Coordinator of Legal and Governmental Affairs

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a non-profit higher education association, is seeking a Coordinator of Legal and Governmental Affairs. The position will broadly support the Legal and Governmental Affairs (LGA) team, with duties focusing on governmental affairs, and building and maintaining relationships with the states and the federal government (the program integrity Triad).  

The position offers unique opportunities to engage with American higher education public policy, as well as emerging trends and innovations across colleges and universities. The Coordinator will regularly interact with a wide variety of stakeholders across the higher education ecosystem and contribute to HLC’s advocacy initiatives. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Participates in aspects of LGA's routine communications with key stakeholders, including state and federal legislative offices, other accreditors, state agencies, and institutions. Reviews and triages incoming communications for response or action and, where applicable, participates in such activities as requested 

• Participates in implementing select accreditation processes. Coordinates workflow, technology, data and information, and materials to assure efficient and effective implementation. Maintains procedures and documentation regarding accreditation processes  

• Implements aspects of LGA's document management processes.  

• Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to develop and implement HLC’s advocacy goals. Plans and implements outreach activities to support HLC’s advocacy agenda 

• Supports outreach and programming to facilitate Triad collaboration 

• Tracks legislation, regulations, and statutes applicable to HLC and its member institutions at the federal and state levels 

• Develops and delivers written and oral summaries of legislation, regulations, statutes to HLC staff and stakeholders 

• Interacts with HLC’s external governmental advocacy firm and collaborates with the firm to advance HLC’s policy goals  

• Assists the President and other HLC staff with preparing for meetings with state and federal representatives, including writing briefs and providing logistical support  

• Participates in HLC’s Annual Conference. Assists in the provision of education and training as requested 

• Works collaboratively with other HLC staff in support of shared objectives 

• Maintains currency with higher education trends and developments 

• Maintains technology skills needed for position and adapts to technology changes as required 

• Other duties as assigned, including general administrative support for LGA 

• Associate’s degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred  

• One to three years’ experience in similar role  

• Broad familiarity with higher education in the United States 

• Experience in higher education administrative functions and/or accreditation preferred 

• Experience in working for or with government entities preferred 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and activities, especially under rapidly changing or fast-paced circumstances 

• Excellent judgment; ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality 

HLC offers a rich benefits package including an employer 10% contribution of base salary to the retirement plan; medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance options; long term disability insurance; and dedicated funding for professional development.  

HLC’s time-off includes 20 vacation days, 10 personal days, and a typical annual office closure for ten days in December.  

The annual pay range for this salary is expected to be $52,000-$55,000, although the actual salary for the position may vary based on experience, qualifications, and HLC budget considerations. 

About HLC

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent accrediting agency founded in 1895. HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. HLC has approximately 60 employees.  

HLC is a hybrid work environment. In general, employees are expected to work in the HLC Chicago office on an occasional basis.  Non-local candidates will be considered for Alternative Work Arrangements.  

HLC is an equal opportunity employer. If you may require reasonable accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].     

Initial review of applications will begin on June 13th.