Director of Accreditation

The Director of Accreditation is a critical leadership role within HAIS, responsible for overseeing the entire accreditation lifecycle for member schools. This position requires collaboration with the Executive Director and/or Associate Director to strategize and execute a comprehensive accreditation framework. The role demands a high degree of initiative, professionalism, and organizational acumen, and is suited for a self-directed individual who thrives in a complex, multi-faceted environment.

• Design and continuously improve a strategic accreditation program in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Work with the HAIS Accreditation Committee, and its Chair to keep abreast of accreditation-related issues that impact HAIS-accredited schools and to ensure alignment with HAIS accreditation standards.
• Assist the Accreditation Committee Chair in preparing the HAIS Board Report to keep the HAIS Board and Commission aware of accreditation-related issues.
• Recruit, assign, and support visiting committee chairs and team members, adding volunteers annually.
• Maintain and update accreditation materials.
• Review and provide constructive feedback on self-studies, reports, and visiting committee outputs.
• Integrate and maintain new technologies to streamline the review and reporting processes.
• Liaise with CAIS, WASC, NAIS, and other relevant associations to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Refine HAIS accreditation materials, training programs, and communications strategies.
• Network with national accreditation counterparts and maintain professional relationships.
• Stay current with emerging educational and other issues that may impact independent schools.
• Review surveys, written comments, evaluations, and other data to make recommendations for any changes, edits, or additions to the accreditation process.
• Provide analysis of national and local accreditation-related trends.

Accreditation Training and Support

• Provide ongoing guidance and support to member schools throughout the accreditation process.
• Visit all schools undergoing the seven-year visit to attend the final read-out.
• Develop and deliver training workshops for heads of school and self-study coordinators to prepare schools to conduct the self-study process and host visits.
• Develop and deliver training workshops for committee chairs, co-chairs and visiting committee team members that align with the HAIS protocol and current accreditation best practices.
• Conduct annual reviews of the accreditation process to ensure efficacy and adherence to protocol.
• Ensure schools receive timely assistance and support.
• Continuously identify and cultivate potential visiting committee leaders and members.

Accreditation Logistics and Oversight

• Manage and track critical accreditation timelines, visits, and follow-up activities, reports and visits.
• Prepare and manage documentation for the HAIS Commission on Accreditation meetings.
• Prepare and manage all official communication related to HAIS accreditation, including official status letters, accreditation certificates, and reports.
• Maintain comprehensive records of accreditation activities and visits, volunteer details, and performance assessments via the HAIS accreditation management system and the HAIS web-based data dashboard.
• Generate annual reports summarizing accreditation activities and outcomes.
• Ensure that all HAIS accreditation reports, correspondence, and support materials have been appropriately archived and secured.

HAIS General Responsibilities

• Collaborate on projects and programs beyond the scope of accreditation, as necessary.
• Collaborate with the HCPS Director of Licensing to ensure that licensing and accreditation-related activities and communication are in sync.
• Support and advise HAIS professional development activities by evaluating member school needs articulated in visiting committee reports.
• Assist with other duties which periodically might be assigned by the Associate Director.
• Participate in HAIS conferences and events to enhance organizational knowledge and support operational needs.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Executive Director or Associate Director to support the organization’s goals.
• Attend relevant national conferences.

Education and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Proven experience in or understanding of independent school accreditation processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities and innovation in process management.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite and familiar with database management and digital communication tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage professionally across diverse platforms.

Desired Attributes:

• Team-oriented with a collaborative spirit but also capable of working independently.
• Agile in adapting to changing tasks and environments.
• Keen attention to detail with a proactive approach to project and stakeholder management.

To apply, please submit the following:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter: please explain your interest in the role and how your experiences align with the job requirements.
• Professional References: Submit the contact information for two professional references who can vouch for your qualifications and work ethic.
• Work Samples (optional)

The Hawai'i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and are proud to state that we do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.