President and Chief Executive Officer
The Opportunity
The Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey (ICUNJ), in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, seeks nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for an experienced and accomplished leader to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer. The President will work energetically and passionately on behalf of independent higher education in New Jersey to advocate for state and federal support, engage in fundraising, and strengthen existing and develop new corporate partnerships. The ideal candidate will also bring a diplomatic approach and have a deep understanding of the national and state-level political landscape.
ICUNJ is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the interests of New Jersey’s 13 independent, non-profit colleges and universities, which serve more than 63,000 students collectively. The new President of ICUNJ will be a savvy leader who can collaborate with the Presidents of the 13 member institutions and members of the New Jersey corporate community and effectively navigate the nuances of New Jersey state government. The President will provide strategic leadership in adapting to a changing environment in higher education. The President will lead a small staff in the ongoing work to advance the cause of independent higher education in New Jersey.
Position Responsibilities
The responsibilities and duties of the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey include:
- Providing visionary leadership for ICUNJ that increases the stature and capacity of the independent colleges and universities to provide access for New Jersey's students to the transformational educational programs they offer;
- Serving as an articulate, visible, and energetic public advocate for independent higher education in New Jersey with state and federal government officials and with corporate leaders across the state, with an ever-present commitment to focus on policies that promote choice for the students of New Jersey;
- Developing the case for governmental and corporate support for independent higher education in conjunction with college and university leaders (boards, Presidents, and others) and overseeing effective fundraising;
- Serving as a change agent and catalyst in an educational landscape that is rapidly evolving by bringing emergent best practices to member campuses to ensure the viability of the state's independent colleges and universities;
- Leading and facilitating efforts for collaboration (including potential collaborations for shared services) between and among member institutions and seeking ways to partner with two-year and four-year public institutions and the for-profit sector; and
- Providing executive leadership and ensuring efficient and energetic management for the operations of the organization.
Desired Qualities, Skills, Abilities, and Experience
- Advanced degree is preferred;
- Significant leadership experience and a demonstrated record of success in government, corporate relations, higher education, or the not-for-profit sector;
- Demonstrated understanding of New Jersey’s political and government landscape and its opinion leaders and influencers, particularly their effect on independent higher education
- Capacity for visionary and unifying leadership for ICUNJ with a commitment to a fresh examination for collaboration between member institutions and business, civic, and industry leaders;
- Knowledge and understanding of emergent trends in higher education and the ability to support change efforts of member institutions;
- Strategic planning expertise to chart the course for the future of ICUNJ and to assist in statewide higher education planning efforts;
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and collaborative leadership style;
- Success and passion as a fund-raiser and in establishing and sustaining relationships with diverse stakeholders:
- Experience working with boards and volunteers to advance the mission and capacity of the organization;
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills;
- Proven record of building and leading a strong team, with the ability to handle the governance, fiscal, and administrative responsibilities of managing a small, nonprofit organization;
- Commitment to transparency and the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and moral character; and
- Willingness to travel as needed.
About ICUNJ
ICUNJ has its roots in two separate but related organizations that share a mission to build support and awareness for independent higher education in New Jersey. The Independent College Fund of New Jersey (ICFNJ) was founded in 1953 as a cooperative effort involving business and academic leaders of New Jersey to broaden financial support for and awareness of independent higher education. The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey (AICUNJ) was founded in 1966 to collectively represent New Jersey's independent colleges and universities in the state legislature. These two organizations merged into a single non-profit organization, ICUNJ, in 2022 to build upon synergies and more efficiently and effectively advocate on behalf of the students served by independent colleges and universities in New Jersey.
The ICUNJ Board of Trustees is comprised of the 13 independent university Presidents plus four executives from the New Jersey corporate community who are members of the ICUNJ Board of Advisors. The organization is supported by these corporate leaders from across New Jersey. The offices of ICUNJ are in Trenton, New Jersey, and the staff currently has four employees in addition to the President.
ICUNJ’s Mission
The mission of the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey is to advance the interests of New Jersey’s independent, non-profit, public mission, private institutions of higher education by promoting access, affordability, and student success through public policy advocacy, corporate philanthropy, strategic partnerships (including among the higher education institutions), and enabling the choice of the best fit for each student’s educational needs.
Application and Nomination Process
All correspondence relating to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer for the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey should be directed in confidence to the organization’s executive search consultant:
Christopher S. Healy, President
Scott Healy & Associates
chris@scotthealy.com
A complete application should include the following:
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
- Updated CV;
- Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
Applications received by May 15, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
The Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey is an equal opportunity employer.
To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/7058244
