Certification and Partnership Specialist

Lehigh Universitys College of Education sits at the intersection of rigorous scholarship and real-world impact preparing the next generation of educators who will shape classrooms across Pennsylvania and beyond. If you bring deep knowledge of educator certification a sharp eye for regulatory detail and a genuine commitment to student success this role puts you at the center of work that matters.

Position Number: S82210

This position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $56030-$68190 and is subject to change based on experience skills and qualifications.

Key Accountabilities

• Serve as the primary resource for students faculty and staff by interpreting PDE regulations communicating policy updates and answering complex compliance inquiries.
• Provide ongoing guidance to educator candidates regarding application procedures timelines documentation and deadlines.
• Review candidate records conduct rigorous certification audits to verify eligibility and collaborate with academic leadership to resolve compliance issues before recommending candidates for licensure.
• Serve as primary administrator for state certification platforms (like TIMS) and lead the preparation data validation and submission of critical state and federal compliance reports (e.g. PDE annual reports Title II).
• Partner with faculty and academic leadership to coordinate PDE major reviews prepare self-studies and organize documentation for new certification pathways and program approvals.
• Act as the main point of contact for PDE representatives to resolve compliance inquiries while creating internal operational procedures and work instructions to maintain strict regulatory standards.
• Develop update and manage critical guidance materials operational process documentation reference resources and compliance-related records for certification and program effectiveness.
• Draft and distribute timely regulatory updates deadlines and informational presentations to faculty students administrators and external stakeholders via digital platforms and departmental websites.
• Collect track and analyze statistics stakeholder feedback and graduate data to generate reports that support continuous program improvement and partnership activities.
• Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with school districts educational agencies and professional organizations to identify workforce development needs and collaborative certification pathways.
• Serve as the College representative in state regional and professional meetings to participate in critical discussions regarding educator preparation certification requirements and educational policy.
• Coordinate closely with faculty and program leadership to align outreach initiatives with College priorities while monitoring emerging legislative and regulatory trends that impact programs and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Education or a related field
• Three to five years of professional experience in PK12 education higher education educator preparation certification compliance program administration student services partnership development or a related field
• Experience working with educator certification licensure accreditation compliance or state reporting processes
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations certification requirements and reporting systems
• Experience collaborating with school districts educational agencies or community partners
• Experience preparing reports regulatory submissions or program review documentation

Why Lehigh

Lehigh University offers a work environment where staff are valued as contributors to its academic mission not just administrators of it. Youll join a College of Education known for its close faculty-student relationships and genuine commitment to equity in educator preparation. Beyond meaningful work Lehigh provides generous benefits including comprehensive health coverage strong retirement contributions above standard benchmarks tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents and a campus community that invests in professional growth. Located in Bethlehem PA Lehigh combines a vibrant university setting with easy access to both Philadelphia and New York. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the universitys mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact LehighsAccommodations Specialist.

Special Considerations

• The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification education verification national criminal background checks motor vehicle checks PATCH FBI fingerprinting Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.