovation, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, and supporting continuous improvement across all university programs. The Director will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and leadership to develop and implement best practices in accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Accreditation & Compliance Oversight
Serve as the university's primary liaison with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and other relevant accrediting bodies.
Oversee the preparation, submission, and follow-up for all accreditation-related reports, self-studies, and site visits.
Monitor evolving accreditation standards and proactively guide the university in aligning policies and procedures with best practices.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation-related policies, including Title IV, state authorizations, and licensure requirements.
Develop and maintain systems to track accreditation timelines, reporting requirements, and compliance deadlines.
Institutional Effectiveness & Continuous Improvement
Partner with academic leadership, faculty, and institutional research teams to collect and analyze data that inform accreditation and compliance efforts.
Support the development of strategic initiatives and policies that enhance institutional quality and student success.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement by working with faculty and administration to implement evidence-based decision-making strategies.
Leadership & Collaboration
Provide training and guidance to faculty and staff on accreditation requirements and compliance expectations.
Collaborate with academic and administrative units to ensure alignment with accreditation standards and university-wide goals.
Regularly present updates and reports on accreditation and compliance status to university leadership, faculty committees, and the Board of Trustees.
Represent HU at accreditation-related meetings, conferences, and workshops.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Master's degree required; Doctorate preferred in higher education administration, public policy, institutional research, or a related field.
5-7 years of experience in accreditation, institutional effectiveness, compliance, or academic affairs within higher education.
Deep knowledge of Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation standards and other relevant accrediting bodies.
Strong background in regulatory compliance, including Title IV, state authorization, and licensure requirements.
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills, with attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with accrediting agencies, faculty, staff, and senior leadership.
Experience in data-driven decision-making, assessment design, and institutional effectiveness strategies.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience leading institutional accreditation efforts at a private STEM-focused or similar-sized institution.
Knowledge of emerging trends in higher education policy, assessment, and compliance.
Familiarity with institutional research tools, accreditation software, and compliance tracking systems.
Experience working with university governance structures and faculty committees on accreditation matters.
Why Join Harrisburg University?
Impactful Leadership Role - Play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing HU's accreditation and academic reputation.
Innovative STEM-Focused Institution - Be part of a fast-growing, industry-aligned university committed to cutting-edge research and workforce development.
Collaborative & Mission-Driven Environment - Work alongside faculty, staff, and industry leaders who are dedicated to academic excellence and student success.
Competitive Salary & Benefits Package - HU offers a comprehensive benefits program, including healthcare, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
A cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications.
A resume or CV.
A statement on their experience with accreditation, compliance, and institutional effectiveness.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.