Communications Coordinator

The Manager of Higher Education Accreditation and Quality Assurance Engagement supports CHEA’s mission by strengthening engagement, coordination, and collaboration related to accreditation, academic quality, and institutional improvement in higher education.

About Council for Higher Education Accreditation

A national advocate and institutional voice for academic quality through accreditation, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a U.S. association of degree-granting colleges and universities and recognizes institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations. CHEA is the only national organization focused exclusively on higher education accreditation and quality assurance.

Description

Position Summary

The Manager of Higher Education Accreditation and Quality Assurance Engagement supports CHEA’s mission by strengthening engagement, coordination, and collaboration related to accreditation, academic quality, and institutional improvement in higher education.

The position coordinates CHEA’s work with expert networks, accrediting organizations, institutional leaders, scholars, and international quality assurance leaders. Responsibilities include supporting expert discussions and activities, coordinating programming such as webinars and convenings, and helping connect CHEA with individuals and organizations that contribute to dialogue and thought leadership.

The role works closely with accrediting organizations, institutional leaders responsible for accreditation and institutional effectiveness, and scholars focused on educational quality.

The ideal candidate will have strong communications and project management skills as well as familiarity with higher education.

The Manager reports directly to the President and works closely with CHEA staff, expert leaders, and external partners including accrediting organizations, higher education leaders, and national and international partners.

Core Responsibilities

Engagement Collaboration

• Support CHEA initiatives that engage experts and leaders in higher education accreditation, quality assurance, assessment of student learning, and institutional effectiveness.
• Facilitate coordination across expert networks and advisory activities, including efforts related to the CHEA Council of Experts, CHEA International Quality Group (CIQG) initiatives, and international partners.

Programming Support

• Plan and execute webinars, forums, roundtables, and similar convenings, including coordination of speakers, logistics, and follow-up activities.

Stakeholder and Network Support

• Help maintain relationships with scholars, practitioners, accreditor leaders, institutions, and quality assurance organizations.
• Support communication and scheduling related to expert discussions and collaborative initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with communications, membership, and program staff to ensure alignment with CHEA priorities and member interests.

Strategic and Institutional Support

• Draft and refine written materials including briefing memos, summaries, correspondence, and program descriptions.
• Track and synthesize developments in accreditation and quality assurance policy and practice, both in the United States and internationally.
• Support strategic projects related to CHEA’s mission and priorities.

International Engagement

• Assist with CHEA’s engagement with international quality assurance organizations and higher education partners.
• Support discussions, collaborations, and knowledge exchange related to global developments in accreditation and quality assurance.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in higher education or a related field is required. Familiarity with accreditation, quality assurance, institutional assessment, or related areas is helpful but not required.

Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills are essential. Experience supporting events or collaborative initiatives is desirable.

Location

This position requires an in-office presence three days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). CHEA’s office is located at 1 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC.

Salary

$80,000 – $85,000 per year

Learn more here