PRESIDENT

Suffolk University

Boston, Massachusetts

PRESIDENT

The Board of Trustees for Suffolk University and the Suffolk University Presidential Search Committee invite nominations and applications for the position of President. The Trustees have charged the search committee to identify an inspired, entrepreneurial leader to carry out the university’s mission to be a “talent catalyst” that leverages its location in the heart of downtown Boston with the goal of empowering students to develop their full potential. The president will provide stable, bold, thoughtful leadership, serving as the trusted voice and vision of Suffolk University for the long-term.

Established in 1906, Suffolk University comprises the College of Arts & Sciences, the Sawyer Business School, and the Suffolk University Law School. An accomplished faculty and staff serve a population of 7,560 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, 19 percent of whom are international. They study in more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with 12 accelerated degree programs, 18 graduate/Ph.D. programs, and 12 certificate graduate programs. The university is ranked among the country’s Best National Universities by U.S. News and World Report and has the fifth highest percentage of international students among those universities. Suffolk University has a global outlook. At its campus in Madrid, students may matriculate for their entire baccalaureate study or for a semester abroad opportunity. The Suffolk University Rams compete in Division III athletics. Suffolk University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The university’s operating budget is $222 million.

Students at Suffolk University enjoy a campus experience that extends beyond traditional boundaries to the center of Boston’s vibrant downtown, with the energy, opportunities, and possibilities that the metropolitan area offers. With an urban campus woven into the fabric of Boston, students take advantage of programs and courses through an experiential approach that is the centerpiece of a Suffolk education.

Suffolk is committed throughout its curriculum to the integration of civic engagement, social responsibility, and service learning, all of which encourage the development of a responsible global citizen. Suffolk forges close connections with small class sizes (on average 20 students) and a faculty-to-student ratio of 1-to-13. This fosters mentoring and close collaboration with individual students, helping them develop their knowledge and potential. Faculty also are teacher-scholars who are committed to using their research and expertise to advance their teaching in the classroom.

Suffolk degree programs and course offerings break through traditional boundaries. Interdisciplinary offerings reflect the complex world into which students are graduated. Programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of industry and organizations. Students in the College of Arts & Sciences, for example, are rethinking the urban environment in the interdisciplinary Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability. Creativity and Innovation courses emphasize flexible thinking and problem solving and extend those skills.

In the Sawyer Business School, a first-of-its-kind entrepreneurship course guides undergraduates in launching and crowd-funding their own startup companies, bringing real-world business experience into the classroom and engaging talent from across the University. Colleagues in Suffolk Law’s Intellectual Property clinic serve as advisers on trademark and copyright issues, while students in Suffolk’s New England School of Art & Design provide branding and logo design assistance. And, students in the Communication & Journalism Department support marketing with videos and other external communications. 

Suffolk University Law School is a nationally recognized leader in rethinking legal education for 21st century practice. The Law School is leading a new generation in reimagining the practice of law, with a focus on innovation in the delivery of legal services. Suffolk Law is one of just three law schools in the nation ranked in all four U.S. News and World Report legal skills specialties – legal writing, trial advocacy, dispute resolution, and clinical programs.

EXPECTATIONS

  • Unquestionable commitment to student access, achievement, and success;
  • Understanding of national and global student recruitment methods, retention, and enrollment management;
  • Ability to identify, increase, and diversify revenue sources, with generation of new resources through vigorous fundraising;
  • Record of success in implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives among students, faculty, and staff;
  • Deep knowledge of sound strategic planning and clear decision making based upon regional, national, and global trends concerning the challenges of higher education;
  • Profound appreciation for the contributions of staff, faculty, and administrators in the success of the university, with a commitment to professional development;
  • Focused pursuit of regional and national name recognition, rankings, and marketing;
  • Experience in bridge-building with diverse constituencies, including local and statewide government leaders, businesses, foundations, and citywide residents;
  • Capacity to invigorate and recognize the potential of 80,000 alumni domestically and internationally;
  • Demonstrated extensive organizational experience with leading, developing, and building a world-class higher education team in a complex and competitive environment;
  • Proven experience with and ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse and best practices governing board;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with a demonstrated commitment to university-wide transparency; and
  • Teaching experience and earned terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education are preferred.

NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

Nominations are invited. To assure best consideration, applications should be received by November 20, 2017. The application must include a three-page letter of interest; a current résumé (or curriculum vitae); and the names of five professional references with each person’s position, office or home address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers.

Applications will remain confidential. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant. The Suffolk University Presidential Search Committee will conduct interviews and make the final recommendation for the Board of Trustees’ consideration. The new president is expected to assume office in 2018.

The search is being assisted by Roderick McDavis, Managing Principal, and James McCormick and Janice Fitzgerald, Executive Search Consultants, AGB Search. Nominations and applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to suffolkuniversitypresident@agbsearch.com. Additional university information may be found at www.suffolk.edu. The consultants may be contacted at 202-776-0854, rod.mcdavis@agbsearch.com; 651-238-5188, jim.mccormick@agbsearch.com; or 717-580-0663, janice.fitzgerald@agbsearch.com.

Suffolk University is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse community. We are actively seeking applicants from groups that might be under-represented because of race/color, gender, religion, real or perceived disability, national origin or LBGTQ status.