Researcher - Academic jobs in West Virginia

General Job Summary

This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with academic policies and processes in the Academic Affairs division of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council). The role will support strengthening collaboration among and between postsecondary institutions and partners. The Commission serves as the coordinating board for the state’s public universities and the Council performs this role for public community and technical colleges. Both are statutorily charged with authorizing private and proprietary postsecondary institutions to operate in West Virginia.

Classification: Full Time, Non-Classified, Exempt, Benefits-Eligible

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs with ensuring institutions are meeting policy and statutory requirements prescribed for postsecondary academic matters.
• Oversee initial and annual reauthorization of postsecondary institutions to operate in West Virginia by coordinating the authorization of degree-granting institutions (both in-state and online) as outlined in Series 20.
• Coordinates annual re-authorization processes for all institutions of higher education that confer associate degrees and higher degrees as specified in Series 52.
• Review and make recommendations regarding the proposed delivery of new academic and technical education programs by coordinating the post-audit process for newly implemented AAS programs within the Community College System.
• Coordinate Tuition Contract program for Veterinary Medicine, Optometry and Podiatry.
• Coordinates institutional program review and program planning processes as outlined in Series 10. Ensure institutions complete program review requirements and monitor progress of institutions on implementing review recommendations.
• Assists the Vice Chancellor with coordinating annual statewide academic planning processes.
• Manage and update state postsecondary program inventory.
• Coordinate state general education and course transfer review processes.
• Manage the state’s Southern Region Education Board (SREB) Academic Common Market program and contract/reciprocity agreements with out-of-state institutions.
• Coordinate statewide adult degree completion programs – Regents Bachelor of Arts and Board of Governors Associate of Applied Arts.
• Provide general support with Academic Affairs initiatives including but not limited to dual enrollment, open educational resources, co-requisite course delivery, micro-credentialing, policy development, and tuition reciprocity agreements.
• Provides support through preparing reports and presentations for the Commission, Council, Legislature, and other workgroups and committees as needed.
• Develops and delivers professional presentations at local, regional, and national meetings and conferences.
• As future circumstances or opportunities arise, assist with academic affairs programs, initiatives, policy implementation, etc. on an as needed basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Knowledge of postsecondary academic administration, trends, issues, and processes.
• Familiarity with collaborative practices needed for effective development and administration of postsecondary academic policies.
• Proven ability to balance a wide range of responsibilities.
• Effective written and oral communication skills for audiences internal and external to the agency.
• Ability to analyze data and synthesize complex information.
• Committed to teamwork, public service, and the mission of postsecondary education.

Supplemental Information

Closing Date: April 26, 2024

Application Process:
In addition to filling out the job application, qualified candidates must submit a letter of interest and contact information for three professional references.

DETAILS OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE MUST BE SHOWN IN THE DUTIES SECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks.