Council of Independent
Colleges in Virginia
President
The Board of Directors of the Council of Independent
Colleges in Virginia (CICV) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications
for the position of President. The Board seeks a creative, forward-looking
leader with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills who will provide
strategic leadership in matters of policy, research, and legislation and
external communications, and build productive relationships among CICV member
presidents, legislators, and policymakers.
Founded in 1971, CICV
represents 27 independent colleges and universities in Virginia in public
policy advocacy and collaborates with members on programs to control campus
operating costs and improve efficiency. The primary mission of CICV is advocacy
for state and federal policies in support of Virginia’s independent higher
education institutions and their 150,000 students, especially the Virginia
Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG). In addition, CICV provides significant and
innovative member services, including a healthcare benefits consortium and a
403(b) multi-employer retirement plan. The President oversees the coordination
of collaborative projects including government relations, marketing, and
business and purchasing activities, reporting directly to the Board of
Directors which is composed of the presidents of member institutions. CICV’s
reputation, influence, and programming have expanded steadily under the
leadership of Robert Lambeth, who is retiring after over four decades as
president.
The presidential transition comes at a time of change in
higher education and in Virginia state government, presenting challenges and
opportunities for the new leadership of CICV. The next president will continue
traditional advocacy in support of TAG, while seeking new avenues to expand
participation in education policy and state support for independent higher
education. A high priority will be developing strategies and technology for
delivering clear and consistent external messaging.
The responsibilities and duties of the next president of
CICV are to:
·
Provide visionary leadership for CICV that
enhances the stature and capacity of Virginia independent colleges and
universities;
·
Serve as an articulate spokesperson and advocate
for independent higher education and maintain positive and productive
relationships with state legislators and administrative officials;
·
Bring together Virginia’s diverse independent
colleges and universities around common initiatives and communications about
the value of an independent higher education;
·
Create and deliver an effective, consistent
communication strategy and program;
·
Effectively manage CICV’s array of member
services and pursuit of new opportunities for collaboration among members;
·
Enhance the technological capacity of CICV; and
·
Actively collaborate with other Virginia
organizations that support independent higher education.
Desired Qualities, Skills, and Experiences:
·
A collaborative, engaging personality;
·
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and
relationship-building skills;
·
An entrepreneurial and innovative outlook;
·
Strong organizational management skills and
experience;
·
Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to
independent higher education;
·
Experience with developing effective
communication strategies and utilizing technology to deliver clear and
consistent messaging; and
·
Knowledge of and experience with legislative
affairs, preferably in Virginia, and the independent higher education
sector.
More information about CICV is available on the CICV website and in the search
profile.
CICV is being assisted in this search by Academic Search.
Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting
Jay Lemons at jay.lemons@academicsearch.org,
Stuart Dorsey at stuart.dorsey@academicsearch.org,
or Jennifer Kooken at jennifer.kooken@academicsearch.org.
Applications should consist of a letter of interest, resume,
and contact information for five references (who will not be contacted without
the explicit permission of the candidate). The position is open until filled
but only applications received by Saturday, October 29, 2022, can be
assured full consideration. Applications, nominations, and expressions of
interest can be submitted in confidence to CICVPresident@academicsearch.org.