Vice President for Programs

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) seeks a full-time Vice President for Programs to join our leadership team. The Vice President for Programs has primary responsibility for developing and implementing a variety of annual conferences, workshops, programs, and leadership development opportunities primarily for CIC members. The person in this role leads an energetic program management team and works closely with CIC’s president and the senior director of foundation relations to secure and steward foundation support of many of these programs. They also participate in setting CIC’s strategic agenda and serve as an important national champion of the values of independent high education.

CIC is the major national membership organization for independent liberal arts colleges and universities in the U.S and abroad, serving more than 650 institutions and 75 associated organizations. CIC has a tripartite mission: supporting and developing campus leaders, securing and providing resources to advance the excellence of member institutions, and enhancing public understanding of the contributions independent higher education makes to society. In collaboration with partner organizations and subject matter experts, CIC’s 33-person staff, based in Washington, DC, develops and manages a dynamic set of convenings, externally funded projects and programs, research, advocacy and other initiatives to serve and support members in all three mission areas.

As higher education institutions grapple with a challenging economic, social, and political environment, CIC is charting a bold path forward, serving as a trusted advisor, convener, and leader for our members and investing in the tools and resources needed to see independent colleges and universities thrive in the years ahead. The Vice President for Programs will play a central role in implementing the vision of CIC President Marjorie Hass and in developing and delivering programs designed to strengthen and advance the distinctive educational missions of CIC’s member institutions.

Responsibilities

The Vice President for Programs (VPP) serves as a member of the president’s senior leadership team, oversees academic and leadership programs, and is the principal planner of two annual programs central to CIC’s mission to advance educational excellence and academic leadership: the Institute for Chief Academic Officers (to which other senior campus officers are invited on a rotating basis) and a series of Workshops for Department and Division Chairs.

The VPP also oversees several grant-funded program initiatives and plays a significant role in supporting foundation fundraising. The VPP overseas year-long programs for aspiring presidents, aspiring provosts and other campus leaders in conjunction with our partner American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) and CIC senior advisors.

Direct reports include: Director of Programs, Senior Director of Projects, Senior Director of Foundation Relations, as well as staff members who provide project and executive support along with other organizational responsibilities. The position calls for close collaboration with staff colleagues, a volunteer task force composed of representatives from member campuses, and external subject matter experts. As a senior leader at CIC, the VPP carries out a range of strategic and administrative organizational responsibilities and represents CIC in meetings of national and international organizations concerned with higher education. The position reports to the president, and is located in Washington, DC.

Qualifications

Candidates should be deeply knowledgeable about the full spectrum of current issues important to leaders of independent colleges and universities and should be demonstrably committed to advancing and promoting the distinctive characteristics, values, and contributions of member institutions. The ability to effectively present the case for CIC’s mission to a national and international audience is important, as are the abilities to build and sustain networks of peers and meet the needs of a diverse membership. Demonstrated success in advancing the ideals of fairness, access, and the democratic purpose of independent higher education is expected. Experience with foundation fundraising, grant management, convening planning, evidence of effective innovation, and experience with collaborative, cross-institutional, and international initiatives all strengthen an application. The ideal candidate will have held a series of increasingly responsible leadership positions in academic affairs at one or more independent colleges and universities, including serving as the chief academic officer or in a position with equivalent responsibilities. A terminal degree in a discipline commonly taught at CIC member institutions is expected.

General Requirements

All CIC staff members are expected to excel at written and oral communication; demonstrate a proactive, positive, and member-focused disposition; handle competing priorities independently and effectively; organize and manage a wide range of activities with excellent control of detail; exercise creativity and initiative in developing ideas and solving problems; be familiar with office applications, virtual content delivery platforms, and other commonly-used applications and tools; and be inclined to thrive in a diverse, fast-paced, highly collaborative work environment.

This position requires overnight, weekend, and out-of-area travel several times a year. Performing the responsibilities of this position requires the ability to see, hear, and speak; work in a normal seated position for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds; manually operate standard office equipment such as keyboards and printers; and move throughout an office or conference space. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Working at CIC

CIC’s work culture is positive, friendly, and always focused on serving our members. We have an eclectic and diverse team that enjoys interacting and takes pride in quality work.

Full-time CIC staff are based in the Washington, DC, office, and currently have the option to work remotely on Thursdays and Fridays. Work hours are flexible around designated “core hours” (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Some staff members spend part of the week in DC and part at their primary residence elsewhere. Others live full time in the DC area.

The expected salary range for this position is between $225,000 and $275,000.

CIC offers competitive compensation and benefits that include health, vision, and dental insurance. CIC also offers a retirement plan with a generous employer contribution match; a flexible spending account; short- and long-term disability insurance; and life insurance. Employees are also eligible to participate in CIC’s Tuition Exchange Program. CIC recognizes 11 paid holidays per year and offers 20 days of annual leave.

Application Procedures

Ideally, the successful candidate will begin in early January.

To apply, email a detailed letter of interest, a CV, and a list of at least three references to CICJobs@cic.edu with the subject line “VPforPrograms.” References will not be contacted until late in the process. We intend to keep the application process as confidential as possible.

CIC is an equal opportunity employer and seeks a broad and diverse pool of applicants.