Senior Vice President (SVP) of Legal & Regulatory Affairs

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

Preferred Qualifications

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 :

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and commitment to NWCCU's mission to employment@nwccu.org by November 3, 2025.