Director, N-SARA

Position Title: DIRECTOR, NEW ENGLAND STATE AUTHORIZATION RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS (SARA)

Department: SARA

Reports to: President & CEO

Salary Range: $85,000-$95,000

GENERAL SUMMARY

This position leads the management and oversight of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) in the NEBHE region. SARA provides a platform for states within the NEBHE Compact (and affiliated states for SARA only) to enter reciprocity for the purpose of authorizing individual colleges and universities to provide postsecondary education courses and programs through distance/online education to students living in other states. This individual directs NEBHE’s engagement with the four regional SARAs—functioning within the other regional interstate contacts—to facilitate reciprocity among willing states within their respective regions. The four regional SARAs are connected through an inter-regional agreement to create a nationwide reciprocity framework, governed by a national coordinating board, NC-SARA.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position located at the NEBHE offices in Boston.

NEBHE BACKGROUND

Established in 1955 by six visionary New England governors, NEBHE is a regional compact that works across New England to help leaders assess, develop, and implement education practices and policies of regional significance; promote regional cooperation that encourages efficient sharing of education resources; and strengthen the relationship between higher education and the regional economy. Based in downtown Boston, NEBHE is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Management, Outreach and Oversight (35%)

• Communicate regularly with directors and staff of other regional compacts to ensure consistency of messaging and practice and to explore potential avenues for collaboration.
• Communicate regularly with the national NC-SARA leadership and staff and participate in meetings, support collective professional development, serve on committees and working groups.
• Plan and convene forums to inform institutions of SARA developments and participation requirements.
• Monitor regional participating institution status through U.S. ED financial reports, accreditor status updates, higher ed news, communicate to state portal entities (SPE) to ensure awareness, possible need for action.
• Inform staff of the SPE agency in each state of the timeline and specific requirements for renewal of state membership and support with seamless institutional participation in their states.
• Representation at conferences and semi-annual NC-SARA board meetings, annual SPE meeting, compact counterpart convening.
• Work with institutional, state, regional and national partners to identify and address important issues, questions, concerns or other matters of interest.
• Develop, implement, and oversee annual SARA operations, including work plans and budgets.
• Participate in NEBHE Board and committee meetings, as required, to report on SARA-related matters or other pertinent activities.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of NEBHE SARA Program Coordinator (split position) and consultants (as needed)

Communications and Data Management (25%)

• Work with NC-SARA staff to review and implement processes for collecting, tracking, and reporting data on state SARA membership and institutional SARA participation at any given time.
• Produce periodic updates on SARA focused on regional and national participation benefits, data, relevant news and developments and more, building on existing efforts such as a quarterly e-newsletter, annual mailing to all participating institutions, maintaining and updating highlights flyers for all NEBHE states.
• Ad hoc institution and state support surrounding policy, current events/developments, and best practices.
• Design, collect, track data (including, but not limit to student complaints, membership benefits and quality assurance) identified as a regional priority.
• In conjunction with Regional Compact President, report on matters of SARA operations and governance as needed or as requested by relevant governing or policymaking authorities in the region.
• Oversight of regional SARA content on NEBHE website.

Regional Steering Committee (RSC) (25%)

• Plan and convene the RSC and SPE representatives monthly (at a minimum), as well as one annual day-long in-person convening, for updates and developments on SARA, and in particular to support the SARA policy modification cycle.
• Serve as point person for the SARA policy modification process within the region. Maintain frequent communication with the other regions, NC-SARA, other stakeholders, to facilitate the annual process. This can include organizing policy proposals on behalf of the region, collecting and recording feedback and formal votes/positions of the region, relaying feedback for regional or other proposals to any interested parties.
• Work with the NEBHE President and RSC Chair in appointing individuals to the regional SARA governing entity and any other relevant advisory groups.
• Report on matters of SARA operations and governance as needed or requested.

Other NEBHE Responsibilities (15%)

• Assessment, planning and support of outreach, marketing and/or communications organization wide.
• Support exploration or implementation of related regional initiatives to enhance access and opportunities to postsecondary education.
• Assist in development, adoption and assessment to ensure continued progress of board priorities and/or related events.
• Assist with NEBHE Board engagement, support and effectiveness strategies.
• Promotes and maintains positive relations for NEBHE and SARA.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required

• Master’s Degree in Education, Government, Public Policy, Business, or related field preferred
• Three to five years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Familiarity with higher education governance and the regulatory environment at the national, state, and local levels, or nonprofit sector; institutional or state-level experience with higher education policymaking or policy analysis in areas related to governance, accreditation, program review, licensure, quality assurance, consumer protection, or other programs advancing student success and access.
• Ability to navigate the political landscape and intersections of higher education institutions, state-level governing or coordinating entities, and state legislatures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and an ability to craft messaging to reach a diverse range of constituents to describe the benefits of reciprocity and NEBHE.
• Proven ability to work independently and to develop programs or initiatives
• Ability to develop strong working relationships and networks among policymakers and practitioners in multiple states.
• Ability to assist with the development of relevant and realistic plans, programs, and goals.
• Ability to recognize organizational priorities and work cooperatively to support their accomplishment.
• Good problem-solving skills and a proactive approach in recommending solutions.
• Ability to form strong coalitions with internal and external constituencies and interact effectively with variety of people.
• Detail-oriented and strong computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred

• Knowledge of state authorization, institutional accreditation, program approval, and/or professional licensure processes.
• Understanding of online and distance education delivery systems, modalities, and programs.
• Familiarity with financial aid and college counseling resources.

BENEFITS

• Medical and dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Retirement plan
• Flexible work environment
• Overnight travel in the New England area is occasionally required

CONTACT

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) on LinkedIn or email to careers@nebhe.org using the subject line: "NEBHE N-SARA."