The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the only accreditor in the field of architecture authorized to nationally accredit professional architecture degree programs. Established in 1940 and incorporated in 1975, NAAB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that develops and maintains an accreditation system in professional degree education that enhances the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the profession of architecture. In addition to accreditation services, NAAB offers International Certification to professional degree architecture programs around the world and academic evaluation services (EESA) for licensure candidates who do not hold a NAAB-accredited degree.

Currently, NAAB accredits 176 programs, and a NAAB-accredited degree is required by 38 US states to pursue licensure. NAAB has also granted International Certification to 18 programs.

NAAB is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA); the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE); and a signatory to the Canberra Accord that seeks to facilitate the portability of educational credentials between the countries whose accreditation/validation agencies signed the Accord.

NAAB seeks to fill the position of Director of Accreditation to work as part of an 11-member team. This is a fully remote position.

Director of Accreditation Position Summary

The Director of Accreditation will be a dynamic and mission-driven individual with strong analytical, leadership, management, and communication skills; experience in the field of higher education; and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and external communities of interest. The incumbent will bring a positive and proactive attitude, commitment to innovation, respect for diversity, and a passion for quality in higher education.

The Director of Accreditation manages the accreditation department through committing to the quality of architectural education, communicating the value of accreditation to NAAB stakeholders, and supporting architectural programs in the accreditation process. The Director of Accreditation reports directly to the Executive Director and manages the accreditation staff.

The Director of Accreditation maintains the following responsibilities:

Accreditation Process

• Monitor trends in the accreditation field and higher education industry to capture best practices and contemporary processes to position NAAB as the accreditation authority in the field of architecture and the larger accreditation community.
• Collaborate with the higher education community and the profession of architecture to draft policy manuals and standards of accreditation, building off NAAB’s Conditions and Procedures for Accreditation.
• Continuously review trends in higher education accreditation and the needs of the field of architecture to innovate and improve the NAAB accreditation process.
• Work with programs, monitor annual compliance, identify concerns, and support the development of process improvement.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, help lead the periodic revision process for accreditation conditions and procedures.
• Develop and implement trainings for programs, volunteer evaluators, and site visitors.

Steward NAAB’s Resources

• Develop and manage the accreditation budget in a cost-conscious and transparent manner.
• Leverage NAAB’s funding and related fee-based revenue in a manner consistent with achieving NAAB’s strategic goals.
• Evaluate program accreditation fees and overall fee structure on an ongoing basis and make data-informed recommendations based on industry best practices.

Accreditation Management System

• Analyze current technology and departmental practices, including the accreditation process workflow, to streamline operations and achieve best communication practices with all involved constituents.
• Work with external vendor to administer the development and integration of the accreditation management system that supports accreditation activities.

Team and Committee Leadership

• Provide leadership, development, and day-to-day oversight for an accreditation team.
• Support a culture that promotes NAAB’s mission, drives employee engagement, prioritizes teamwork and accountability, and fosters professional growth.
• Focus on building trusted relationships with both internal and external constituents and stakeholders; provide staff support and serve as liaison to NAAB committees and/or task forces as assigned.
• Develop reports for the Executive Director, committees, and the Board.

Qualifications

• Experience with program assessment and evaluation in higher education.
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to initiate innovative thought processes and new ideas.
• Supervisory experience managing both individuals and complex processes.
• Passion for NAAB’s mission, association management culture, and interest in promoting quality of higher education.
• Master’s degree required, with particular interest in accreditation, association management, or organizational management.
• Minimum five (5) years’ progressive accreditation and/or institutional compliance experience required. Programmatic accreditation experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with external and internal partners and organizations.
• Proven experience managing a high performing team and actively developing talent; must be able to inspire and motivate others through healthy organizational culture, teamwork, and collaboration; excellent organization, time management, and project management skills.
• Ability to maintain established timelines/deadlines and manage multiple priorities simultaneously and to productively manage conflict; demonstrated ability to communicate appropriately with team members.
• Ability to effectively cope with change, comfortably shift gears, navigate risk and uncertainty; efficiently handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
• Prior financial forecasting and budget management experience.
• Required travel of up to 15%.
• Proficiency in data processing, records management, and related software programs.

Benefits

About National Architectural Accrediting Board

The NAAB accredits professional degrees in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, offers certification to international architecture programs offered by institutions without U.S. regional accreditation, and evaluates education credentials for foreign-educated architects. Vision The NAAB advances educational quality assurance standards and processes that anticipate the needs of academic programs, the profession, and society, to promote a better built environment. Mission The NAAB develops and maintains an accreditation system in professional degree education that enhances the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the profession of architecture.

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