"Alerted.org

Specialist III, Regulatory Relations

The budgeted hiring range for this position is $80,834-$85,000.

Position Summary:

The Specialist III, Regulatory Relations will serve as the organization's lead expert on higher education distance education regulations and its primary liaison to national associations, regulatory bodies, and law firms. This role combines regulatory intelligence with relationship management to insulate the institution from risk while ensuring it remains an active, trusted voice in national conversations on higher education policy. The Specialist III will track, analyze, and interpret federal and state regulatory developments, while cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships that safeguard institutional compliance and strengthen influence in the policy environment.

Role and Responsibilities:

+ Monitor, track, and analyze proposed and enacted federal and state policies impacting distance education.

+ Serve as the primary point of contact with national/state distance education associations and regulatory bodies such as NC-SARA, BPPE (California), NASASPS, and SAN.

+ Maintain strong working relationships with national higher education law firms (e.g., Thompson Coburn, Morgan Lewis) for regulatory guidance and updates.

+ Represent the institution with the U.S. Department of Education and relevant state agencies on matters related to distance education.

+ Engage with industry organizations and lobbying groups advocating for for-profit colleges and schools.

+ Draft clear and actionable policy briefs, regulatory updates, and impact analyses for internal leadership.

+ Support the preparation of institutional responses to proposed regulations, including public comments, hearings, and consultations.

+ Provide proactive recommendations to leadership for mitigating regulatory and reputational risks.

+ Collaborate with function leadership to align regulatory engagement with broader organizational goals.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

+ Bachelor's degree in law, public policy, higher education administration, or a related field.

+ 5–7 years of experience in higher education regulatory affairs, policy, or compliance, with significant exposure to distance education.

+ Strong knowledge of U.S. Department of Education regulations, NC-SARA, state authorization, and national regulatory frameworks.

+ Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with regulatory associations and external stakeholders.

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to convey complex regulations clearly.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Master's in Public Policy, Higher Education, or related advanced degree.

+ Experience working in for-profit higher education or distance education institutions, or equivalent regulatory governing agencies.

+ Prior engagement with NC-SARA, NASASPS, SAN, or similar organizations.

Skills and Competencies

+ Expertise in regulatory frameworks governing distance education.

+ Strong relationship-building and coalition engagement skills.

+ Analytical thinker with ability to anticipate policy shifts and mitigate risks.

+ Skilled communicator adept at policy writing, briefing, and public representation.

+ High emotional intelligence and political acumen.

All new hires are required to attend New Collaborator Orientation (NCO) in Salt Lake City, Utah. The College will pay for travel and lodging accommodations.

Nightingale's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected both in our learners and collaborators because we believe the best outcomes for learners from underserved and diverse populations are achieved through collaborators with similar backgrounds and cultures. Nightingale College is an equal opportunity employer.

Our Mission (not just words on the wall, we live it, love it, and daily contribute to it): With the primary focus on higher learning in healthcare professions, Nightingale College contributes to elevating education, health, and employment systems through facilitation of academic achievement, personal growth, and professional development of its learners, alumni, and collaborators, while serving diverse communities.

At Nightingale College, our Innovative Education model helps transform rural health landscapes through our blended-distance learning platform. Every person involved with Nightingale College helps to change the lives of our learners, our communities, and ultimately the world by adding to the quality of healthcare. We are proud to have graduated nearly 5,000 nurses serving communities in need. We are serious about our outcomes and have a little bit of fun getting there.

The professional and personal development of our learners and our collaborators is our company's foundation. Not only do we develop strategies that promote a positive work-life integration, but we also create an environment that invites you to become an expert in your field, be it through higher education or professional development. Put simply, we elevate employment, elevate health, and elevate education. We're so happy that you've found us!

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screen.