Advancing Your Academic Leadership Career

As search executives with deep experience in higher education, our team has firsthand knowledge of the essential skills and attributes institutions are seeking senior leaders. Here we address most common questions receive from academic leaders who interested advancing their careers. What some key professional experiences a department chair could gain order to be competitive more leadership (dean, associate provost, etc.)? We highly recommend that obtain outside own department, such as participation on cross-departmental committees or task forces at school institution level. Expanding beyond your sphere will allow you broaden focus what is happening, not just but perhaps also community, state, regional, national To take it step further, explore roles these an oversight capacity. Academic benefit involvement associations, again exploring opportunities roles. It's valuable consider attending development institutes progressing career, AGB Institute for Leadership Governance. think about responsibilities next level (e.g., fundraising, external/government relations, and/or financial management across units), how sets up step, knowing solicit major gifts apply grants. How have expectations changed result pandemic other factors currently affecting education? The significantly raised bar education agile problem solvers. Things so rapidly, nationwide had very different responses situation. COVID-19 escalated need deepen collaboration many campus departments, technology, ensure learning did come complete standstill. While effects seem receding, issues mental health, equity considerations, volatile political climate, threat enrollment cliff warrant ongoing attention. ability lead during crisis manage rapid change emerged critical continue sought after hiring process. navigating numerous converging must do combination poise, calm, decisiveness. important entrepreneurial, strong vision future, really lean into culture shared governance. should included my letter interest stand out positive way committee? Letters typically no than four five pages positions addressed committee directly. You may research find this information. Ensure error-free (ask colleague friend proofread it), above all else, forthright honest experience. Highlighting relevant accomplishments without being boastful ideal balance find. When candidate nominated by trusted source, serves endorsement person's capabilities skills. During process, conduct reference checks semifinalist stage; akin having early-stage vouch candidate's competency. That said, nomination beginning It still imperative submit compelling letter, excellent credentials, interview well rise top pool. sector experiencing significant movement positions. There robust competition market both administrative ever candidates demonstrate high-level understanding which they applying how, leadership, organization thrive. Rod McDavis managing principal Melissa Trotta Search. Email: [email protected]