Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Student Success

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas

The Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairsand Student Success (AA&SS) is the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) for the Department of Higher Education (DHE), reporting directly to the DHE Commissioner.

The Deputy Commissioner is an executive thought-leader, advancing the transformation of Massachusetts public higher education system through innovative academic policies and practices across fifteen community colleges, nine state universities and five University of Massachusetts campuses. With the DHE's regulatory oversight of the Commonwealth's independent and public institutions, the CAO works to provide learners with equitable access to high quality educational opportunities consistent with the Board of Higher Education (BHE) and the DHE's standards and regulations. 

Equity is the guiding principle that aligns the system's focus on Student Success. To promote equity and excellence in outcomes for all learners, the Deputy Commissioner advances state-level policies and initiatives needed to create a system of student ready public colleges and universities. Areas of partnership include academic and Student Success policies, basic needs security, civic learning and democratic engagement, holistic wraparound supports, innovative pedagogies and curriculum, research and strategic planning, teacher diversity and preparation, student outcomes assessment, and workforce development and career pathways.

A key aspect of this role is the ability to collaboratively engage, influence, and support academic leaders at Massachusetts public institutions in the development, implementation, and monitoring of campus-level progress on academic goals, policies, and strategic plans.

The DHE is the Commonwealth's state authorizing entity, and the Deputy Commissioner oversees academic program approval for both public and independent post-secondary institutions operating in Massachusetts.  To that end, the Deputy Commissioner is responsible for implementing the BHE's degree-granting regulations and ensuring institutional compliance. The Deputy Commissioner is the lead representative for the DHE to the New England Commissioner on Higher Education and other accrediting bodies, interfaces with academic partners in other states, and is the DHE liaison to campus Chief Academic Officers at the Commonwealth's public campuses and private higher education institutions.

The Deputy Commissioner is a member of the Commissioner's Senior Team and serves as staff to The BHE's AA&SS Advisory Council.

The Board and Department of Higher Education

The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education ("Board" or "BHE") is the Commonwealth's state higher education authority with coordinating and regulatory authority over all public and private higher education institutions operating in the Commonwealth and authorized to grant degrees. The BHE is staffed by the DHE which is run by a Commissioner who serves as the executive and administrative head of the department, and Secretary to the BHE. Together, the BHE and DHE are the leading voice and advocate for post-secondary education in the Commonwealth, serving critical roles as the state's regulator of state authorization and consumer protection.

The Massachusetts System of Public Higher Education ("System") serves approximately 290,000 students annually. The System consists of 15 community colleges, 9 state universities and 5 University of Massachusetts ("UMass") campuses. Each community college and state university institution has its own board of trustees, while the 5 UMass campuses are overseen by the UMass board of trustees. The BHE has coordination and oversight responsibilities for the entire System, including the responsibility to analyze the present and future goals, needs and requirements of public higher education and to establish goals to achieve a well-coordinated, quality system of public higher education.  M.G.L. c. 15A, 1 et seq.

In addition, the BHE's authority includes administering state financial aid and federal grants; managing and responding to consumer complaints; conducting financial assessments of institutions; managing employee relations and benefits for public higher education employees; managing collective bargaining contracts with state university and community colleges employees; and approving degree-granting authority for all public and most private higher education institutions operating within the Commonwealth.  Currently, there are 82 private institutions of higher education operating in the Commonwealth and authorized to grant degrees. 

 

Required Qualifications

• A terminal degree is strongly preferred.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience represented by the following or equivalent:
  • Experience working at the campus, system, or governmental level of public higher education
  • A senior administrative position at a higher education institution       
• Demonstrated commitment to aligning academic and career initiatives to address talent development and career pathway interests of employers and Students
• Demonstrated commitment to closing institutional equity gaps in higher education
• Experience addressing institutional and systemic barriers that preclude minoritized students from reaching their full potential
• Demonstrated success in leading, managing, training, and developing staff
• Demonstrated commitment to centering decision-making around data and evidence.
• A valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• An earned terminal degree, such as a doctoral degree
• Experience at a state-level higher education system or higher education coordinating board addressing state-level policy issues
• Experience in a national or regional organization focused on higher education policy
• Experience teaching at the postsecondary level
• Experience working with board members and/or policymakers
• Record of publication or research in state higher education policy, public policy, social science, issues related to systemic racism in education, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to obtain and manage foundation or federal funding

 

Skills and attributes

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others and achieve consensus and progress on complex issues
• Superior writing, verbal presentation, analytic and presentation skills
• Skilled at, developing mentoring, and sponsoring staff
• Ability to take initiative, use sound judgment to make decisions, resolve problems, and work effectively with all levels of staff and constituents
• Ability to understand, apply and interpret the provisions of the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing agency operations.
• Demonstrated commitment to public higher education and educational equity and justice

 

Reporting Location and Travel

• One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts
• In-state hybrid work
• In-state travel to campus and partner organizations
• Out-of-state travel to attend national conferences and events

                   

 

 

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

 

Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may request an exemption.

 

 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.