Executive Director / CEO

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC); Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement contribution

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Vacation Leave

Paid Holidays

Parking

Tuition Reimbursement

Partner Travel Benefit

Job summary

ACCSC is seeking an Executive Director and CEO to guide accreditation, policy, and organizational strategy from its Arlington, VA office. The leader will oversee all accreditation operations, budgets, and IT infrastructure while advancing ACCSC's mission and accountability in career education.

The role requires 10+ years of senior leadership in accreditation or higher education, with strong regulatory knowledge and exceptional communication skills. Travel and in-person leadership are expected.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in accreditation or higher education
• Experience with accreditation processes and standards
• Strong regulatory and nonprofit governance knowledge

Responsibilities

• Lead ACCSC's accreditation processes and annual budgets
• Develop standards, policies, and procedures for accreditation
• Engage with education regulators and external stakeholders
• Oversee operations including IT, HR, and facilities
• Communicate decisions clearly to member institutions

Skills

Executive leadership experience

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Regulatory understanding

Education

Master's or Doctorate in relevant field

PhD/EdD/JD preferred

Job description

Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Lead the Future of Accreditation. Champion Student Success. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is seeking an accomplished, visionary, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. As the chief executive and administrative officer of ACCSC, the Executive Director will work closely with the Commission, Chair, and Executive Committee to advance the organization's mission, ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the accreditation process, and position ACCSC as a respected and forward-thinking authority in career education. For nearly six decades, ACCSC has been dedicated to promoting educational quality and accountability in career-focused educational institutions, helping ensure that students receive the training and education necessary to achieve meaningful workforce success. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape the future of accreditation while advancing innovation, accountability, and student achievement.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist and support the Commission in achieving its mission of serving as a dependable authority as to the quality of education and training offered by career education institutions.
• Assist and support the Commission in establishing and fostering high educational standards, quality, accountability, and ethical practices among accredited institutions.
• Administer the Commission’s operations including but not limited to all aspects of the accreditation process, annual budgets and financial management, organizational design and IT infrastructure, staff management and human resources, and physical space and equipment.
• Cultivate and distribute timely information, advice, and direction needed by the Commission to set strategy; develop accrediting standards, policies, procedures; and make accreditation decisions.
• Ensure the delivery of clear and timely correspondence to member institutions expressing the Commission’s decisions, actions, and guidance as well as any changes or revisions to the Standards of Accreditation or the accreditation process.
• Implement actions determined by the Commission and perform such other duties as assigned by the Chair of ACCSC, Executive Committee, or the Commission.
• Maintain effective and harmonious relationships with the Commission, staff, the U.S. Department of Education, state regulators, accredited institutions, other accrediting agencies, trade associations representing career schools, and other ACCSC constituents.
• Engage in education policy discussions across a spectrum of forums representing the interests of ACCSC and accreditation as an enterprise.
• Schedule, plan, and attend all meetings of the Commission and the Executive Committee participating in deliberations in a non-voting capacity unless otherwise directed by the Executive Committee.
• Devote time and attention to professional development activities, scholarships, and research that are complementary to ACCSC.

Qualifications and Experience

Successful candidates will have significant senior leadership experience (i.e., 10+ years) in one or more of the following areas:

• Institutional or programmatic accreditation
• Higher education administration
• Education policy
• Regulatory compliance
• Nonprofit governance

The strongest candidates may come from backgrounds such as:

• Senior executive leadership within an accrediting agency
• President or CEO of an education-focused nonprofit organization
• Senior higher education administration
• Education policy leadership
• Chief academic or compliance officer roles within multi-campus educational systems

Leadership Characteristics

• Commitment to student-centered decision-making
• Strong belief in accountability, peer review, and continuous improvement
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Exceptional communication skills
• Integrity, transparency, and professionalism
• The ability to lead effectively in complex regulatory environments
• A collaborative leadership style and strong governance partnership skills

Education

• A graduate degree in a field aligned to the requirements and expectations of the position such as educational or organizational leadership, educational administration, public policy, nonprofit management, is required.
• A doctorate or terminal professional degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D.) is strongly preferred.

Other Requirements

• This is an Arlington, VA in-person office-based position.
• Must be able to travel a minimum of 25% of the time/ ~1 trip per month.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.

Position Start Date

July 1, 2027

Applications will be accepted October 1, 2026 through December 1, 2026.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $250,000 - $325,000 annually. Starting salary will be determined based on relevant executive leadership experience, credentials, organizational management expertise, and overall qualifications.

• Retirement Contribution
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vacation Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Parking
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Partner Travel Benefit

For the full Candidate Profile visit ACCSC's website at: https://www.accsc.org/about/career-opportunities/