Job Description

Location: East Lansing, MI (hybrid). Includes occasional travel to our school locations in Michigan, Tennessee, and Nebraska, as well as other destinations for educational events or business needs.

Employment Type: Full-Time, Director Level

At Douglas J, our mission is to elevate the student journey through exceptional education, operational excellence, and a culture of care. As a leader in beauty and wellness education, we believe compliance isn’t just about meeting requirements — it’s about building trust, enhancing the student experience, and setting the highest standards for our Institutes. The Director of Compliance & Student Services plays a pivotal role in shaping how we deliver on that promise.

We are seeking an experienced, detail-driven leader who thrives at policy, accreditation, and student success. This is your opportunity to drive meaningful impact across multiple states and accreditors while ensuring our processes not only meet regulatory standards but also improve how students engage with and navigate their educational journey.

What You’ll Lead

In this role, you will oversee four core areas of responsibility:

1. Accreditation & Regulatory Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison with state licensing boards, national accreditors (ACCSC, NACCAS), and the U.S. Department of Education.
• Design and maintain systems, processes, and documentation standards that ensure all school locations are continuously compliant and fully prepared for reaccreditation at any time.
• Lead accreditation cycles, site visits, new program applications, and program changes with precision and strategic foresight.
• Oversee licensing, agent permits, and business registrations for schools and salons.
• Monitor evolving regulations and accreditor standards, translating changes into clear, actionable policies for all locations.

2. Policy Development & Compliance Reporting

• Author and maintain institutional policies, academic catalogs, enrollment agreements, and departmental forms.
• Oversee timely and accurate submissions of all federal, state, accreditor, and industry reports (including IPEDS, Clery Act, THEC, Michigan Training Connect, Title IX, ADA, and consumer disclosures).
• Ensure that we're maintaining complete documentation, change-of-status processes, and school closure protocols.
• Ensure readiness for audits through organized, accessible records and proactive compliance reviews.

3. Student Services Excellence

• Guide and mentor Student Services Coordinators to deliver proactive, student-centered support from enrollment to graduation.
• Resolve escalated student concerns, academic issues, and accommodations requests with professionalism and care.
• Develop and implement process improvements and technology tools to create efficiencies and enhance the student experience.
• Oversee student and graduate surveys, employment opportunity resources, and license exam reporting — identifying & addressing red flags, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with operational leadership and education teams to recommend and implement changes that improve retention, graduate outcomes, and overall satisfaction.

4. Operational & Strategic Impact

• Partner with Education, Admissions, Financial Aid, and Operations leaders to align compliance efforts with institutional goals.
• Oversee and track key performance dashboards for leadership review, including student retention, completion, licensure, placement and program satisfaction metrics.
• Lead and participate in industry committees, training events, and professional conferences to maintain Douglas J’s leadership position in compliance excellence.
• Balance strategic planning with hands-on execution to ensure both high-level goals and daily operational needs are met.

Please note that this isn't intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and tasks, but rather a general overview of the nature of this role.

Who You Are

• A seasoned educational compliance leader, ideally within career education & trade schools, or higher education.
• Expert in policy writing, compliance reporting, and accreditation management.
• Highly organized, analytical, and able to manage complex projects across multiple deadlines.
• A strong communicator who can translate regulatory language into clear, actionable guidance.
• A collaborative leader who builds trust and works seamlessly across departments, fostering alignment between compliance, operations, and education teams.
• Technology-forward, seeking opportunities to leverage systems for efficiency and better student outcomes.

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

• Be part of a company with over 55 years of growth, expansion, and evolution in the beauty industry
• Vibrant, fast-paced work environment
• Discounts on salon products and services
• Affordable insurance benefits and a 401(k) with a company match
• Opportunities for advancement
• At Douglas J, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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