"President"

Job Description

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COLLEGE OVERVIEW

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), the only technical community college in Massachusetts, was founded in 1967 with the mission of providing access to comprehensive higher education to the Greater Springfield region, with a particular focus on developing a skilled workforce. Springfield, Massachusetts is in Hampden County, and is the fourth largest city in New England and the largest municipality in Western Massachusetts.

As an institution, STCC is proud to be designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The College strives to create a campus culture where all faculty, administration, staff, and students are aware of and dedicated to embracing and fostering the HSI designation and identity. In 2015, STCC became one of only three colleges in the state to achieve this prestigious recognition.

Throughout its history, the College has offered the community a comprehensive portfolio of academic offerings, including non-credit/workforce development, with a unique array of healthcare and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. In addition, STCC provides transfer and career-focused programs in Applied Psychology, Human Services/Social Work, Business, Education, Criminal Justice, Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity, Manufacturing and Engineering, as well as Architecture/Building Technology and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)/ Energy Systems.

Established on the grounds of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, the nations first armory, STCC has over one million square feet of campus infrastructure, labs, and teaching facilities. The historical nature of many of the campuss buildings offers unique character. STCCs designation on the National Register of Historic Places brings with it an extraordinary distinction and stewardship responsibility. Special attention to, and scrutiny of, modern updates to historic buildings, as well as substantial infrastructure cost considerations requires ongoing monitoring, planning, and investment.

COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS

STCC faculty and staff demonstrate an unwavering commitment to students and their success. This dedication is evident throughout the campus, where students consistently recognize and appreciate the support they receive from employees at every level. The accessibility and responsiveness of support services contribute significantly to the positive student experience at STCC.

As the College seeks its next President, it is essential that this individual embodies the same unwavering devotion to student success. The ideal candidate will prioritize the student experience, demonstrating a genuine understanding of the unique needs of the STCC student body. Achieving progress in areas like student retention, completion, and equity will further contribute to the future President's achievements. Additionally, it's vital for the next President to be accessible and active around campus so that students feel encouraged and appreciated throughout their educational experience.

ACADEMIC INNOVATION

STCC distinguishes itself as the only technical community college in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This unique status underscores the institutions pride and responsibility in providing technical education and general transfer preparation to its diverse student body. The next President will be expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing these educational offerings, ensuring that STCC continues to serve as a leader in academic innovation.

Creating clear and accessible pathways from non-credit to credit courses remains a central priority for the College. By fostering these transitions, STCC aims to better meet the evolving workforce and continuing education needs of its students, empowering them to achieve their academic and career goals.

EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDING SKILLS

All faculty and some staff at STCC are unionized and are represented by two collective bargaining units, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) representing maintenance, clerical, and administrative staff and campus police, and the Massachusetts Community College Council (MCCC), representing full-time and adjunct faculty, and some professional staff. While collective bargaining agreements are negotiated at the state level, experience working in a union environment is strongly preferred.

Additionally, it is essential for the next President to have experience working in a state governed by rules and laws related to open meetings and public records. This expertise ensures that the President is well-versed in maintaining transparency and accountability in institutional operations, adhering to legal requirements, and fostering a culture of openness and trust within the College community.

STCC has an ongoing commitment to continued development of shared governance processes. These efforts are designed to ensure that College constituencies actively participate in sharing their expertise, diverse perspectives, needs and wants for consideration in administrative decision making. The next Presidents communication and interpersonal skills will be critical in building relationships, strengthening trust, and uniting teams throughout the College. The successful candidate must communicate messages effectively at all levels, fostering transparency and openness. This leader will be direct in responding to questions and will provide clear reasoning behind decisions, even when those decisions may not be popular.

The next President will maintain a steady and reliable presence on campus, ensuring that they are both visible and approachable to all members of the College community. This means consistently engaging with students, faculty, and staff, and making themselves available to listen to concerns and feedback.

Patience and the ability to respond thoughtfully to criticism are essential qualities for the role, as is a genuine commitment to being involved and attentive to the needs of the College. Through this engaged and thoughtful approach, the next President will foster a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes open communication and trust across the institution.

EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL ACUMEN AND OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP

STCC is currently well-positioned financially, generating substantial growth in reserves over the last several years through disciplined and thoughtful budgeting focused on its student- serving mission. It will be important for the next President to carry forward this intentional approach to fiscal planning.

