Senior Associate, Academic Excellence

Preferred Application Date: March 7, 2025
Location:  Frankfort, KY, with option for limited telecommuting
Travel: May require may require travel to colleges/universities, schools, and other state agencies.
Compensation:  $60,000 - $72,000
Retirement:  TIAA

About the Council on Postsecondary Education

The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is Kentucky’s coordinating body for postsecondary education and is committed to strengthening the commonwealth’s workforce, economy, and quality of life through the continuous improvement and efficient operation of a high-quality, diverse, and accessible system of postsecondary education.

Function of the Position

The Council is the approving body for academic programs at Kentucky’s public institutions. This position assists in the creation and coordination of research and initiatives that help fulfill the academic and student success goals outlined in the statewide strategic agenda for postsecondary education. This role performs administrative duties related to statutory responsibilities.

The position reports directly to the Vice President of Academic Excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

General

• Conduct policy analyses and write policy positions on priority areas, most notably the Kentucky Graduate Profile.
• Develop white papers, research reports, and policy briefs on priority areas.
• Assist in the creation and implementation of initiatives related to priority areas.
• Provide technical assistance to campuses for initiatives related to priority areas.
• Assist in planning and facilitation of convenings.
• Track news and monitor trends related to higher education.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for extramural funding to support initiatives.
• Handling administrative/clerical responsibilities related to the position.

Academic Programming

• Assist in approval of new academic programs.
• Assist in review of existing academic programs.
• Coordinate the Academic Common Market (ACM)
  • Responsibilities include working with students, parents, Kentucky public institutions, out-of-state institutions, SREB, academic program management, and administration of the ACM online application system.

Transfer

• Maintain a list of courses that are a part of the statewide general education core.
• Maintain list of course equivalencies for standardized credit by exam.

Academic Readiness

• Maintain list of approved academic readiness indicators.

Education and Experience

• Knowledge of state postsecondary policy and policy development process.
• Minimum of three years’ experience at a postsecondary institution or an education-related organization OR a master’s degree or above in public policy, education policy, or related fields.
• Ability to design, execute, and evaluate projects related to promoting access to postsecondary education, improving student success, and increasing equitable attainment at the state level.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong research skills.

Preferred Experience

• Methodology skills, such as survey development and analysis.
• Ability to design, execute, and evaluate projects related to promoting access to postsecondary education, improving student success, and increasing equitable attainment at the state level.
• Skill in project management.

Application Information

Interested applicants should submit a letter of application specifically addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, a resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references to CPE.HR@ky.gov .