Accreditation Director

The Accreditation Director serves as the subject-matter expert for Minnesota's legislated regulations governing teacher preparation programs and the full spectrum of accreditation requirements for these programs at UMD. This role provides guidance including risk mitigation and implications of program design to advise decision making and strategic planning to the Dean, Associate Dean, Department Head of Education, Program Coordinators, Licensure Officer, and Field Placement Officer. The Accreditation Director is a key player in ensuring the department's compliance with state and federal standards, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting the success of teacher preparation programs. The Director manages the Accreditation, Licensure, & Field Experience (ALFE) Office and supervises the ALFE staff.

Job Duties

Accreditation (43%)
The Accreditation Director is the primary unit resource for Minnesota's legislated rules for teacher preparation programs and all accreditation requirements for teacher preparation programs at UMD. The Accreditation Director implements and manages timelines for accreditation and compliance. This position serves as a resource for the Dean, Associate Dean, Department Head for the Department of Education, Program Coordinators, Licensure Officer and Field Placement Officer and works in collaboration on:

• Interpretation of Minnesota's legislated rules and implications for programs in:
  • Teacher preparation design and improvement
  • Faculty qualifications
  • Clinical experiences
  • Assessment plans

  • And designated school partnership

• Provides expertise, recommendations, guidance and support, interpreting and applying Minnesota's legislated rules for teacher preparation programs at UMD for the unit (college) and programs
• Determines and develops methods for documenting evidence of compliance for Minnesota's legislated rules for teacher preparation programs at UMD for the unit (college) and programs
• Project manager for re-accreditation self-study report and accreditation site visits
• Guides the composition and editing of the Unit Continuous Improvement Report to meet re-accreditation requirements
• Lead administrator for assessment and clinical experience software (Student Learning and Licensure), ensuring effective usage and compliance with accreditation standards
• Facilitates training and provides ongoing support for assessment and clinical experience software for faculty, staff, cooperating teachers and students
• Leads the collection and organization of accreditation data and evidence to support and ensure successful ongoing accreditation
• Develops and manages federal and state reporting processes to maintain compliance and ensure timely, accurate submissions
• Lead manager of web content relevant to accreditation, as required by regulatory bodies

Compliance Assurance (21%)
Leads compliance management across the teacher licensure programs aligned with state and federal requirements and identifies potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk.

• Anticipates changes in teacher preparation requirements, assessing their impact on department operations and formulating strategies for successful implementation.
• Assists departmental and college leadership to develop and implement corrective action plans for resolution of compliance risks
• Determines internal schedule for accreditation related activities to ensure that all targets are met throughout the academic year and accreditation cycle
• Delivers guidance pertaining to the mitigation of compliance vulnerabilities
• Updates faculty on relevant compliance related topics, policies, or procedures
• Evaluates compliance changes, necessary data analysis and participates in state-level workgroups and serves as a primary source of compliance information
• Tracks the progress of compliance efforts
• Implements improvements in communication, monitoring, or enforcement of compliance standards, in collaboration with the Department of Education
• Develops, initiates, and maintains all national and state reporting
• Attends state and national conferences related to education compliance Software

Management (21%)
Management of assessment and clinical experience software and support for faculty, staff, cooperating teachers and students in their use of software. Evaluates state requirements and faculty/user feedback to design a product that meets the needs of faculty and evidence for state reporting requirements.

• Unit Administrator of Student Learning and Licensure (SLL)
• Builds SLL to support data collection for state accreditation and federal compliance
• Trains and supports university faculty, staff, cooperating teachers and students in their functional access to SLL
• Designs instructional materials to facilitate SLL learning.
• Manages and processes assessment data within SLL
• Collects user feedback and implements product improvements

Supervision (15%)
The Accreditation Director provides leadership and supervision for assigned staff.

• Operational functions related to accreditation, licensure, and program compliance.
• Oversees day-to-day workflow
• Sets clear performance expectations and priorities, provides ongoing feedback, and conducts performance evaluations to promote employee growth and achievement
• Supports professional development, fosters a collaborative work environment, and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.
• Facilitates collaboration across programs and personnel to achieve compliance objectives, maintain accurate reporting, meet accreditation deadlines, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least five years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus at least three years of relevant experience
• Committed to serving diverse students in an inclusive environment

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated record of serving diverse students in an inclusive environment
• Familiarity with PELSB standards for licensure
• Familiarity with national education accreditation standards
• Experience working in program accreditation and licensure
• Experience providing faculty support
• Strong communication skills
• Familiarity with a variety of data management systems
• Ability to analyze and synthesize data and create reports as needed, for multiple audiences
• Prior experience managing or supervising a team of employees
• Graduate-level study or degree in a related field
• Supervisory experience

Pay Range: $64,000 per year - $68,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.