Associate for Postsecondary Licensing

Position: Full-time, state government position
Location: Frankfort, KY, with limited telecommuting
Travel: Limited in-state and out-of-state travel
Compensation: $50,000 - $62,000
Retirement: TIAA
Priority Deadline: Preference given to applications received by December 8, 2025

About the Council on Postsecondary Education

The Council on Postsecondary Education is leading transformation in our workforce, economy and quality of life by advancing progress in educational attainment across Kentucky. As the state’s higher education coordinating agency, we champion high-quality, accessible, and affordable postsecondary opportunities that prepare students for civic engagement and sustainable careers. That’s why we are undertaking the 60x30 goal, an ambitious effort to raise the percentage of working-age Kentuckians with a postsecondary degree or certificate to 60% by the year 2030. At CPE, we believe that higher education matters – for everyone.

Function of the Position

Responsible for managing specified, day-to-day operations resulting from the implementation of statutes and regulations pertaining to the licensure of in-state, non-public institutions in Kentucky and out-of-state public and non-public institutions that wish to operate in Kentucky pursuant to KRS 164.945-.947 and 13 KAR 1:020 as well as institutions operating per the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) pursuant to KRS 164.540(3)(c) and 13 KAR 4:010.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the Academic Common Market (ACM) program, including all components of the accompanying Salesforce system: database management and maintenance, contract, annual license, support, and invoicing.
• Manage the KY Postsecondary Education Data System (KPEDS) Summary Level data submission processes (Enrollment, Transfer, and Degrees) for the licensure unit.
• Manage the invoicing processes for annual licensure fees and SARA fees; compile information needed to assess payments and coordinate with specified, internal CPE staff members to ensure payments are received, tracked, and recorded properly.
• Oversee the religious exemption initial application and renewal application processes.
• Oversee contact management (for licensed institutions, religious exempt institutions, and SARA institutions), including training regarding contact roles and responsibilities, reporting schedules, and required forms.
• Assist licensure unit staff with the consumer complaint process for licensed institutions.
• Assist licensure unit staff with the testing, launch, implementation and continuous improvement of the new Salesforce Licensure Portal, as needed.
• Assist licensure unit staff with complaints, Open Records Requests, maintenance of annual application institution and program information, surety bonds, one-time information requests, and special projects as needed.
• Work with specified, internal CPE staff members to field questions that come to the licensure unit regarding unique transcript requests.
• Work with the specified, internal CPE staff member who oversees the Minger database to update institutional listings whether due to closure or new license.
• Maintain specified physical and electronic licensure and SARA records.
• Maintain a uniform tone and structure for licensure and SARA communications including but not limited to initial applications, supplemental applications, renewal applications, consumer complaints and cease and desist correspondence.
• Find ways to improve licensing and SARA business operations and make the licensure unit more productive while adhering to state or agency statutes, regulations, policies and rules.
• Use readily available technologies and investigate future technologies which will aid in improving the retention and retrieval of state authorization records.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications - Education and Experience

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education, sociology, public administration, project management, or other related discipline.
• Professional experience in a regulatory environment, in higher education, or in a related field.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and adapt with a positive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Application Information

Interested applicants should send 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 .