President
Department:
Location:
Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees
2025 Presidential Search Profile
“Together, we've got this.”
Approach to New Leadership
The Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Board of Trustees invites applications and nominations for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the next president. This is a pivotal opportunity to champion an institution with an extraordinary 111-year legacy — Michigan's first community college — nationally recognized for innovation, workforce development and equity.
GRCC seeks a leader who is:
• Brave, visionary, unafraid to make significant moves that advance student success and institutional excellence.
• A unifier and a catalyst, strengthening both credit and non-credit pathways, affirming GRCC's critical role in education and workforce development.
• Visible and authentic, serving as the face and voice of our institution in West Michigan and beyond. Be present, authentic and engaged on campus and in our community.
• A builder of community and opportunity, guided by equity, innovation, and inclusion to create a future-focused learning environment.
What We Seek in Our Next President
Organizational Expectations
GRCC is and will remain:
• A student-centered institution committed to access, success and satisfaction.
• A leader in innovation across teaching, learning, workforce development and continuing education.
• A collaborative and trusted partner with businesses, industries, K-12 districts, higher education institutions and community organizations.
• An inclusive community where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are foundational.
• A financially robust institution expanding our impact through thoughtful stewardship of philanthropy, grants, public-private partnerships and public and private resources.
• A mission-driven college whose decisions are guided by our mission, vision, values and strategic plan.
Desired Leadership Traits
Our next president will be a transformational, equity-centered leader who acts, innovates, and inspires across the College and community. The Board seeks someone who demonstrates:
• Visionary, bold and strategic leadership rooted in the community college mission.
• A proven record of executive leadership with measurable outcomes.
• Student-centered and inclusive approaches engaging students, faculty, staff and partners.
• Skill in relationship-building across diverse constituencies.
• Financial and entrepreneurial acumen with success in securing public grants and philanthropic support, and building partnerships with public and private funders.
• Cultural competence and a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Capacity to balance innovation with operational excellence and practical execution.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Minimum:
• Doctorate from a regionally accredited institution.
• Significant, progressively responsible senior-level leadership in higher education administration or an organization of comparable complexity.
Method of Application (Nominations and Applications)
Grand Rapids Community College offers its next president the opportunity to lead a uniquely student-focused academic community, building upon an exceptional legacy to shape an even more dynamic future. Applicants must hold a terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and possess substantial leadership experience. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.
To ensure full consideration, application materials must be submitted no later than October 22, 2025.
A complete application should include:
• A letter of interest (no more than four pages) specifically addressing how the applicant's background and experience align with the qualifications and leadership characteristics described in this profile;
• A current resume or curriculum vitae;
• The names, email addresses, phone numbers and professional titles of at least five references. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate.
All applications and nominations will be handled with strict confidentiality.
The search is being assisted by Academic Search. Nominations and applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to mailto:[email protected].
Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancementincluding admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6574571
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