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The Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Board of Trustees invites applications and nominations for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the next president. This is a pivotal opportunity to champion an institution with an extraordinary 111-year legacy — Michigan’s first community college — nationally recognized for innovation, workforce development and equity.

The Board seeks someone who demonstrates:

• Visionary, bold and strategic leadership rooted in the community college mission.
• A proven record of executive leadership with measurable outcomes.
• Student-centered and inclusive approaches engaging students, faculty, staff and partners.
• Skill in relationship-building across diverse constituencies.
• Financial and entrepreneurial acumen with success in securing public grants and philanthropic support, and building partnerships with public and private funders.
• Cultural competence and a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Capacity to balance innovation with operational excellence and practical execution.

Recognized nationally for excellence in transfer education and workforce development, GRCC supports thousands of students each year in achieving their goals. The college participates in Achieving the Dream, reinforcing its commitment to equity-centered teaching and student success.

GRCC provides more than 140 degree and certificate programs, complemented by robust non-credit job training programs in healthcare, manufacturing, public sector and IT industries. These short-term programs, developed with local employers, prepare students for high-demand fields with credentials and certifications that meet workforce needs. Students benefit from small class sizes — an average of fewer than 25 students — and personalized support services, including academic advising, tutoring, disability and occupational support, bilingual services and holistic resources such as food assistance.

Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second largest city and offers an outstanding quality of life with vibrant arts, dining, recreation and cultural amenities. Located just 30 minutes from Lake Michigan’s beaches, Grand Rapids combines urban energy with easy access to outdoor adventure. It is a hub for healthcare, education, manufacturing and innovation, and remains a thriving, diverse community ideally suited for the next GRCC president to call home.

Grand Rapids Community College offers its next president the opportunity to lead a uniquely student-focused academic community, building upon an exceptional legacy to shape an even more dynamic future. Applicants must hold a terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and possess substantial leadership experience. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

To ensure full consideration, application materials must be submitted no later than October 22, 2025.

A complete application should include:

• A letter of interest (no more than four pages) specifically addressing how the applicant’s background and experience align with the qualifications and leadership characteristics described in the profile;
• A current resume or curriculum vitae;
• The names, email addresses, phone numbers and professional titles of at least five references. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate.

All applications and nominations will be handled with strict confidentiality. The search is being assisted by Academic Search. Nominations and applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to GRCCPresident@academicsearch.org. To learn more about GRCC, the qualifications sought in the next president, and presidential priorities, please review the full search profile at www.academicsearch.org/grccpresident.

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics.  The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.