President
- Employer
- Ithaca College
- Location
- Ithaca, New York
- Salary
- $450,000 to $700,000
View more categoriesView less categories
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The College seeks an exceptional, forward-looking leader to guide IC through a consequential period in its history – building on its distinctive strengths while making the strategic choices necessary to ensure its long-term vitality and success.
Founded in 1892, generations of students have been drawn to Ithaca's exceptional combination of rigorous academic preparation, experiential learning, close faculty mentorship, vibrant and inclusive campus life, and a culture that encourages creativity, innovation, and purposeful engagement. Across its five schools, Ithaca College prepares graduates who are thoughtful, skilled, adaptable, and equipped to make meaningful contributions in an increasingly complex world. The College's longstanding commitment to "Theory, Practice, Performance" remains both a defining strength and a hallmark of the Ithaca College experience.
This is a pivotal moment in the history of Ithaca College. Like many institutions across higher education, the College faces significant challenges, including demographic pressures, enrollment competition, affordability concerns, financial constraints, increasing demands for innovation, evolving workforce expectations, and questions about the future of higher education itself. At the same time, Ithaca possesses significant strengths upon which to build: highly engaged students; dedicated faculty and staff; nationally recognized academic programs; a passionate alumni community; and a deeply student-centered culture.
The next president will inherit an institution that has entered a period of leadership transition and strategic reflection. Across the community, there is a strong desire to sharpen institutional priorities, strengthen enrollment and financial sustainability, enhance Ithaca's reputation and market position, and articulate a compelling direction for the institution's next chapter. Equally important, stakeholders emphasized preserving the distinctive culture, educational experience, and sense of community that define Ithaca College while adapting to a rapidly changing environment. Throughout the listening process, participants expressed a genuine belief that Ithaca College's best days remain ahead and a desire for leadership that can unite the community around common purpose and shared aspirations.
The next president will be called upon to lead with courage, empathy, strategic discipline, sound judgment, and deep respect for the community. This leader must be capable of making difficult decisions while building trust, fostering collaboration, and inspiring collective action. The College seeks a leader who can honor what makes Ithaca College distinctive while helping the community define what it must become, recognizing that its future depends upon both sound stewardship and an unwavering commitment to student success.
WittKieffer is assisting Ithaca College in this search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 29, 2026.
Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest addressing the responsibilities and requirements described in the leadership profile which can be found at WittKieffer.com.
Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search by visiting the WittKieffer website or contacting the team, Robin Mamlet, Sandra Chu, and Corin Edwards at Ithaca-President@Wittkieffer.com.
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $450,000 to $700,000. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the successful candidate's experience, qualifications, and track record of leadership. This range reflects base compensation only and does not include benefits, bonuses, or other perquisites.
IC is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination. ithaca.edu/non-discrimination-statement.
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Organization
Ithaca College is a private residential college in the scenic Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Located in one of America’s top college towns, IC boasts a lively and sophisticated residential community that takes full advantage of its stunning natural backdrop and a local community rich in arts and culture.
At Ithaca College, faculty and staff work together to make students ready for success in an evolving world. Challenging academic programs promote critical thinking and hands-on learning, and students work closely with experienced and accomplished faculty on innovative research and enlightening coursework. Ithaca’s new strategic plan, IC 20/20, positions the college to offer a truly distinct integrative learning experience.
From its founding in 1892 as the Ithaca Conservatory of Music, Ithaca College has had a distinguished history of interweaving the threads of liberal and professional education. Students are encouraged to study across disciplines at each of the college’s five schools: Business, Communications, Health Sciences and Human Performance, Humanities and Sciences, and Music.
The college is an internationally known and respected coeducational and nonsectarian institution with approximately 6,200 undergraduate and 470 graduate students, who come to Ithaca from nearly every state and over 70 countries. The curriculum provides more than 2,000 courses in over 100 programs of study. While the breadth of its curriculum is normally found only at larger universities, Ithaca holds fast to its tradition of close, personal instruction (11:1 student-faculty ratio).
Rewards of Working at Ithaca College
A preferred employer in its upstate New York region, Ithaca College provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Faculty and staff also enjoy the kind of uniquely rewarding work environment that can only be found in a vibrant college community.
Ithaca College’s benefits program includes medical, dental, and life insurance, long-term disability plans, and a flexible spending reimbursement account for eligible expenses not covered by other benefits.
Ithaca contributes to the personal and professional development of faculty and staff, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With workplace flexibility, community service opportunities, and tools for individual growth, employees are encouraged to take advantage of everything IC has to offer.
Additionally, the college offers educational benefits, retirement options, vacation, sick, and personal leave, statutory benefits, at least 11 paid holidays per year, use of the college's many recreational facilities, and free parking. Employees also enjoy access to many services, including the college library, the Campus Center, and the college’s campus store.
For a more detailed description of benefits available to Ithaca College employees, visit ithaca.edu/hr/benefits.
About the Area
Nestled in the heart of New York State’s Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the vibrant city center. Home to several parks and surrounded by more than 150 waterfalls, Ithaca is an outdoor lover’s paradise. And with more restaurants per capita than New York City, it’s also a food lover’s dream. Activity thrives downtown, where live music, independent cinema, and artistic performances can be found almost any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty or urban sophistication, Ithaca has something for everyone.
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