Reporting to the Governing Board, the new Executive Director has an exciting opportunity to bring a bold and creative perspective to an association that aspires to set the standard for success, excellence, and integrity among student affairs organizations. The Executive Director will lay the groundwork to assist ACPA in fulfilling its own mission of excellence in supporting and fostering college student learning through the generation and dissemination of knowledge, which informs policies, practices and programs for student affairs professionals and the higher education community. The Executive Director oversees a professional staff of 12 and oversees an operating budget of approximately $3 million.
Essential responsibilities include: • Provide visionary and strategic leadership for the organization; • Be opportunistic and actively seek out new initiatives and develop ideas regarding utilization of resources and stay attuned to the financial and business needs of the Association; • Remain informed about the latest trends in higher education across the nation as well as globally to help support the creation and implementation of policies, programs, and services that meet the needs of the increasingly diverse membership and staff; • Recruit, hire and evaluate staff in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Governing Board; • Expand the visibility of ACPA within the higher education community by establishing beneficial partnerships through both formal and informal channels and build rapport with key constituencies; • Serves as an ex officio member of the ACPA Foundation and coordinates with the Foundation President in requesting and securing gifts and financial resources from Association members and corporate donors; • Serve or designate appropriate staff member(s) to serve as liaisons to all State/International Divisions, Commissions, and Committees established by the Governing Board; • Keeps the Board informed of financial and personnel needs and makes regular reports on all phases of the Associations programs and services.
The Successful Candidate
The Executive Director will have the compelling personal qualities of integrity, outstanding communication skills, exceptional judgment and an entrepreneurial nature. He or she will be a superb strategist, able to embrace the mission of the Association and effectively articulate it with passion in multiple settings. The successful candidate will have a strong sense of both technical and functional best practices nationally, and the ability to motivate staff to work in new and innovative ways toward ambitious goals.
The ideal candidate will have fifteen or more years of progressively responsible experience in the fields of higher/tertiary education, student affairs, association or non-profit management. He or she will be experienced in working with a Governing Board and will possess expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, and staff development. Candidates should have the ability to command respect as an ethical person with outstanding verbal and written communication skills. Evidence of strong interpersonal skills is also critical to success in this position. A master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, business administration or related field is required. A terminal degree is preferred.
Specific competencies required for this position include • Ability to think and act strategically on several levels including, a passion for higher education and appreciation of the role it plays in transforming individuals and society; • Individual initiative, self-confidence, creativity, vision, and a high energy level are essential, as is the willingness and ability to advocate for the resources and structure necessary for success; • Demonstrated success in grant procurement, comprehensive campaigns, individual donor, planned giving, corporate sponsorship and special events; • Marketing acumen, including the ability to engage business, government, and other higher education associations in valuable partnerships; • Strength in utilizing technology to enhance the Associations programs and its administrative processes; • Experience as a facilitator including the ability to leverage ideas into action; • Strength in program development and strategic planning and assessment, including the ability to analyze market trends and data leading to the development of strategic direction for new programs and services; • Proven management and administrative skills, as demonstrated by experience in successfully leading a staff; • Ability to work collaboratively, engage and inspire others, and develop a rapport with many diverse people and groups.
How to Apply Interested individuals should send information including a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a resume, and contact information including email addresses for five references. The information should be sent electronically to ACPA {at} wspelman(.)com, and the subject line should read EDACPA. Documents that must be mailed should be sent to William Spelman Executive Search, Stony Point Landing, 667 Midship Circle, Webster, NY 14580. Confidential inquiries will be received at 585-787-9742. Confidentiality will be maintained, and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge or approval of the candidate. This position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin on July 1, 2013. A 2014 start date is expected.