Director of Compliance

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Tennessee.

📋 Description

• Offer regulatory and accreditation guidance to institutional leadership, central departments, campus personnel, and external regulatory bodies.

• Facilitate ongoing compliance, ensure accreditation remains in good standing, and maintain Title IV eligibility.

• Oversee the renewal of accreditations, including ACCSC and NWCCU candidacy.

• Manage compliance with federal Title IV and USDOE regulations, state authorization, Title IX, Clery Act, FERPA, and consumer disclosure mandates.

• Direct institutional policy management and internal audits.

• Execute strategic initiatives related to ACCSC renewal, NWCCU transition, state authorization, distance education expansion, and Title IV compliance.

• Provide counseling and support through individual and group sessions, addressing student complaints, Title IX issues, and compliance investigations.

• Educate stakeholders on institutional resources, policies, procedures, regulatory expectations, and consumer disclosures.

• Develop and implement compliance calendars, evidence repositories, student information systems, and technological solutions.

• Ensure accurate documentation, regulatory records, tools, systems, calendars, and repositories are maintained.

• Complete necessary professional development and training on an annual basis.

• Assist in initiatives related to Title IX, Clery Act, FERPA, ADA/504, and VA/GI Bill compliance.

• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions, Career Services, Campus Leadership, the President, and the Board of Directors.

• Provide referrals for personal, social, and academic issues.

• Organize and coordinate accreditor site visits, compliance audits, training workshops, and regulatory reviews.

• Monitor state and federal regulations, emerging best practices, proposed rule changes, and relevant research.

• Engage with students, faculty, staff, accreditors, state boards, federal agencies, and other external stakeholders.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university is required.

• A master’s degree in higher education administration, public administration, law, or a related field is preferred.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) is a plus.

• CCEP or NASFAA certification is desirable.

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education compliance, accreditation, financial aid administration, or regulatory affairs is required.

• Proficient understanding of Title IV regulations (34 CFR Part 668) and institutional accreditor standards (ACCSC, NWCCU, SACSCOC, etc.).

• Experience in preparing accreditation self-studies and substantial change applications.

• Background in managing Title IV audits or site visits.

• Experience in proprietary or career-focused institutions with allied health, nursing, multi-campus, or distance education programs is preferred.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, cross-functional influencing, and public presentation skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, executive leadership, accreditors, and external partners.

• Proficient in clear and professional communication in both verbal and written forms, capable of producing regulator-ready narratives.

• Strong regulatory judgment, project management skills, and evidence discipline to handle multiple filings and audits simultaneously.

• High level of independence, integrity, and confidentiality.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, as well as student information systems and compliance management platforms.

• Capacity to work standard business hours, with occasional extended hours and travel up to 15% to branch locations and accreditor meetings.

• Required to submit a 2–5 minute video response summarizing qualifications, interest, and fit.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equal Employment Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

• Equal access to employment opportunities for all.

• Position is remote-based.

• Annual professional development and training opportunities.