DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (PROGRAM MANAGER IV)

Introduction

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is seeking to hire a Director of Academic Affairs within the Department of Academic Affairs. The Director of Academic Affairs reports to the Assistant Secretary for Academic Affairs. The Director of Academic Affairs provides leadership for the coordination and regulation of postsecondary education by supervising, planning, and organizing the work of the Academic Affairs Unit. The Director oversees the four teams: Academic Program Review, Institutional Review, Private Career Schools, and Veteran’s Affairs. This position represents the Secretary and Assistant Secretary at certain high-level academic meetings and serves as a key advisor to the Assistant Secretary
This is a full-time position with the job classification of Program Manager IV. The employee will be required to be physically in the office (downtown Baltimore location) for a portion of the work week with the potential for remote work. The employee will be expected to maintain a standing weekly schedule during traditional business hours. The employee will be expected to attend offsite meetings throughout Maryland on an as-needed/as-scheduled basis, and will be expected to attend relevant national conferences as a representative of Maryland/MHEC

GRADE

22

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Higher Education Commission 217 E. Redwood Street Suite 2100 Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The Director of Academic Affairs provides leadership for the coordination and regulation of postsecondary education by supervising, coordinating, planning and organizing the work of the Academic Affairs Unit. The Director oversees the four teams: Academic Program Review, Institutional Review, Private Career Schools, and Veteran’s Affairs. This position represents the Secretary and Assistant Secretary at certain high-level academic meetings and serves as a key academic and collegiate affairs advisor to the Assistant Secretary.

This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

POSITION DUTIES

Academic Oversight and Coordination
Manage the evaluation of degree-granting institutions and private careers schools to be authorized to operate in the State of Maryland and receive Veteran Affairs benefits. Manage the evaluation of out-of-state colleges and universities to operate in Maryland. Coordinate and record institutional certification under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. Provide leadership for the review and approval of new or modified academic programs. Ensure that statutory and regulatory deadlines are met. Coordinate the tracking and workflow of all program proposals. Respond to requests for information related to academic approval decisions and represent MHEC, as needed, during appeals and hearings made to the Commission. Provide support to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary on an as needed basis by conducting and developing reports, surveys, analyses, research, and briefings. Maintain ongoing communication with chief academic officers, faculties and students of two and four-year, public and private institutions, private career schools, and organizations of higher education. These include accreditation, licensure and certification entities. Prepare and submit quarterly reports to the Commission, representing work accomplished for each quarter of the year regarding institutional and program decisions about institutions of higher education and private career schools, and other substantive reports as requested.  Provide leadership and support for planned and precipitous school closures.  Oversees and manages student complaints
State Policy Planning and Development
Recommend, develop and initiate changes to regulations and policies relating to Academic Affairs.  Participate in MHEC policy work groups or other committees, and direct academic affairs initiatives.  Guidance and coordination for workforce development and career education activities.  Oversee the design, planning, implementation and management of systems and databases for program inventory, online education, distance learning, etc.  Oversee annual commitments in the Maryland State Plan for Postsecondary Education for the area of academic affairs.  Develop, review, and implement policies concerning student transfer and interstate reciprocal agreements
Personnel Administration
General supervision for the staff involved in: o Material analyses o Evaluations and approval recommendations of all academic programs (including workforce sequences) for two- and four-year public and private institutions of higher learning and for private career schools o State approval and compliance of educational programs for veterans o Liaison with the fire-rescue education and training commission o Registration of out-of-state institutions’ fully online programs o Authorization of exemptions for religious educational institutions o Workforce education initiatives o Higher education programs in collaboration with the Southern Regional Education Board  Ensure timely production and well-coordinated workflow.  Manages the personnel process for the Academic Affairs Division by reviewing MS-22’s, hiring staff, employee relations, professional development, and monitoring the performance evaluation process in accordance with State policies
Liaison to Educational and Governmental Groups
Serve as the staff liaison for task forces, workgroups, and committees, as assigned (e.g., Student Advisory Council, Faculty Advisory Council, Student Transfer Advisory Council). Responsibilities include: oversight of membership selection process, managing the agenda, coordinating projects, organizing survey committees, and providing reports on an as needed basis for MHEC.  Coordinate with segment associations such as the University System of Maryland (USM), the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) the Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities Association (MICUA) and others to recruit new representatives and maintain a full roster of representatives for respective committee assignments.  Participate on MHEC policy work groups or other committees as assigned.  Studies, activities and policies related to the further development of academic libraries and the Maryland Digital Library
Other related and administrative duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related area from an accredited college or university
Experience: Five years of experience coordinating or administering education programs or services
Notes: 1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work in Education or a related area for two years of the required experience 2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Education or a related field for three years of the required experience 3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a Commissioned Officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education, one year of which must have been in an administrative supervisory or consultative capacity

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The evaluation may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at [email protected] or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.