Open Searches

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) invites applications and nominations as the Council searches for the next President. The Council seeks a strategic, forward-thinking, and collaborative president prepared to serve as a national and international thought leader in a changing postsecondary accreditation landscape.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a nonprofit organization started by college and university presidents in an effort to respond to the U.S Department of Education’s and the U.S. Congress’s overt engagement in higher education, as well as to provide a non-governmental recognition process for institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations in the United States. CHEA Recognition indicates that an accrediting organization has met rigorous CHEA standards for the promotion of academic quality, institutional improvement, and advancement of student success; demonstration of public accountability for performance and transparency; and sustains an effective accreditation structure and organization. CHEA offers recognition to U.S. and international organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.

It was the efforts of these earlier presidents who insisted that universities should be the primary determinants of quality academic performance. The institutional and program “self-study” processes and the philosophy of academic continuous improvement are the cornerstones of CHEA’s advocacy and recognition. For more than 28 years, CHEA has been the primary advocate for institutions in the accreditation process. Previous years have indicated a growing assertive effort by the federal government to issue more regulations regarding academic quality in higher education, which are often tied to federal funding. CHEA continues to serve on behalf of public, private, two- and four-year degree-granting institutions.

CHEA is the only national organization in the United States focused exclusively on higher education accreditation and quality assurance. The Council recognizes U.S. accrediting organizations, which includes institutional, regional, faith-related and programmatic accrediting organizations and is governed by a 20-person board of college and university presidents, institutional representatives and public members.

The President is the chief executive officer of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and responsible to the board of directors for the leadership and management of the organization as well as guiding the direction of CHEA – including CHEA’s international affiliate CIQG – which includes:

• Serving as a spokesperson for U.S. accreditation and quality assurance and the role of CHEA within higher education, the public, and internationally and serving as the key voice and face of U.S. accreditation.
• Being an advocate for coherent and effective accreditation policies and quality assurance to the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Department of Education, the media, and the general public.
• Fostering a cooperative climate of work with accrediting organizations, colleges and universities, and higher education associations to sustain and enhance the strengths and credibility of accreditation.
• Developing CHEA programs and strategies to advance quality assurance and improvement through accreditation.
• Determining organizational structure, staffing, and sound financial practices to achieve CHEA’s goals and objectives.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a terminal degree, possess executive-level experience appropriate to the role, and bring extensive accreditation experience.

Additionally, the ideal candidate should possess:

• Astute political acumen and advocacy, especially for accreditation and compliance;
• An understanding of the changing complexities of higher education;
• A dedication to improving lives, uplifting families, and creating brighter futures through the promotion of high academic standards and practices;
• A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion;
• Strong operations management skills that will enable them to balance the leadership of CHEA’s internal operations with engagement in national and international discussions about accreditation;
• Financial management and leadership with an ability to lead the acquisition of new and diverse revenue streams that are core to and supportive of CHEA’s mission;
• An understanding and experience working in a membership organization, preferably at the executive level;
• Creative and innovative leadership that is experienced in marketing and strategic planning that promotes the organization, national awareness, and growth in membership and the financial portfolio of CHEA;
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, that allow for great presentations, discussions, and dialogue with diverse key stakeholders; and
• A deep understanding and expertise of accreditation, national and international trends, issues, concerns, and opportunities.

More information can be found in the institutional profile at the link above.

How to Apply

Applications should consist of a substantial letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and a list of five professional references with full contact information. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to:

CHEAPresident@academicsearch.org

The position is open until filled but only applications received by Monday, January 13, 2025, can be assured full consideration. This is a hybrid position requiring some physical presence in the Washington, D.C. office. The Council is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Ann Hasselmo at Ann.Hasselmo@academicsearch.org and Chris Butler at Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org. Further information about the Council for Higher Education Accreditation is available at https://www.chea.org/.

CHEA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, veteran or disability status.