About NWCCU
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is a recognized institutional accreditor dedicated to assuring educational quality and effectiveness across higher education. Our mission is grounded in collaboration, integrity, and a relentless commitment to continuous improvement
About the Role
The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Legal & Regulatory Affairs serves as NWCCU's chief legal advisor, advancing the Commission's mission to assure educational quality and institutional effectiveness. This executive leader provides legal counsel and regulatory oversight, anticipates organizational risk, ensures compliance with federal and state requirements, and represents NWCCU with regulators, policymakers, and national higher education organizations.
Key Responsibilities
- Legal Counsel & Risk Management
- Provide strategic legal guidance to the President, Commissioners, and senior leadership on a broad array of issues to safeguard organizational integrity and accreditation processes including advisement on standards, policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance
- Anticipate and mitigate legal and organizational risks, including institutional complaints and regulatory issues
- Ensure compliance with federal and state accreditation requirements advising the President on high-impact compliance matters including federal recognition reviews and compliance audits
- Lead contract disputes, intellectual property matters and regulatory enforcement actions
- Provide proactive guidance on federal legislation, analyzing and interpreting new laws and regulations to clarify their implications for NWCCU and its member institutions, including identifying required actions, monitoring risks, and distinguishing issues that do not require organizational response
- Oversee or coordinate with outside counsel in litigation, arbitration, administrative proceedings, and investigations. Manage the selection, oversight, and budgeting of external legal resources
- Policy Development & Commission Support
- Direct the development, revision, and interpretation of accreditation and governance policies
- Advise and support Commission committees, ensuring policy decisions align with regulatory standards and organizational values
- Lead public records requests and ensure the organization is compliant with freedom of information requirements
- Contracts & Agreements
- Lead negotiation, drafting, and review of contracts and agreements to protect NWCCU's legal, financial, and operational interests
- Representation & External Relations
- Represent NWCCU in federal and state regulatory matters, and with national higher education organizations (e.g., C-RAC, CHEA, NACIQI)
- Build and maintain relationships with institutions and external stakeholders to strengthen accreditation integrity and institutional trust
Confidentiality
This position requires the highest level of confidentiality and ethical standards. The incumbent must maintain attorney-client privilege, handle sensitive institutional information appropriately, and demonstrate unwavering integrity in all professional dealings. Compliance with professional responsibility rules and continuing legal education requirements is mandatory.
Qualifications
Required
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
- Expert knowledge of administrative law, regulatory compliance and federal oversight process
- Deep understanding of higher education law, including Title IV, FERPA, ADA and related statutes
- Minimum 12-15 years progressively responsible legal experience, with significant expertise in non-profit governance, corporate law, and tax-exempt organizations
- 7-10 years in senior legal leadership roles with executive management responsibilities and a proven ability to advise senior executives, boards, or commissions on complex legal and governance matters
- Demonstrated experience managing organizational risk, compliance functions, or accreditation-related legal issues
- Demonstrated strong advisory and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and regulatory issues into clear, practical guidance. The role requires a style that is personable, collaborative, and approachable as an internal trusted advisor.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex litigation and regulatory investigations
- Excellent organizational and analytical abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities independently
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience with institutional accrediting commissions (ACCJC, HLC, MSCHE, NECHE, NWCCU, SACSCOC, WSCUC)
- Demonstrated knowledge of the federal recognition process and oversight by the U.S. Department of Education
- Hands-on experience with accreditation appeals, adverse actions, institutional closures and related compliance proceedings
- Familiarity with interstate higher education compacts and multi-state regulatory frameworks impacting institutions
Working Conditions
This is a senior leadership role requiring a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends. Travel required for Commission meetings, federal hearings, conferences, and institutional visits (10-20%). A remote or hybrid work arrangement is available, with periodic travel to the Redmond, WA office.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:
- Base salary range: $190,000 - $215,000
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
- Generous paid time off and professional development opportunities
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and commitment to NWCCU's mission to by November 3, 2025.