Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. At the State of Indiana, we don't just talk about diversity and inclusion-we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. About the Commission for Higher Education: The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) collaborates with multiple partners to facilitate Indiana's goal to implement the Hoosier Opportunities and Possibilities through Education (HOPE) Agenda aimed at raising Indiana's college attainment rate, from short-term credentials to graduate degrees. To achieve that goal, the Commission's focus is to become a top 10 state in terms of the college-going rate, completions, graduate retention, service to key adult populations, and utilization of credit for prior learning. The ultimate vision of the HOPE Agenda is to be a top 10 state in terms of economic and social mobility and prosperity and a top 10 state to grow, start, or locate a business based upon the strength of human capital. Our multifaceted approach includes significantly improving and conveying the value of a college education, managing the state's significant need-based financial aid, expanding academic programs and partnerships, and other strategic initiatives. Learn even more about us at www.in.gov/che. Salary: This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $120,000. Salary for this position may be commensurate with education and job experience. Role Overview: The Senior Associate Commissioner and Chief Academic Officer (CAO) is responsible for leading the Commissioner's postsecondary academic efforts to achieve the HOPE Agenda through postsecondary academic avenues. The CAO accomplishes this through the effective administration of the statutorily required academic program review and leadership with the Board for Proprietary Education. You will work closely with the Commissioner and other Senior Associate Commissioners to provide operational leadership to the agency while directing workflow to advance the HOPE Agenda. The CAO is one of four positions comprising the Commissioner's cabinet and is expected to represent the Commissioner in both public and private settings, especially with the academic officers at each of Indiana's public and private postsecondary institutions. Key outcomes for this role include: * Develop and successfully implement the review of more than 6,000 existing degree offerings among Indiana's public institutions. * Serve as the primary lead for all strategies housed under the Credit for Prior Learning strategic objective of the HOPE Agenda. * Serve as the secondary lead for all strategies housed under the Attainment and Graduate Retention strategic objectives of the HOPE Agenda. * Support the development and implementation of the new high school diploma as it relates to college readiness, early college, and academic course alignment. * Support the reimagining of Commission-defined mission differentiation for public postsecondary institutions. * Support the transformation of the organizational output to one seeking the "what, so what, now what" culture of insights. * Consider and bring forth long-term findings, insights, ideas, and recommendations related to the dynamically changing higher education environment. * Provide action and outcomes with accountability and optimize both efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of the mission by leading and managing the Commission's Strategic Management Process (SMP) for the Academic Affairs area of the agency. A cover letter and resume/vitae are required when applying. A Day in the Life: The essential functions of this role are: * Act as the primary liaison between the Commission and academic officers from Indiana's public and private institutions. * Serve as the Executive Director of the Board for Proprietary Education. * Support the Chair of the Commissioner's Academic Affairs and Quality Committee with agenda creation, policy guidance, and overall direction. * Regularly engage with the Commissioner and other members of the Cabinet to efficiently support the HOPE Agenda. * Partner closely with the Senior Associate Commissioners to co-lead strategic priorities that further the HOPE Agenda. * Actively engage in the oversight, operations, and administration of the agency. * Proactively lead and manage the Academic Affairs team, including succession planning and talent development. * Track historical indicators and project future state-critical outcomes. * Support the development and implementation of K-12 early college programs and policies that support college readiness. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time. What You'll Need for Success: The successful candidate will have: * Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related discipline. An advanced degree is preferred. * Familiarity with higher education policy, practice, and broader economic and other trends influencing postsecondary access and success. * Analytical skills including knowledge of research methods (survey research, focus groups). * Familiarity with the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP). * Familiarity with Indiana's legislative process. * Familiarity with both Indiana and Federal codes, both administrative and legislative. * Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical proficiency and careful attention to detail. * Demonstrated ability to translate complex issues into easily understandable formats (written and verbal) for a range of stakeholder audiences. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking skills, listening and information processing, and synthesizing skills. * Willingness and ability to travel several times per year, both in the state and out. * Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and customers. Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs. Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana: The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees which includes: * Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans * Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards * Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution * Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities * Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match * Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options * A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: * 150 hours of paid new parent leave * Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave * Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off * 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years * Education Reimbursement Program * Group life insurance * Referral Bonus program * Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits * Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program * Free Parking for most positions * Free LinkedIn Learning access Equal Employment Opportunity: The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov. The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application. Current Employee? Click here to apply.