President/CEO

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) invites letters of application in its search for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as its next President and CEO. Appointed by and reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO executes board policies, oversees all academic and administrative functions, and leads the development and implementation of long-range plans that align with student, workforce, and community needs.

Founded in 1966, DMACC, a public institution serving the educational and career training needs of Iowans, is committed to the lifelong success of its students. As Iowa's largest two-year college, DMACC offers over 220 programs, certificates and transfer degrees, annually serving more than 70,000 credit and noncredit students. The district is comprised of 6,560 square miles offering education and training at thirteen college-owned campuses and sites, in numerous high schools, at two correctional facilities, and online to tens of thousands of students supported by over 900 full time employees. DMACC is known for college-wide innovation, new programs, and affordable tuition. DMACC is a leader in economic development and job training, coupled with innovative programs in general and adult education.

The President serves as the chief executive officer of the College and is responsible for providing visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to fulfill the institution’s mission. The President and CEO communicates a clear and compelling institutional vision, delegates authority appropriately, and ensures alignment between strategic goals and operational execution. This role ensures sound fiscal management, guides campus operations and infrastructure planning, and advances a high-performing and inclusive culture through effective organizational leadership. The President and CEO stays informed about evolving trends in higher education, ensures institutional compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards, and serves as the College’s primary spokesperson. In partnership with the College Foundation and community stakeholders, the President and CEO supports advancement and advocacy efforts that promote access, innovation, and long-term institutional sustainability.

Dr. Larry Ebbers is assisting DMACC in this search. Applications should be submitted through jobs.dmacc.edu and include, as separate documents, a letter of application addressing the themes in the leadership profile found at president.dmacc.edu (no longer than two pages), a CV or resume, and the names and phone numbers of five (5) references. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. Priority consideration will be given to candidates that apply on or before August 29, 2025. Review of applications will begin September 1, 2025. The appointment will begin January 2026.

Essential Functions

Governance & Board Relations

• Executing all policies the Board establishes and acting as its executive officer.
• Recommending Board approval of the College calendar, tuition, and academic fees.
• Executing and signing all Board-approved communications and legal documents.
• Acting as the Board agent entering into contracts consistent with Board policies and procedures.
• Performing duties required by law, assigned by the Board, or deemed necessary to the College’s best interest.
• Setting institutional priorities and allocating resources through transparent, inclusive decision-making.

Academic and Strategic Leadership

• Directing College philosophy, objectives, and program goals.
• Leading long-range planning and academic strategy aligned with student and workforce needs.
• Overseeing instructional programs, student services, accreditation, and continuous improvement.
• Leading institutional accreditation efforts and ensuring compliance with accrediting bodies.
• Advancing student access, achievement, and completion through inclusive, data-informed initiatives.
• Staying current on higher education trends and applying insights to strategy and planning.

Human Resources & Organizational Development

• Determining and addressing staffing needs, recruitment, and development.
• Recommending personnel actions and approving performance evaluation systems.
• Recognizing outstanding faculty and staff contributions.
• Fostering a respectful, high-morale culture through inclusive leadership.
• Responding proactively to employee concerns through collaborative dialogue.
• Supporting innovation and idea development through encouragement and external funding pursuit.
• Delegating authority effectively while ensuring leadership accountability.

Finance, Facilities & Operations

• Prioritizing facilities and equipment needs and overseeing capital planning.
• Leading operating and capital budget development and approval.
• Establishing College operations rates, including facility use fees.
• Overseeing the integration of technology in instruction, administration, and planning.
• Advocating for public funding and appropriations aligned with strategic needs.
• Expanding funding through grants, contracts, and philanthropy.
• Guiding construction and facility maintenance through innovative financial strategies.
• Ensuring responsible fiscal management to support institutional effectiveness.

Compliance & Administrative Oversight

• Ensuring effective systems for records management and institutional documentation.
• Overseeing compliance with state, federal, and accreditation reporting requirements.

Communications, Community Engagement & Advancement

• Communicating effectively with internal stakeholders and representing their concerns to the Board.
• Overseeing College publications and public information to enhance awareness and transparency.
• Representing the College with agencies, associations, K-12 systems, and higher education institutions.
• Advancing initiatives that serve community needs and expand institutional visibility.
• Building regional partnerships with business, industry, and education partners.
• Maintaining a visible, engaged, and accessible presidential presence in the community.

Required Qualifications

An advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution, along with demonstrated executive leadership experience, including senior-level administration in education (in a post-secondary institution preferred). Proven experience leading a comprehensive, multi-campus institution, with a deep understanding of the distinct needs of diverse locations, communities, and student populations. Record of academic leadership, including oversight of instructional programs, accreditation processes, student learning outcomes, and faculty engagement, with a demonstrated commitment to equitable student access, retention, and completion. Strong commitment to regional economic vitality through workforce and community partnerships, positioning the College as a leader in skill development and employer collaboration. Broad expertise in institutional operations, including budgeting, facilities planning, program development, and personnel management, with the ability to analyze financial data and effectively steward human and capital resources. Demonstrated success in public policy advocacy and community engagement, including representing the College with elected officials, state and federal agencies, accrediting bodies, and key external stakeholders. Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build consensus, delegate effectively, engage diverse constituencies, support inclusive workplace culture, and maintain constructive relationships with employee groups, including organized labor. Track record of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, including securing alternative revenue sources, championing the strategic use of educational technology, and leading digital transformation aligned with the College’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, build institutional trust, and foster transparent, collaborative cultures through effective communication and shared decision-making.

Desired Qualifications

An earned doctorate (Ed.D, Ph.D, J.D, or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution. Prior experience as a college president in a community college or comparable higher education setting. Experience working with or reporting to an elected or appointed governing board, with demonstrated political acumen and the ability to navigate complex public-sector environments. Fundraising, advancement, or foundation leadership experience, including cultivating donor relationships and supporting capital campaigns or scholarship initiatives. Familiarity with Iowa’s education system, community college governance, and legislative processes, or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to state-specific policy and funding environments. Experience engaging with organized labor or employee groups through interest-based bargaining, collaborative governance models, or other employee relations strategies. Teaching or direct student engagement experience, and a strong understanding of academic culture, faculty roles, and student success strategies.

Special Instructions to Applicants

DMACC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer. THIS VACANCY REQUIRES: 1) A letter of application/Cover Letter (no longer than two pages) 2) Completed Personal Information Application form 3) Resume/CV 4) Names and phone numbers of five (5) references. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.