The Southern Regional Education Board is seeking an experienced and visionary Vice President of Postsecondary Education to take a strategic role in developing and implementing initiatives that promote collaboration with institutions and policy makers to improve accessibility and affordability and drive positive change for students and communities.

We seek an individual with demonstrated successful implementation of educational and professional programs focused on postsecondary attainment and student success.  This individual should have experience forging strong partnerships with institutions, government agencies, foundations, and community organizations,

The Southern Regional Education Board works with states to improve education at every level, from early childhood, through doctoral education. Our vision is that each child and adult in the SREB region will have high-quality educational opportunities that build on the rich diversity of the region and lead to productive, meaningful lives and robust economies.

SREB is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization based in Atlanta. We are an organization of professionals committed to our mission: helping states and educators improve student access and achievement to improve the social and economic vitality of the SREB region.

SUMMARY:

Vice President of Postsecondary is responsible for overseeing and directing activities and staff involved in the development of policy initiatives and monitoring of activities that increase postsecondary attainment by supporting states’ efforts regarding equity, access and credential completion.

 

What does a Vice President of Postsecondary do?

• Serves as a member of the SREB Leadership Team in support of the president and the board for the purposes of achieving SREB goals outlined in the strategic plan, actively engaging in the leadership and direction of the organization and ensuring collaboration across all offices within the organization.
• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the office in alignment of the SREB Strategic Plan; prepares and administers the office and program budgets.
• Manages and directs the activities of assigned staff; coordinates, prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; tracks and reviews work progress and activities; directs the recruitment and selection of staff; undertakes disciplinary action as required; conducts performance evaluations.
• Develops and manages grant projects and postsecondary policy initiatives.
• Monitors legislation and other policy concerns that impact postsecondary education.
• Creates strategic partnerships with policymakers in various states and with other regional and national organizations.
• Researches and responds to inquiries for information and services.
• Conceptualizes and participates in seminars, conferences and workshops.
• Represents the organization at internal and external meetings with legislators, educational leaders, representatives of governmental, professional and public agencies, and local, regional and national organizations; plans and facilitates meetings as required; provides presentations as required. Manages assigned program and project activities and deliverables.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the office’s service to SREB and its clients by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team.
• Represents the organization with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

What does it take to be a Vice President of Postsecondary?

Education and Experience:

Doctoral degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Higher Education, or a related field; AND ten (10) years of higher education or public policy experience at a national, regional, state, or institutional level.

Additionally, five (5) years progressive experience leading, guiding, directing, and evaluating the work of 10 or more employees, including directors and managers, and ensuring a balanced working environment. 

Candidates with equivalent education, training and experience will be considered.

 

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• State, national and institutional level postsecondary policies.
• Current trends and practices in academic human capital research and policies.
• Higher education trends, processes, practices, learning styles and modalities.
• Principles and practices of policymaking at the federal, state and local levels.
• Principles and practices of developing teams, motivating employees and managing in a team environment.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, work planning, organization, performance review and evaluation, and employee training and discipline.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of project and program management.
• Principles, practices, materials and techniques of public information and communication.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and program development, implementation and evaluation.

Skill in:

• Leadership of a team, strategic thinking and execution, and participation on a team.
• Developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide services in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
• Principles and practices of project and program management and analytical techniques.
• Producing and reviewing reports, materials, communications and documents for completeness and effectiveness.
• Developing and managing assigned budgets.
• Managing multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Planning, directing and reviewing the work of others on a project or daily basis.
• Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards.

 For this opportunity, we seek candidates who have the following attributes: 

• A passion for education.
• Dedication to identifying best practices and innovative approaches to improve postsecondary outcomes and student success.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to strategically collaborate and develop partnerships to enhance the effectiveness and impact of educational initiatives.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Respect for inclusivity, demonstrating a commitment to equality and fairness.
• Demonstrated leadership presence and professional maturity.
• Executive-level presentation skills and ability to handle high-level client interactions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Using Microsoft office, word, excel and Google Docs, as well as online platforms such as Zoom, Teams, etc.
• Ability to travel overnight (work is subject to extended travel)
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Successful completion of a background investigation including credit check and drug screen.
• Valid Driver’s License.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position manages all staff of the office and is responsible for performance management, hiring and termination of staff.

 

Compensation

To support SREB’s top priorities, compensation decisions balance internal equity and external competitiveness within the boundaries of financial feasibility. Salaries for new employees will be established at levels that recognize the individual’s skills and experience while considering the salary levels of current employees within the same job title and those performing comparable work within the parameters of discipline, function, and individual effectiveness.

• Starting Salary Range:  $128,500-$144,600
• Salary grade range:   $128,549 - $192,824
• Collaborative culture.
• Environment that supports work life balance.
• Opportunities to collaborate with diverse people, leverage their varied skills and experiences, and foster a culture of inclusivity.
• Medical, dental and vision
• Life and short-term disability insurance
• Flexible spending and health savings account options (FSA/HSA)
• Health reimbursement account (HRA)
• Additional voluntary life and long-term disability options
• Very generous leave programs
• Outstanding 403b retirement plan