Assistant Director 2, Certification Specialist - Office of Clinical Experiences

Rowan University • Glassboro, NJ

5d • $76,486 - $87,954

About The Position

The Assistant Director II, Certification Specialist provides leadership and oversight for educator certification services within the College of Education. The position coordinates certification processes, ensures compliance with New Jersey Department of Education regulations, advises educator preparation candidates, maintains certification records, and serves as the College’s primary resource on educator certification policies and procedures.

The role collaborates with faculty, academic departments, University offices, and external partners to support candidate success, educator preparation program quality, accreditation, and continuous improvement. It also contributes to strategic planning related to certification, licensure, educator preparation, and regulatory compliance while ensuring timely and accurate certification recommendations. The position may supervise certification-related operations and support personnel as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, educator certification, student services, academic affairs, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of educator preparation and New Jersey educator certification regulations.
• Experience interpreting and applying complex policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and student information systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of educator certification regulations, licensure pathways, and educator preparation requirements.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex state and institutional policies.
• Strong commitment to candidate success and customer service excellence.
• Ability to establish productive working relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, state agencies, school districts, candidates, and alumni.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports that support institutional decision-making.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.; the university will not sponsor a work visa for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within educator preparation programs in higher education.
• Experience using New Jersey Department of Education educator certification systems.
• Knowledge of CAEP accreditation standards and educator preparation accountability requirements.
• Experience with data analysis, assessment, compliance reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing operational procedures and coordinating complex administrative processes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the College of Education’s lead certification specialist for all educator preparation programs.
• Review, verify, and recommend eligible candidates for certification through the New Jersey Department of Education certification system.
• Ensure compliance with NJDOE certification regulations, policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain complete and accurate certification records, documentation, and candidate files.
• Interpret certification regulations and advise on licensure pathways, endorsements, reciprocity, testing requirements, and eligibility.
• Monitor state certification regulation changes and implement operational and procedural updates.
• Develop, maintain, and improve certification policies, procedures, timelines, and workflow processes.
• Advise undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate, and alternate route candidates on certification requirements and timelines.
• Provide individualized consultations regarding certification eligibility, deficiencies, endorsements, testing requirements, and applications.
• Coordinate certification workshops, orientation and information sessions, and communication initiatives.
• Respond to certification inquiries from candidates, alumni, school districts, and external stakeholders.
• Develop informational materials, guides, and online resources about certification processes.
• Collaborate with department chairs, program coordinators, faculty, and administrative staff to verify completion of certification requirements.
• Monitor candidate progress toward certification, including coursework, clinical experiences, assessments, and state requirements.
• Coordinate certification clearance before institutional recommendation.
• Assist with implementing changes resulting from legislation, NJDOE regulations, and institutional policies.
• Support institutional reporting and compliance activities related to educator preparation.
• Support CAEP accreditation activities and NJDOE program approval and review processes.
• Collect, analyze, maintain, and report certification-related data for accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness.
• Prepare certification reports, data summaries, and compliance documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze certification trends and candidate outcomes to support continuous improvement.
• Maintain databases and records for state, institutional, and accreditation reporting.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the NJDOE regarding educator certification matters.
• Collaborate with the Registrar, Admissions, Graduate School, Office of Clinical Experiences, academic departments, and other University offices to ensure accurate candidate records and timely certification processing.
• Build collaborative relationships with school districts and educational partners regarding certification and licensure questions.
• Represent the College on University, State, and professional committees related to educator preparation and certification, as assigned.
• Recommend improvements to the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of certification services.
• Develop and implement operational procedures that improve service delivery and regulatory compliance.
• Use technology systems to improve certification tracking, record management, reporting, and communication.
• Assist with training faculty and staff on certification policies and procedural changes.
• Supervise certification-related operations, graduate assistants, student employees, or other support personnel, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the College of Education’s mission and strategic priorities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive New Jersey State health, dental, and retirement benefits for eligible employees.
• Extensive accrued time off and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement for the employee, spouse, and dependents to attend Rowan University, Glassboro; reimbursement for spouses and dependents applies to undergraduate degrees only.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level