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Washington’s State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) seeks a collaborative and strategic leader skilled at building relationships with college administrators, legislators, business leaders, tribal governments, labor unions, and agency staff to serve as its next Executive Director (Director). This large, diverse, and autonomous network of 34 colleges (CTCs) located throughout the state collectively serves about 290,000 students annually.

As the chief executive of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Director will work externally with college presidents and chancellors (Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges, (WACTC) and its appointed councils and commissions, the system’s locally-appointed trustees through the Association for College Trustees (ACT), labor union leaders, the state’s governor and legislators, and the leaders from business, industry, trade associations, and tribal agencies to fulfill the broad system’s fundamental mission of equitable student access and success.

The SBCTC is in the state capital, Olympia, home to the state legislature, the governor, and numerous state agencies, including the nation’s first Office of Equity for ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources for all Washingtonians. While known primarily as a political center, Olympia has a vibrant art community with numerous galleries, theaters, and creative spaces. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is a major venue for music, dance, and theater performances. The city hosts the Olympia Film Society, which screens independent films, and the city has a deep connection to the music world, especially within the indie and punk scenes. Olympia’s downtown area’s beautifully preserved buildings speak to the city’s roots in the 19th century. Olympia is also known for its embrace of sustainable, farm-to-table dining. The city has a reputation for excellent seafood, especially oysters harvested from nearby Puget Sound, and the Olympia Farmers Market is open year-round.

The Search Committee for the SBCTC’s next Executive Director is being assisted by Academic Search. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to SBCTCExecDirector@academicsearch.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but only those received before noon EST, on March 31, 2025, can be assured full consideration. Complete applications include a cover letter describing relevant experience, a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and interest in the position. A resume and three references with contact information are also required (all in PDF format).

Prospective candidates may arrange a confidential conversation about this opportunity with senior consultants, Shirley Robinson Pippins, Ed.D., at shirley.pippins@academicsearch.org or Rich Cummins, Ph.D., at rich.cummins@academicsearch.org. More information can be found in the search profile on the Academic Search website.

The annual salary is $305,000 and includes a generous leave package. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement, and two optional deferred compensation programs.

The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025.

Committed to diversity, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.