Senior Director, Accreditation (Psychology Programs)

Note: APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.

The Senior Director is responsible for the operations and the administration of all support activities handled by the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation for the purposes of conducting accreditation through the APA Commission on Accreditation (CoA). This includes activities related to the accreditation of master’s, doctoral, internship and postdoctoral education and training programs in health service psychology. The Senior Director ensures standards and policies are adhered to in decision making by the Commission and identifies risk associated with regulatory policy decisions and commission approval decisions.

Education and Experience Required:    

• A doctoral degree in an area accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation required
• Minimum of 10-15 years of administrative experience in higher education or in a site that engages in graduate education and training of psychologists required
  • Familiarity with regulatory processes/quality assurance programs in higher education accreditation, direct involvement in the administration of such is desirable
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills to manage tensions associated with different perspectives, conflicts associated with regulation and policy development; excellent policy analysis skills
  • Senior level management skills including strategic planning, fiscal, administrative, and personnel management
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • Evidence of national recognition and reputation within psychology communities

Computer Skills Required:

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft office, email programs, statistical software, online application systems, and virtual meeting platforms.

Responsibilities:

1. Directs the daily operations of the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation. Serves as senior contact person for over 1,200 accredited programs and those seeking to be accredited; answers questions, provides consultation and discusses all aspects of the accreditation process. Oversight for the administrative direction of accreditation program review operations and budgeting resources for support of accreditation operations.  Supervision of staff in the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation.  Training and evaluation of accreditation site visitors. Oversight of accreditation process and outcomes research.  Develops and implements new services and systems. Provides staff support related to accreditation to other APA governance groups and represents APA CoA with external organizations focused on education, training and accreditation. Represents APA with other accreditors (programmatic, regional and national) on accreditation policy issues as well as other groups in higher education on issues related to the intersection of higher education policy and accreditation. Keeps abreast of research and relevant policy nationally as relates to accreditation in the health professions.   Ensures that other APA groups and all publics are informed of any potential changes in accreditation policies and procedures.
2. Plans and prepares for periodic review of the external recognition of CoA and its accreditation practices by the U.S. Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education Accreditation.
3. Governance relations – Commission on Accreditation: provides professional staff support and policy guidance.  Oversees preparation of agendas for commission meetings, writing of minutes and decision letters.  Preparation of response briefs for appeals.  Sign-off and review of all accreditation letters and review with legal counsel those viewed as high risk.  Coordinates and takes leadership in the development of educational programming involving the commission, implements program activities as directed by the commission. Ensuring availability of trained accreditation appeal panel members. 
4. Other Duties as Assigned. To be determined by supervisor.     

About APA: 

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 146,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.  

Job Location: Remote:APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA’s Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.

Application Instructions: 

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us. 

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.