Description

At present this position supports the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) by assisting with the development and execution of policies and programs related to the accreditation of veterinary medical colleges in the US and Canada, as well as international programs that voluntarily seek accreditation by the COE.

PRESENT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

        Consults and communicates with the COE and AVMA staff who support the COE on issues concerning the accreditation of veterinary medical programs 

        Supports the AVMA Chief of Academic Affairs, Research and Accreditation with administrative work related to the COE

        Maintains knowledge of accepted veterinary and higher education accreditation practices and changes. Recommends appropriate procedural and policy changes

        Monitors the U.S. Department of Education regulations to identify issues that may impact accreditation standards and processes

        Reviews annual survey data and written reports on all accredited veterinary medical programs

        Develops training materials and delivers training on the accreditation process for COE members and site visitors in collaboration with AVMA COE staff, as directed by the COE officers

        Prepares for and attends COE meetings

        Provides staff support for accreditation site visits

        Consults with veterinary colleges regarding COE policies and procedures

        Provides updates regarding accreditation activities to the AAVMC Board of Directors within the boundaries of confidentiality

        Upholds AAVMC’s policies and procedures, as well as those of the AVMA COE

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position in the present. AAVMC is hiring this advisor to work with other accreditation staff in support of the COE, however the present duties and responsibilities above are not intended to describe an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this role into the future. Given the current and rapidly changing landscape surrounding programmatic accreditation in higher education, it is anticipated that this position may change with regards to specific duties, responsibilities and scope over the coming year. Current regulation changes with the Department of Education will likely require at least one new accrediting body to emerge or at a minimum, require the adaptation of the current COE. The accreditation staff of AAVMC will be key in helping the AAVMC navigate the higher education accreditation landscape changes for the future of academic veterinary medicine. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of that frontline change. 

Requirements

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS 

        DVM/VMD or equivalent degree and advanced degree and/or board certification are desired

        Substantial experience in academic veterinary medicine and experience in senior-level college administration are desired  

        Must possess demonstrated knowledge of higher education accreditation and certification processes 

        Must be: 

o   skilled in diplomatic facilitation of consensus among several perspectives

o   proactive, professional, accountable and results-oriented

o   skilled in communication with excellent written and verbal ability

o   able to demonstrate strong project management 

o   able to travel as required

o   available outside of normal business hours as required

o   able to work from home or other remote location; dedicated office space is not provided