President Eastern Shore Community College

President Eastern Shore Community College

Job Description
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) invites applications and nominations for the presidency of Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC). Eastern Shore Community College is one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. Founded in 1971, Eastern Shore Community College is located in Melfa, Virginia, and serves a rural, two-county population of 53,000 people on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Eastern Shore Community College welcomes all learners by providing educational pathways and support services that expand aspirations and lead to a vibrant community. Eastern Shore Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees.

Within the ESCC service region is a major NASA R&D facility where many local residents are employed. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Chesapeake Bay on the west, laced with creeks and inlets, the Eastern Shore peninsula is a boating and fishing paradise. The blend of colonial history, agriculture, national parks, a network of small communities, marinas and local seafood restaurants all contribute to the relaxed Eastern Shore lifestyle. While offering the quiet charm of country living, it is approximately a three-hour drive to Richmond, a one- to two-hour drive to Norfolk / Virginia Beach and historic Williamsburg, and just over a four-hour drive to Northern Virginia and D.C., with all their attractions.

The Local College Board and community have identified six key priorities for potential emphasis:

• Fostering student success by supporting a culture of care that increases retention and completion and provides the knowledge and support that students need to succeed.
• Providing access to diversified course and program offerings that align with the economic growth of the service region.
• Ensuring ESCC’s financial sustainability and growth through maintaining and strengthening community partnerships with schools and businesses that contribute to economic growth.
• Establishing ESCC as the primary training provider for business partnerships to ensure student success.
• Providing robust workforce development programs that offer credentials in high-demand career fields, including skilled trades, that enhance job and career prospects for students.
• Articulating and pursuing a clear vision for the college’s future that aligns with the VCCS strategic plan.

In addition to the local college board’s priorities, the VCCS will prioritize its strategic plan, Accelerate Opportunity 2030, student engagement, technology, K-12 and industry partnerships, and leadership that relies upon data to drive decisions.

KSA’s/Required Qualifications

Qualified candidates must have an earned doctorate and demonstrated successful senior executive experience at the highest levels.

Key Characteristics for Successful Candidates

• Significant responsibility for programs, budgets, personnel, facilities, and other appropriate administrative duties.
• Proven leadership abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• A collaborative administrative style
• A servant leadership perspective that focuses on building environments of high trust
• Demonstrated commitment to ensuring an inclusive environment and equitable access and success for students from diverse backgrounds
• Experience with taking data-informed strategic risks
• Ability to successfully navigate change
• Experience with building relationships with leaders from K-12, business, industry, government, and the community at large
• Ability to secure financial and program resources to increase student success
• Ability to communicate a vision for the college based on the identified priorities
• Possess the required skills to achieve results that benefit the college, its students and the region served

Application Information:
The search will remain open until the position is filled. However, only candidates who submit application materials by 11:59 p.m. on January 10, 2025, will be assured of full consideration by the screening committee. Materials must be submitted through our applicant portal at http://www.vccs.edu/careers.

A complete application packet includes only a résumé/CV and cover letter. Items, such as references or transcripts, are not requested and should not be submitted. A substantive but not elongated cover letter should:

• Address how the applicant’s experience aligns with qualifications identified
• Discuss the applicant’s perspective on addressing the identified priorities of the college
• Describe implementation of the Accelerate Opportunity strategic plan at this college
• Explain experience with fostering a culture of care and trust that leverages data to serve the needs of all students

Additional Considerations:
See ESCC Presidential Search webpage for additional information:
https://www.vccs.edu/careers/#presidential-searches

Special Instructions to Applicants:
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

The Virginia Community College System, an EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.

The VCCS is an EOE and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), VCCS will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing and selection processes.

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.