Executive Director for Postsecondary Licensing

Application Due Date: Preference given to applications received by Feb. 12, 2024
Position: Full-time state position
Location: Frankfort, KY with limited telecommuting
Travel: Limited in-state and out-of-state travel
Compensation: $91,300
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

Leads the postsecondary licensing unit of the agency by performing tasks related to managing 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, and the participation of in-state public and non-public institutions in the national State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) per KRS 164.540 (3)(c) and 13 KAR 4:010.

Duties and Responsibilities

Licensure

• Serve as program manager and primary Council representative for non-public institution licensure ensuring fiscal and programmatic compliance under state law and lead staff in this area.
• Serve as main contact person for postsecondary licensing for inquiries from U.S. Department of Education, institutions, consumers and other state and federal agencies.
• Coordinate licensure activities with Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Board of Nursing, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Attorney General, Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education and other agencies or organizations on issues related to postsecondary licensing.
• Review and approve initial applications for licensure.
• Conduct site visits to institutions applying for initial licensure or renewal where appropriate and as needed.
• Oversee Kentucky’s participation in the national state authorization for distance education reciprocity agreement (NC-SARA), which includes, but is not limited to, certifying Kentucky institutions participation in NC-SARA.
• Monitor institutions with conditional license to ensure institution complies with all conditions.
• Review and approve supplementary licensure applications for new programs, new sites, change of location, change of ownership/governance, change of name and change in accreditation status.
• Process program modification requests to existing licensed programs.
• Review annual applications for maintenance or renewal of licensure with focus on financial information, faculty information, facilities information and library information, and notify institution of deficiencies to be corrected before license may be renewed and take appropriate actions as necessary.
• Issue cease and desist letters to institutions operating in Kentucky without license.
• Complete CPE Annual Report for non-public institution licensure activities.

Compliance

• Monitor institutions' compliance with federal state authorization regulations and assist with any state authorization issues and documentation needed.
• Work with institutions, independent CPAs, and surety bond companies regarding surety bonds required for licensure.

• Monitor licensed institutions' financial stability and status with U.S. Department of Education including financial responsibility score, heightened cash monitoring, provisional certification and final program review determinations, as well as licensed institutions' accreditation status with institutional and programmatic accrediting agencies.

Executive

• Serve as Council representative to National Association of State Administrators and Supervisors of Private Schools (NASASPS).
• Serve as President's designee on Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education’s Board, which licenses institutions offering below bachelor's degree.
• Communicate with KHEAA and the U.S. Department of Education regarding compliance of institutions participating in programs at those agencies.
• Consider proposed amendments to administrative regulations.
• Research and monitor higher education topics and consider any proposed action items such as surveys to institutions and possible future regulation amendments.
• Oversee the collection of summary level enrollment, transfer and degrees conferred data from licensed institutions, including investigating and responding to complex inquiries and issues.
• Monitor federal Negotiated Rulemaking regarding state authorization, professional licensure and SARA, and updates from WCET State Authorization Network and SARA Call to Action.

Consumer Complaints

• Receive and facilitate consumer complaints.
• Investigate and respond to constituent inquiries.

Qualifications – Education and Experience

• Minimum of a master’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. 
• Good customer service skills.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and adapt with a positive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement. 

Application Process

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