Higher Education Regulatory Subject Matter Expert (Global)

We are seeking a highly experienced Higher Education Regulatory SME to provide strategic and operational expertise across multiple international education markets, including Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE. The role focuses on regulatory compliance, accreditation, quality assurance, transnational education frameworks, and institutional governance to ensure alignment with regional and international standards.

The ideal candidate will support universities, higher education providers, edtech organizations, and academic partners in navigating complex regulatory ecosystems while maintaining academic integrity and institutional excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret and advise on higher education laws, regulations, and policy frameworks across Europe, US, UK, and UAE.

• Ensure compliance with institutional licensing, accreditation, quality assurance, and degree-awarding requirements.

• Lead regulatory due diligence for new market entry, branch campus setup, and cross-border academic partnerships.

• Support institutional audits, accreditation reviews, and compliance reporting.

• Review and draft policies aligned with regional education laws, learner protection standards, and academic governance.

• Advise on online learning, transnational education (TNE), and digital credential compliance requirements.

• Conduct regulatory risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.

• Monitor evolving education policies, government directives, and accreditation changes.

• Work closely with legal, academic, operations, and leadership teams to implement compliant frameworks.

• Provide training to stakeholders on international higher education regulations and quality standards.

Regional Expertise Required

United States

• Knowledge of federal and state-level higher education regulations.

• Familiarity with U.S. Department of Education compliance requirements.

• Understanding of institutional and programmatic accreditation (e.g., Council for Higher Education Accreditation).

• Experience with Title IV compliance, distance education regulations, and student consumer protection laws.

United Kingdom

• Expertise in Office for Students regulatory frameworks including HESA.

• Understanding of quality standards set by Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

• Familiarity with degree-awarding powers, student visa compliance, and apprenticeship frameworks.

Europe

• Understanding of the European Higher Education Area and Bologna Process standards.

• Knowledge of ECTS, qualification frameworks, and national quality assurance systems.

• Familiarity with GDPR implications for student data and academic operations.

UAE

• Knowledge of Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research requirements.

• Familiarity with Commission for Academic Accreditation standards.

• Experience with free-zone education regulations (e.g., Dubai Knowledge Park, Abu Dhabi).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Law, Public Policy, Compliance, or related field (Master’s/Doctorate preferred).

• 8 to 15+ years of experience in higher education regulation, accreditation, or compliance.

• Proven international experience across at least two of the target regions.

• Strong understanding of institutional governance, learner protection, and academic quality frameworks.

• Experience in online education regulation and international partnerships.

• Excellent stakeholder management, policy drafting, and audit preparedness.

Preferred Experience

• Working with global universities, transnational education providers, or edtech companies.

• Experience in setting up branch campuses or international academic collaborations.

• Knowledge of micro-credentials, digital learning regulations, and recognition frameworks.

• Exposure to immigration/visa compliance related to international students.

Core Competencies

• Global regulatory intelligence

• Accreditation strategy

• Cross-border education compliance

• Quality assurance

• Risk management

• Policy and governance

• Audit readiness

• Strategic advisory

Join us on this exciting journey!