Accreditation Specialist

Accreditation Specialist

Franklin University, a private, independent, accredited, nonprofit university located in Columbus, Ohio, invites applications for the position of Accreditation Specialist.

Founded in 1902, Franklin University has built its reputation on removing barriers to higher education for ambitious adults balancing educational goals with work, family, and other commitments. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin is recognized as an innovator in online education and serves students through applied undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs designed to support career advancement and lifelong learning. More than 50,000 Franklin alumni live and work around the world, making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

Position Summary:

The Accreditation Specialist ensures Franklin University's compliance with the requirements of state higher education agencies and professional licensure boards, the Higher Learning Commission, international governing bodies, and specialized accreditors. The Accreditation Specialist employs best practices in the completion of applications and reports for federal, state, and international higher education agencies, the approval of which makes it possible for the University to offer programs in new locations and maintain accreditation/authorization of existing programs. This position maintains positive working relationships with the University's faculty and staff, as well as external compliance representatives. Additional responsibilities include monitoring state regulations (including those specific to professional licensure boards) and specialized accreditation requirements for communication of noteworthy changes to University stakeholders and ensuring ongoing compliance for our academic offerings. In addition, the Accreditation Specialist will assist the office of Accreditation and Authorization with general projects related to obtaining and maintaining accreditation and state authorization for the University. This position reports to the Assistant Director, Accreditation and Authorization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete applications and other documents required for authorization/licensure in U.S. states & territories, and foreign countries as applicable based on University operations and authorization/licensure regulations
• Employ best practices for submission of information to state, regional, specialized, and international accrediting/authorizing agencies
• Remain current on state and federal legislation and other regulations relating to authorization/licensure of higher education programs and professional licensure programs
• Monitor University activities and initiatives and take necessary action to ensure University and program compliance with institutional accreditation, specialized accreditation, and state authorization/licensure requirements
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with: University faculty and staff, state agencies of higher education, state professional licensure board agencies, specialized accreditors, and individuals in the state authorization community at other colleges and universities, including attending and/or supporting meetings held virtually, in-person at the University's main campus, and/or in-person at locations outside of the Columbus, Ohio area
• Create and support effective document storage and retrieval procedures for files created and utilized by the office of Accreditation and Authorization
• Assist in project management for major institutional and specialized accreditation efforts, such as self-study reports and site visits. Responsibilities will include document creation and submission, collaboration with key stakeholders, and logistics planning
• Assist with other Accreditation & Authorization projects as needed, such as site visit planning and execution, and coordination of the State Authorization Network of Ohio (SAN-O) annual meeting with representatives from other Universities

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of three years' experience in a professional position
• Research skills to review state, federal, and international regulations and to identify requirements for authorization/approval
• Adept at using multiple software applications, including Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office 365 (including Teams, Word, Excel, and Teams)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
• Must be dependable and self-motivated
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituents
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality

Preferred Skills and Characteristics:

• Experience in working with government regulatory and compliance agencies
• Experience with higher education, academics, and/or accreditation/state authorization
• Experience working with education programs that lead to professional licensure in the fields of education or healthcare

Additional Notes:

This position follows an on-site hybrid work schedule and requires flexibility to meet departmental and university needs.

Franklin offers a competitive benefits package, incentive program, and free parking. In addition, Franklin provides free undergraduate tuition for employees and eligible family members, graduate tuition assistance for full-time employees and eligible family members, and a discount on doctoral tuition for employees.

Franklin University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Franklin does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, disability, or veteran or military status.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.