Executive Search

As the pioneering organization in higher education executive search, Academic Search established many of the standards and best practices that continue to guide the field. We partner with public and private colleges and universities, community colleges, and higher education-related nonprofit organizations to recruit, develop, and support mission-driven leaders.

Since 1976, we have proudly concluded more than 2,600 successful searches for Presidents/Chancellors, Provosts, Vice Presidents, and Deans in a variety of disciplines.

Administrative Areas:

Academic Disciplines:

We’re With You Every Step of the Way

Academic Search serves as your partner in a collaborative search effort. Our senior consultants interact extensively with your search committee to assist with organizing and managing the search process, and informing the crucial decisions of the search committees and hiring authorities.

We use a five-step process to frame our higher education executive search process: organize the search; identify and recruit candidates; select and interview semifinalists; conduct due diligence; and facilitate finalist visits and close the search.

Organize the Search

The foundation of our executive search process is built on deep collaboration with your institution. We begin by advising on the search committee’s makeup and charge, then engage key stakeholders to understand your institution’s culture, mission, and the qualifications needed for this role.

Identify and Recruit Candidates

A key step in the search process is building a strong candidate pool with the unique qualifications of the open position. By getting to know your institution well, we guarantee we are finding candidates who fit with the mission and culture of the role. We cast a wide net to find the very best candidates, locally, nationally, and globally, and tap into our extensive networks to identify a broad group of candidates.

Through our connection to leadership development programs through our parent organization, the American Academic Leadership Institute, and many of our consultants actively participating in conferences and programs across the country, we are able to tap into an even larger range of candidates who are ready for their next role.

Select and Interview Semifinalists

We partner with your search committee in designing and implementing a selection process tailored to your needs and campus culture. Our process involves working with you to develop an objective review method for evaluating candidates. Our senior consultants are actively involved in recruitment and evaluation and openly share insights into conversations with candidates and others throughout the interview process.

Conduct Due Diligence

We ensure the integrity and reliability of the candidate selection process, which is essential to safeguarding your institution’s interests and maintaining the integrity of the search. Due diligence includes background checks, social media and public records review, and on- and off-list referencing.

Facilitate Finalist Visits and Close the Search

In the final phase, we support your institution through in-person finalist visits, selection, and onboarding planning, ensuring a smooth hire and effective transition.

Beyond the Search

Leadership transitions can be both energizing and stressful times for institutional communities. We strive to guide you and your institution through these changes throughout the leadership lifecycle by providing transition and onboarding support as well as executive coaching.

Why Academic Search

As the first executive search firm dedicated to higher education, we bring a deep understanding of the evolving challenges and opportunities within the higher education landscape. Our team is composed of higher education leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and expansive networks. Through this experience, we are uniquely positioned to understand, appreciate, and address the specific needs of each institution we partner with.