Description

The Senior Director for Federal Policy and Government Relations leads CHEA’s engagement with federal policy and legislative developments affecting accreditation and higher education quality assurance. The position monitors federal regulatory and legislative activity, maintains relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders, and provides strategic policy analysis to support CHEA’s mission.  

The Senior Director works closely with the President to ensure that CHEA and its members remain informed about federal policy developments and that CHEA’s perspectives are effectively communicated to policymakers and the higher education community. The Senior Director reports to the President of CHEA and works closely with CHEA staff, member accreditors, and higher education organizations.

Key Responsibilities

Federal Policy Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitor federal legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments related to accreditation, quality assurance, and higher education policy.
• Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and policy initiatives and assess their implications for CHEA members and the broader accreditation community.
• Prepare policy briefs, memos, and summaries for CHEA leadership, board members, and member institutions.

Government Relations

• Maintain relationships with key staff in Congress, the U.S. Department of Education, and other relevant federal agencies.
• Represent CHEA in meetings, briefings, and policy discussions with federal policymakers and higher education stakeholders.
• Support the President in engaging with policymakers on issues related to accreditation and higher education quality.

Policy Communication

• Assist in preparing CHEA policy statements, comment letters, and responses to federal regulatory proposals.
• Contribute to CHEA publications and member communications related to federal policy developments.
• Prepare background materials, talking points, and briefing documents for CHEA leadership. 

Member Engagement

• Serve as a resource to CHEA members regarding federal policy developments affecting accreditation.
• Participate in CHEA meetings, webinars, and convenings related to policy and regulatory issues.
• Facilitate communication between CHEA, accreditors, and policymakers on matters of shared interest.
  

Strategic Policy Support

• Advise CHEA leadership on emerging policy trends affecting accreditation and higher education.
• Collaborate with CHEA staff on initiatives related to accreditation policy, innovation, and institutional quality.

Application Instructions

• Apply for this position at chea.org/chea-opportunities 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, law, higher education, or a related field preferred.
• 7 years of experience with federal higher education policy, legislative affairs, or government relations.
• Strong understanding of accreditation and quality assurance in higher education preferred.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Experience working with Congress, federal agencies, or national higher education organizations is highly desirable.

Employment Status

• All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. New hires must complete an I-9 Form on the first day of employment verifying their identity and employment authorization.
• CHEA does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Application Instructions

• Apply for this position at chea.org/chea-opportunities