State Authorization Specialist

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The State Authorization Specialist, will serve as a pivotal figure in USD’s commitment to upholding the highest compliance standards with Title IV HEA regulations, state mandates, and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Primary responsibilities will revolve around monitoring, interpreting, and implementing regulations to guarantee institutional adherence.

The State Authorization Specialist will need to stay abreast of regulatory updates through continuous research, ensuring our institution remains proactive in compliance efforts. You will evaluate regulations meticulously, comprehending their intricacies and assessing their impact on institutional operations. Additionally, you will assist in developing and overseeing policies and procedures to ensure seamless compliance with federal requirements.

This role will extend beyond mere compliance, nurturing relationships with regulatory bodies, addressing inquiries, and facilitating the submission of necessary documentation. Through effective communication and collaboration, you will serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.

Furthermore, project management skills are necessary to orchestrate initiatives from conception to completion, maintaining meticulous records and documentation along the way. The State Authorization Specialist will prepare comprehensive reports for various stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in our compliance efforts.

The commitment to excellence will extend to providing training and educational resources to stakeholders, fostering a culture of compliance and understanding across the institution. Whether it’s navigating online education delivery systems or guiding programs leading to professional licensure, your expertise will be instrumental in achieving program efficiency and regulatory compliance.

The State Authorization position includes:

State Authorization and Professional Licensure Compliance : Monitor and interpret state, federal, and SARA regulations and requirements to ensure institutional compliance with Title IV HEA. Continuous research is necessary to stay abreast of regulatory updates. Evaluate regulations with attention to detail and the capacity to comprehend in order to stay informed about changes in laws and regulations and effectively assess their impact on institutional operations. Develop and oversee policies and procedures related to state authorization compliance. Regulatory Approvals: Establish and sustain connections with regulators and governmental bodies to address inquiries regarding regulations. Prepare and submit appropriate applications, renewals, reports, and other required documentation to uphold compliance with state, federal, and SARA regulations. Communicate with regulators and other government entities to address inquiries regarding regulations. Track the status of applications and maintain accurate records of authorizations and approvals. Coordinate with departments and administration across campus to acquire data in a timely manner. Process Management: Maintain comprehensive records and documentation related to state authorization compliance activities. Prepare reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including institutional leadership, general counsel, accrediting agencies, and state regulatory bodies. Conduct regular monitoring and thorough analysis of annual determinations and timely disclosures to ensure comprehensive compliance and transparency. Orchestrate projects from conception to completion, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established timelines. This includes developing, implementing, and maintaining institution-wide processes to collect data on off-campus activities, student field placements, and licensure program determinations. Maintain an understanding of online and distance education delivery systems, modalities, and programs in relation to state authorization. Suggest, develop, and implement changes to achieve program efficiency. Communication and Collaboration: Serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries related to state authorization and professional licensure compliance. Communicate clearly and concisely to produce documentation for review and consideration by leadership and legal counsel. Identify and forge relationships to collaborate with internal stakeholders, academic departments, and administrative units, to ensure understanding and adherence to regulatory requirements. Establish and maintain relationships with state regulatory agencies, accrediting bodies, and other relevant organizations. Provide training and educational resources to institutional stakeholders regarding regulations and compliance requirements including activities taking place off campus as well as determinations and disclosures related to programs that lead to professional licensure.

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