Director of Compliance

About the role

At Chattanooga College MDTC, the Director of Compliance will help implement our strategy of “Where a small school can make a BIG difference!!” The Director of Compliance will provide regulatory and accreditation oversight to institutional leadership, central departments, campus personnel, and external regulators to support continuous compliance, accreditation in good standing, and Title IV eligibility. This includes responsibilities such as managing accreditation renewals (ACCSC and NWCCU candidacy), federal Title IV and USDOE compliance, state authorization, student-facing regulatory programs (Title IX, Clery, FERPA), institutional policy management, and internal audits. Ideal candidates must have excellent interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and listening skills. Candidates must be able to adapt to a fast-paced work environment and manage multiple priorities and changing assignments. This is a professional, exempt position supporting Executive Leadership and Institutional Administration. This role requires considerable interaction with students, faculty, staff, and external partners (including accreditors, state boards, and federal agencies) through individual meetings, group sessions, training, and/or events. Directors of Compliance are expected to possess extensive knowledge of Title IV regulations (34 CFR Part 668), ACCSC/NWCCU accreditation standards, state authorization requirements, and consumer disclosure rules. They must be able to interpret individual needs, provide personalized support, and work effectively with individuals who may be confused, stressed, or demanding. Employees in this role can expect to assist individuals regarding regulatory requirements, institutional policies, internal audit findings, and compliance goals, assist with decision-making related to program expansion, licensure requirements, and institutional processes, and help guide individuals toward successful outcomes. This position requires maintaining confidentiality and accurate records to ensure compliance with accreditation standards, institutional policies, and federal regulations (e.g., FERPA, Title IX, Clery Act, as applicable). The role may also support institutional events such as site visits, compliance audits, workshops, or outreach activities. A strong commitment to equity, access, and success for underrepresented or at-risk populations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provides regulatory oversight and compliance support to a diverse population of institutional leadership, department heads, staff, and external regulatory bodies, including regular contact regarding institutional performance and audit readiness.
• Implements institutional or departmental strategic priorities related to ACCSC renewal, NWCCU transition, state authorization, distance education expansion, and Title IV compliance.
• Counsels, advises, or supports individuals through individual and group sessions (including student complaints, Title IX concerns, and compliance investigations) to address concerns and provide guidance.
• Educates individuals on institutional resources, policies, procedures, regulatory expectations, and consumer disclosures.
• Implements solutions, including compliance calendars, evidence repositories, student information systems, and technology, to promote efficiency, access, and institutional success.
• Completes required professional development and training annually.
• Supports department-wide and student services initiatives, including Title IX, Clery Act, FERPA, ADA/504, and VA/GI Bill compliance.
• Maintains accurate documentation, evidence repositories, and regulatory records in compliance with institutional, accreditation, state, and federal requirements.
• Collaborates with departments and colleagues—including Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions, Career Services, and Campus Leadership—to increase engagement, retention, compliance, and student success.
• Provides appropriate referrals for personal, social, and/or academic concerns that may impair success or compliance.
• Upholds confidentiality and complies with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and federal regulations.
• Assists with planning and coordination of events such as accreditor site visits, compliance audits, training workshops, and regulatory reviews.
• Maintains tools, systems, compliance calendars, and documentation repositories necessary to effectively perform job duties.
• Remains current on relevant state and federal guidelines, emerging best practices, proposed rule changes, and research related to the role.
• Collaborates with the President and Board of Directors.

Please note: This job description is not exhaustive, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

Education or Training: Required: Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university. Preferred: Master’s degree in higher education administration, public administration, law, or a related field (J.D. a plus). CCEP or NASFAA certification is desirable.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education compliance, accreditation, financial aid administration, or regulatory affairs. Working knowledge of Title IV regulations (34 CFR Part 668) and institutional accreditor standards (ACCSC, NWCCU, SACSCOC, etc.).