MICUA Presidential Search

The Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA) seeks an experienced and accomplished leader to serve as its next President. The president will work energetically and passionately to represent, advance, and defend the collective interests of its 15 member institutions and the nearly 58,000 students they enroll. The president will provide strategic leadership in matters of policy, research, and legislation and lead a committed and accomplished association in the ongoing work of advancing Maryland’s independent colleges and universities.

MICUA is a member-driven, nonprofit organization, which has as its mission the collective representation of private, nonprofit colleges and universities located in Maryland. MICUA provides public policy leadership on behalf of its members, fosters cooperative efforts among its member institutions and the broader higher education community, and serves as the official liaison between Maryland’s independent institutions and state and federal policymakers. In addition, MICUA serves as the Resident Agent of the Independent College Fund of Maryland (I-Fund), which has as its mission raising funds to provide scholarships and grants to students attending twelve I-Fund member institutions. Information about MICUA and its member schools is available at http://www.micua.org/.

The President is the chief executive officer of the Association and reports directly to the MICUA Board of Trustees, which is comprised of the presidents of its member institutions. The position description including general duties and responsibilities of the President, and the preferred qualities and qualifications the board is seeking in the next president are provided below. The board would like the next president to start on or about November 1, 2022.

Applications should consist of a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate). The position is open until filled but only applications received by September 16, 2022 can be assured full consideration. Please send applications and direct questions to Dr. Tim Trainor, Chair of the MICUA Search Committee and President of Mount St. Mary’s University, at trainor@msmary.edu, (301) 447-5600 (Office), or (845) 699-3512 (Mobile).

MICUA is an equal opportunity employer and seeks a diverse pool of candidates.

President of the Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA) Job Description

The President is the chief executive officer of the Association and reports directly to the MICUA Board of Trustees, which is comprised of the presidents of its 15 member institutions. The President also serves as a non-voting ex officio member of the MICUA Board of Trustees. The President is responsible for leading MICUA in a manner that supports the Association's mission as defined by the Board of Trustees and helps guide the Board in establishing annual goals and strategic objectives. A key responsibility of the President is to serve as an advocate for independent higher education with state and federal elected officials and the general public. A key to success of the President is both a current knowledge and understanding of Maryland state government and its legislative and budget processes and a strong background in managing a small staff in its Annapolis headquarters. In addition, the President of MICUA serves as the Managing Director of the I-Fund and in that role works with the Council of Independent Colleges to further the mission of the foundation, and is responsible for all operations of the foundation, including performance and fiscal management.

General duties and responsibilities:

Advance the interests of independent higher education and protect the independent status of MICUA institutions before state and federal legislative bodies;
Advocate for state and federal fiscal policies in support of Maryland's independent colleges and universities and the students they serve;
Administer all aspects of the MICUA Capital Projects Program in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Board and state laws and regulations governing capital grants for construction and renovation projects;
Monitor state and federal legislation and regulations, solicit legislation, propose amendments, offer testimony, and provide relevant information on independent higher education and member institutions;
Educate elected and appointed public officials on the value and importance of independent higher education and promote member institutions through direct outreach and marketing;
Work closely with the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to ensure MHEC appropriately discharges their responsibility regarding their oversight role in policy that regulates Maryland private higher education. Work collaboratively with MHEC to achieve this purpose;
Work in collaboration with the University System of Maryland, Maryland community colleges and other public institutions to advance mutually-beneficial higher education initiatives;
Hire, manage, and evaluate executive and administrative staff;
Oversee all aspects of human resource management, payroll, and benefits;
Manage the fiscal operations of the Association and the I-Fund, including budgeting, accounting, auditing, and fiduciary oversight;
Execute and administer contracts on behalf of the Association;
Consult with campus administrators on state and federal laws and regulations and educate campus personnel on new laws and regulations impacting their operations;
Conduct research, administer surveys, and prepare reports and publications; serve as a data resource for and about member institutions;
Communicate effectively through multiple mediums with state and federal elected and appointed officials, MICUA Board members, campus administrators, corporate leaders, media personalities, students, alumni, and the public;
Represent Maryland independent colleges and universities on state and national commissions, workgroups, taskforces, councils, and organizations;
Work collaboratively with the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the NAICU State Executives, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the CIC State Councils;
Expand collaborative arrangements to create efficiencies for MICUA and its member institutions and seek grant opportunities to support the goals and objectives of the Association;
Oversee fundraising, internships, and scholarships on behalf of the I-Fund; and
Handle other activities as necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives established by the Board.

Preferred qualities and qualifications:

The preferred candidate will have at least ten years of relevant experience as a leader of a nonprofit organization, senior administrator of a state or national agency, or senior staff to a state or federal legislative committee.

A bachelor's degree is required. An advanced degree and knowledge of/ experience with private higher education is preferred.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following experiences and skills:

Ability to build and sustain relationships with elected officials, legislative and executive branch staff members and college and university leaders;
Knowledge and understanding of Maryland state government and its legislative and budget processes;•Proven record of supervising and motivating team members;
Capacity to handle complex issues;
Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills;
Knowledge of private, nonprofit colleges and universities;
Understanding of state and federal higher education laws and policies;
Ability to work effectively with and under the guidance of a governing board;
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups of people; and
Capacity to handle the fiscal and administrative responsibilities of managing a small, nonprofit organization.