The State University of New York College at Oneonta (SUNY Oneonta), a public, comprehensive higher education institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, seeks a passionate, engaging, and student-focused leader as its next President. The College Council and SUNY invite applications from highly collaborative individuals who will build on the accomplishments of the College.

THE POSITION: The President of SUNY Oneonta, working with a team of dedicated faculty and staff as well as committed College Council members, provides leadership in an environment focused on student-centered academic excellence, co-curricular engagement, faculty scholarship, and professional development. The President is a committed advocate for social justice, internal and external community engagement, transparency, collaboration, and the overall mission of the College. The President engages the students, faculty, administration, staff, College Council, and external Oneonta community in a shared vision for the future of the institution, with a focus on increasing awareness of the institution’s profile as a College that provides broad and transformational educational opportunities to students. The President reports to the SUNY Chancellor, maintains a working relationship with peer SUNY campuses, partners with the local community, and engages at the state and national level. This individual develops and directs strategic plans related to institutional vision, mission, value and goals, the student experience, academic programs, teaching, research, learning, public service, financing, enrollment management, and physical plant development. The President’s Cabinet includes the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Vice President for Finance and Administration; Vice President for Student Development; Chief Diversity Officer; Vice President for College Advancement; Vice President for External Affairs; Chief Communication and Marketing Officer; Vice President of Strategy, Planning, and Effectiveness; Chief of Staff; Chief of Police; and Presiding Officer of the Faculty Senate.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the College’s overall mission of intellectual inquiry and academic excellence, promote a student-focused environment, and be an effective and forceful advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity. The President must equally support SUNY’s PRODiG initiative to diversify the faculty. The President must show an ability to engage with and be visible to students, faculty, and staff as well as a commitment to the success of SUNY Oneonta graduates. The next President must show a knowledge of and passion for public higher education and a commitment to shared governance and transparency. The successful candidate will demonstrate a history of ethical and accountable leadership. They must have crisis management skills and experience in strategic planning and implementation. The next President will provide effective leadership by exhibiting innovative and creative approaches to advance the College’s mission. The successful candidate must possess experience with budgets and be able to establish priorities and policies to promote sound financial management; an ability to further an effective enrollment strategy; and the leadership to enhance a feeling of collegiality, transparency, and shared inquiry. Additionally, they must engage alumni, donors, and friends of the College in fundraising through the Alumni Association and College Foundation. The President will communicate and collaborate effectively with senior campus administration, all campus constituents, SUNY system administration, and other SUNY institutions. Additionally, the President will be committed to developing and maintaining a strong, collaborative, respectful, and transparent relationship with community leaders, organizations, and residents. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of presidents who are fully engaged in dialogue and planning at a national level, during a critical time that requires SUNY’s unparalleled commitment to student success, academic excellence, leadership, research, and economic and community engagement. A demonstrated record of professional experience is required to lead this public institution of higher learning. Qualified candidates will possess an earned doctorate, terminal degree, or commensurate executive-level leadership experience.

APPLICATION: Interested candidates should submit only a cover letter and resume to RPA Inc. at SUNYOneontaPresident@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please email Kira Heath, Search Manager; Amanda O’Donnell, Vice President and Senior Consultant; or Dana John Cohick, President at the email address listed above. The first review of candidates will begin on March 31, 2021 and first-round interviews will commence thereafter.