Director of Educational Accreditation and Workforce Programs

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $65,000 - $80,000

DIVISION: Educational Accreditation and Workforce Programs

POSITION TITLE: Director of Educational Accreditation and Workforce Programs
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
DIRECT REPORTS: Accreditation Program Administrator, Accreditation Scheduling Coordinator
STATUS: Exempt
LOCATION: In-Office Jacksonville, FL
INTERDEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION: Collaborates with internal departments across ACF, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) Accreditation Commission, Board of Trustees, and Board of Directors.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Educational Accreditation and Workforce Programs leads the strategic and operational management of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundations (ACFEF) accreditation initiatives. This role is responsible for maintaining, evaluating, and growing the accreditation framework for secondary, post-secondary, and apprenticeship-based culinary education and workforce development programs. The Director ensures compliance with national standards, supports institutional partners, and facilitates the advancement of quality career pathway education within culinary arts.

This role involves oversight of compliance with Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) standards and U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) criteria for registered apprenticeships, in addition to serving as a staff liaison to the Accreditation Commission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the administration and strategic direction of ACFEFs accreditation programs for secondary schools, post-secondary institutions, and apprenticeship models.
• Oversee all aspects of the CHEA-recognized educational accreditation process, ensuring adherence to national standards of quality and integrity.
• Direct the USDOL-related compliance and guidance for apprenticeship program recognition and sustainability.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the ACFEF Accreditation Commission and relevant subcommittees.
• Develop and implement application, review, and site visit procedures for all accreditation pathways.
• Provide expert guidance to schools and programs seeking accreditation or undergoing reaccreditation.
• Develop, manage, and monitor annual budgets for the accreditation and workforce programs.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, educational institutions, and workforce organizations to promote the value of ACF-accredited programs.
• Support growth and continuous improvement of accredited programs through policy review, quality assurance practices, and data-driven evaluation.
• Manage internal accreditation staff, supporting their professional growth, productivity, and program knowledge.
• Represent the ACF in external meetings, events, or presentations related to accreditation and workforce education.
• Oversee preparation and submission of accreditation materials for CHEA and other governing bodies as needed.
• Ensure timely and professional handling of accreditation-related inquiries.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in culinary education, workforce development, or program accreditation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing or supporting secondary, post-secondary, or apprenticeship accreditation processes.
• Familiarity with CHEA standards and USDOL apprenticeship guidelines.
• Strong understanding of the culinary education landscape and emerging trends in career and technical education.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree or Certified Association Executive (CAE) preferred.
• Culinary or foodservice industry background highly preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Leadership experience at an ACF-accredited secondary or post-secondary school or registered apprenticeship sponsor.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience in nonprofit, educational association, or workforce development environments.

SKILLS AND TRAITS:

• Excellent writing skills with innovation, analysis, planning, prioritizing, and problem-solving abilities.
• Collaborative and mathematical aptitude for analysis.
• Positive, empowering, and supportive leadership style.
• Proficiency in the Spanish language is an additional asset.
• Initiative taker; outgoing team player; proactive communicator; positive can-do attitude; customer-centric; sales-oriented; patient; confident; enthusiastic; detail-oriented; organized; exhibits sound business judgment.

ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with CRM databases and sales opportunity management systems.
• Social media savvy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This is an in-office position, and the successful candidate will be based at our Jacksonville, FL office. Remote work or hybrid arrangements are not available for this role.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: ACF is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) COMMITMENT: We strive to foster an environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. ACF is dedicated to ensuring that our workforce represents the diverse communities we serve. We encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply and join us in building a more inclusive culinary community.

Disclaimer: The above statements are not just job duties; they're your ticket to an exhilarating career at ACF/ACFEF, where additional responsibilities may come your way as we evolve and grow. Get ready for excitement, adventure, and making a real impact!

Strap in, buckle up, and get ready to drive this is not just a job; it's an ACF experience! Join us in creating culinary magic and memories that last a lifetime.

Requires a valid Florida drivers license and dependable transportation. Travel required. The ACF is not just a workplace; it's a drug-free and smoke-free community of culinary enthusiasts.