The Position

Minimum qualifications

Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of senior-level leadership experience comparable in scope with this position, plus progressive management responsibilities; proven abilities to lead institutional planning and generate public and private funding; records reflecting successful, engaging relationships with internal and external constituencies, including governmental entities; and an understanding of and commitment to the educational philosophy of the comprehensive community college. An earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution is required.

The successful applicant will possess expert levels of the following critical competencies identified by the Board of Trustees and supported by the college community.

• Strategic agility and innovation management
• Integrity and trust
• Decision quality and problem solving
• Building effective teams
• Motivating others
• Managerial courage

NWC’s next president will be. . .

 ♦ A strategic and long-term thinker who accurately anticipates future consequences and trends; brings creative ideas to the forefront and introduces competitive and breakthrough strategies; recognizes systemic elements involved—both organizationally and process-wise—in creating an environment necessary for change

 ♦ A skilled communicator who is widely trusted and seen as a direct, truthful individual with an approachable, open style; provides feedback in a manner that strengthens accountability; engages others in the decision-making process through shared governance

 ♦ An exceptional decision-maker who uses analysis, wisdom, experience and logical methods to make solid decisions and solve difficult problems, appropriately incorporating multiple inputs to establish shared ownership; brings vision, context and engagement to collective decision-making processes

 ♦  A visionary and informed leader who thoroughly understands organizational behavior and builds cohesive teams within the college community, valuing team spirit that inspires and motivates deep engagement

♦ A supportive administrator who creates a climate in which people want to do their best; motivates with ample positive energy; appropriately rewards and acclaims individuals, groups and organizations for achievements; and supports professional development by recognizing each person’s unique talents and inspiring them to succeed

♦  An empathetic individual who is able to address complex interpersonal issues effectively; skillful in conflict resolution at all levels; open and direct without being intimidating

Preferred Qualifications and Characteristics

♦  A highly visible, student-centered leader familiar with the unique needs of a rural,  residential campus where student learning is the first priority and is reflected in planning, decision making, budgeting, developing policy and implementing institutional practices

 ♦  A leader who understands, values and is committed to an effective relationship with the Board of Trustees under a policy governance model

 ♦  A supporter of economic and workforce development enhanced by partnerships with area industries, businesses and public entities; a knowledgeable administrator who understands and supports current technology and nurtures a keen interest in future developments

 ♦  Collegiate teaching experience

Opportunities and Challenges

The Northwest College President will be expected to address the following opportunities and challenges.

 ♦  Inspire and lead the college every day to embrace the future by creating an environment where bold initiatives are thoughtfully undertaken and related to the following Institutional Imperatives in NWC’s 2012-17 Strategic Plan.

        -Northwest College shall be the preeminent two-year educational institution in Wyoming

        -Northwest College shall be a great place to work

        -Northwest College shall be meaningfully connected to the high schools and workplaces

        of the communities it serves

♦ Orchestrate a positive transformation of organizational culture and shared governance, engaging and empowering others to act on a vision of inclusion, support, cooperation and collegiality

 ♦  Build upon NWC’s reputation as a top-performing regional transfer institution offering a complement of high-quality technical programs, comprehensive residential life, a variety of student development programs and learning opportunities outside the classroom

 ♦  Provide students with pathways to transfer institutions and employers by building innovative partnerships with education and industry

 ♦  Ensure ongoing, stable revenues by increasing enrollment and other funding sources; support the continued alignment of the Northwest College Foundation’s vision and mission with that of the college; inspire a vision that compels action in fundraising initiatives including the new academic building

 ♦  Lead the college’s continuing accreditation process