President of Florida Gulf Coast University

The Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees invites applications and nominations for the fifth president of Florida Gulf Coast University. The president reports to the Board of Trustees and serves as the chief executive officer of the university, embracing the core values of integrity, collegiality, leadership development, support of scholarship and enthusiasm that are exemplified across the institution. The president is responsible for all operations of the university, including overall leadership and management of the institution, its academic enterprise, a Division 1 athletics program, fundraising and mobilization of all constituents including faculty, alumni, staff, students, community, corporate, foundation and local and state government leaders to meet the institutional and regional goals. The president will lead the continuing transformation of the university as it achieves further academic advances and propel the institution among the state’s top choice for universities.

A key priority for the president will be to work with external constituencies to generate the resources FGCU needs to deliver on and expand its operations and enhance its profile. In building these external relationships, the president will also demonstrate considerable skill and experience as a communicator and negotiator, and will possess the diplomatic dexterity, political savvy, courage of convictions, self-awareness and discerning judgment necessary for superb leadership.

The ideal candidate will display the following important qualifications and attributes:

• Expertise in leadership, financial management, strategic planning and legislative relations.
• A resilient, nimble problem solver who can successfully implement innovative solutions to respond to the challenges facing universities today.
• A successful record of academic leadership and executive experience.
• Experience managing and establishing priorities for complex budgets and a demonstrated ability to introduce and implement innovative funding initiatives.
• A strong commitment to student success and innovative teaching practices involving students of every intersectional cultural background.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated track record in collaborating with faculty, students, staff, alumni and community stakeholders to achieve the university’s mission.
• An inclusive approach to management and leadership, embracing the Chicago Principles of freedom of thought and speech.
• A leader who values participating in a campus community that honors tradition, embraces intelligent and strategic growth and reflects the collegiality, respect, mutual support and warmth of a family.
• A commitment to excellence in recruiting, retaining and developing a diverse faculty and leadership team.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and an ability to communicate with and understand the needs and advance the interests of students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Understanding of major fundraising initiatives and an ability to represent the university compellingly with stakeholders, alumni and donors.
• An ability to communicate effectively and build partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, union representatives, alumni, donors, business leaders and state policymakers.
• A strong commitment to shared governance and a willingness to circulate widely and listen carefully, including a commitment to collaboration and transparency in decision-making.
• A commitment to, experience with, and understanding of the importance and significance of community engagement and the ability to collaborate effectively on regionwide initiatives.
• A demonstrated record of commitment to sustainability and service learning with a focus on initiatives in education, energy production, research and water management.
• A dedicated advocate for FGCU with local and state government and business partners.
• Preference will be given to candidates with an earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree in an academic discipline as well as academic credentials sufficient to warrant the respect and complete confidence of a wide range of university stakeholders.
• Provide leadership of a campus-wide strategic planning process Commitment to the mission of a regional comprehensive university.
• Experience working with a board of trustees

The full position profile can be accessed at https://greenwoodsearch.com/current-opportunities/.

Further information about Florida Gulf Coast University may be found at: https://www.fgcu.edu/

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS

Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting Florida Gulf Coast University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to Greenwood Asher & Associates. Application materials should include:

• a letter of interest that addresses specifically how the candidate’s experiences and qualifications intersect with FGCU’s qualifications, attributes and listed strategic priorities as presented in the Presidential Profile A current résumé/curriculum vitae The name, title and email address of five professional references

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for all candidates except those who are invited to participate in campus forums. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by March 22, 2023.

Please direct inquiries, nominations, and application materials to:

Julie Schrodt, Senior Executive Search Consultant
E-mail: julieschrodt@greenwoodsearch.com

Jim Johnsen, Ed.D., Vice President for Executive Search
E-mail: jimjohnsen@greenwoodsearch.com

Florida Gulf Coast University (University) is committed to ensuring equity and fairness for all University employees, students, visitors, vendors, contractors, and other third parties. Our commitment to these principles is essential to fostering a campus community that values diversity and inclusion. As such, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/ expression, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or genetic predisposition with regard to admissions, employment, programs, or other activities operated by the University. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are forms of sex discrimination. This prohibition extends to enforcement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act. The University’s policies cover access and equity in the administration of education, programs, services, and activities throughout all divisions, departments, and units of the University.