JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESIDENT
Paine College
Paine College is a private, historically black liberal arts institution located in Augusta, Georgia. Founded in 1882, Paine College has a rich history of providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Committed to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement, Paine College prepares students to become leaders and change-makers in their professions and communities.
Paine College enters Year 2 of its groundbreaking 10-year Transformation Plan with notable early successes, backed by committed sponsors such as Augusta National Golf Club, Bank of America, and EAB. Achievements include surpassing targets for completed applications and intent to enrolls for fall 2024. Additionally, a state-of-the-art student success technology has been implemented to bolster student outcomes. The President will focus on sustaining and expanding this momentum, enhancing strategies for student recruitment and engagement, fostering sponsor relationships, and optimizing technology integration for continued success.
Position Overview
Paine College is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as President. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, advancing the mission and values of the institution, and ensuring the overall success and financial sustainability of Paine College. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of effective leadership, a commitment to student success and academic excellence, proven success fundraising, and the ability to inspire and engage stakeholders in advancing the institution's goals.
Key Responsibilities
1. Improve and enhance the total operations of the College. Priorities include fundraising, financial management, recruitment, enrollment, and retention, student affairs and academic affairs.
2. Provide strategic leadership and direction to advance the mission and vision of Paine College. Execute and implement the strategies, policies, and initiatives put in place through the Transformation Plan.
3. Define and shape the College's student centric approach to fiscal vitality through technology and best practice implementation around retention and enrollment.
4. Oversee the development and implementation of fundraising strategies and development strategies to support institutional priorities and initiatives.
5. Ensure effective financial management and stewardship of institutional resources to support the long-term sustainability and growth of Paine College.
6. Build off the College's established and growing community partnerships to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects including individuals, corporations, and foundations through visits and other forms of direct personal contact.
7. Cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, community partners, and governing bodies.
8. Lead efforts to enhance institutional accreditation, compliance, and accountability.
9. Establish a data management system and decision-making process to evaluate recommendations and to make decisions.
10. Lead the development of strategic initiatives and teams to transform Paine College's academic programs and operations.
Qualifications
• An advanced degree from an accredited institution; a post-secondary degree, PhD/EdD is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of senior leadership experience in higher education or a related field, with a proven track record of success.
• A passion for the mission and values of Paine College and a commitment to advancing its goals and priorities.
• A deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education, particularly in the areas of student enrollment, retention, and success, particularly HBCUs.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• A collaborative and transparent leadership style, with a commitment to shared governance and decision-making.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Experience meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Exceptional skills in facilitating organizational change and change management in close collaboration with leaders at the College and various external constituents.
Application Process
To apply for the position of President at Paine College, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. In addition, we are asking all candidates to record a short 5-10 minute video that addresses the following prompts:
1. Please tell us briefly about your experience with, knowledge of, and appreciation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. How does your appreciation for and/or passion for serving HBCUs intersect with your interest in this position?
- 2. How would you describe Paine College and how does your understanding of Paine College contribute to your interest in the role?
3. Please share what you believe you will accomplish in this role and elaborate on how you plan to achieve those objectives.
4. Tell us about a successful transformation project you led and how it made an impact on the organization. What strategies did you utilize to lead effective change in the organization and ensure that employees and stakeholders were engaged in the change process?
Paine College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Please note, Paine College has enlisted the support of EAB to manage this search process. For inquiries or additional information, please contact PainePresSearch@eab.com
Interview Process
Review of applications will begin Jul 8 and will continue until Jul 31.
Selected candidates should expect to participate in one round of virtual interviews, a second round of on-campus interviews and a final virtual Q&A session with the Board of Trustees. Currently, the Board is assembling a Search Committee that will consist of individuals representing the Board, Faculty, Staff, Student Government, Alumni, Augusta Business and Faith-based communities. The anticipated start date is on or before Nov 1.
Please note: These targets are approximate timelines and subject to change.
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