Executive Director serves as its principal advisor and spokesperson, operating at the intersection of governance, higher education, public policy, and state government. The Executive Director works closely with Regents, institutional presidents, senior university leaders, legislators, state agencies, and other stakeholders to advance the Board's mission and strategic objectives.
As leader of the Board Office, the Executive Director oversees a broad portfolio that includes governance, legislative affairs, strategic planning, institutional oversight, board relations, communications, finance, operations, and administration. The Executive Director serves as a trusted partner to the Board and institutional leaders, helping navigate a complex and highly visible higher education environment while ensuring alignment among institutional priorities, state interests, and Board objectives.
The Executive Director oversees 18 full-time employees in the Board Office, including six direct reports. The office is supported by state appropriations and institutional support, with a FY 2027 budget of just over $5.2 million. The office is located in Urbandale, part of the Des Moines metro area.
The Executive Director will have the opportunity to design a transparent process for developing the next strategic plan, coordinate all legislative activities on behalf of the Board and campus leadership, and lead a skilled and dedicated Board Office staff. The Executive Director will be an exceptional communicator across a broad range of constituents and a trusted voice in higher education.
An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required, and an advanced degree is preferred. The successful candidate will have sufficient experience in the public sector and with contemporary trends in higher education, the ability to build relationships across campus constituencies, and the knowledge to speak on higher education issues with authority.
WittKieffer is assisting the Iowa Board of Regents in this search. Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 13, 2026.
Nominations, inquiries, and applications can also be directed to:
Melody Rose, Ph.D. and Ashlee Musser
IowaRegentsED@wittkieffer.com
The Iowa Board of Regents does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, status as a U.S. Veteran, or any other classification protected by law.
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