The recent historic investment in public higher education by the Governor and Legislature, particularly the Massachusetts free community college program, represents a transformative opportunity for STCC and its students. This landmark initiative underscores the Commonwealth's commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and removing financial barriers for students seeking to advance their careers and contribute to the regional economy. The next President must be prepared to maximize the impact of this initiative by strategically aligning institutional resources, strengthening partnerships with state agencies, and ensuring that STCC remains a leader in delivering accessible, affordable, and high quality education. Successfully leveraging this historic investment will be essential to advancing STCC's mission and securing its long-term financial stability.

STCC has also demonstrated significant progress in updating its internal processes and controls. The institution has prioritized the enhancement of operational systems to support the overall mission of the College. As STCC moves forward, it is important that the next President takes time to understand and appreciate the campus culture while continuing to advance these improvements. The next President is expected to be a systems thinker, committed to building upon the operational advancements already in place.

STCCs technical programs and online learning initiatives require robust, cutting-edge IT systems and infrastructure. The next President must ensure sustained investments in technology and resources to support the academic mission. The successful candidate will embrace emerging technologies for future educational models, advance digital transformation initiatives, and recognize technology as essential to teaching effectiveness, student success, and operational efficiency.

It is also important to note that STCCs historic campus, while distinctive, requires significant investments that will require experience with aging infrastructure, capital fundraising, and project management. The ideal leader will possess the confidence and expertise to engage in a campus master planning process that ensures that the campus remains functional and well-preserved for future generations.

ADVOCACY AT THE LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LEVELS

STCC is well-regarded within the community and has a reputation built on strong and effective relationships with local, state, and federal officials. These connections have been instrumental in contributing to the ongoing success of the institution. STCC Trustees and Foundation board members play a vital role in supporting the Presidents efforts to cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with both community organizations and business partners.

Their expertise and connections serve as valuable resources, helping to strengthen the Colleges outreach and collaboration with local industries and community groups.

As STCC looks to the future, the next President must serve as an equity-driven and culturally competent advocate for the College. It is essential that this leader continues to foster and strengthen these relationships, actively seeking funding opportunities through state and federal channels. In addition, the next President will pursue strategic partnerships, grants, and support from private donors to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of STCC.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

STCC relies on not only the business communitys financial support but also its role as employers of our graduates. The College's next President will be expected to maintain, manage, and grow those relationships, as a leader within the business community. Additionally, STCC is in an active and engaged community in which keeping stakeholders informed and engaged is key to managing those relationships, but also fundamental to donor and alumni relations and opportunities for continued growth and collaborations.

QUALIFICATIONS

All new presidents shall reflect the education and experience that represent the highest levels of qualifications for such positions. A well-documented history of organizational leadership and proven success in meeting specific performance goals and objectives is required, preferably in organizations with comparable size and complexity. The minimum qualifications for a president shall therefore be as follows:

EDUCATION

• An earned doctorate (including but not limited to a Ph.D., J.D., or Ed.D.), coupled with substantial experience relevant to the College's mission and needs of the institution. In exceptional circumstances, an earned masters degree, coupled with substantial experience relevant to the College's mission and needs of the institution, may satisfy minimum educational requirements.

EXPERIENCE

• Substantial experience in a senior management position in higher education.
• Or
• Substantial experience in a senior management position in a field outside higher education, where such experience is deemed relevant to, and provides a basis for judging the candidates capability to serve as a college or university president.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• 5-7 years of executive level experience within higher education or similar organization
• Experience in technical or workforce-aligned education
• Equity-driven leadership, particularly within an HSI or similarly diverse institution
• Experience operating within unionized environments

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply online at www.paulygroup.com and attach the following 3 items as an application: (1) A cover letter, not to exceed 5 pages, addressing the general topics listed in the Opportunity Overview (beginning on page 10 of the profile); (2) A current résumé; (3) A list of 3 references names and contact information.

Please direct all confidential inquiries and nominations to the Colleges search consultant,

Dr. Angela Provart
President, Pauly Group Inc.
3901 Wood Duck Dr. Suite E, Springfield, IL 62711
Phone: 217-241-5400
Email: aprovart@paulygroup.com

The committee will begin review of applications immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with materials submitted by Monday, February 23rd, 2026 receiving priority consideration. All applications are confidential, and references will not be contacted without the expressed authorization of the applicant.

Candidates selected as finalists will be invited to campus to introduce themselves to the STCC community and meet with campus stakeholders. In addition, finalists will be interviewed by the STCC Board of Trustees in a meeting open to the public. At this stage of the process, the Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and members of the Board of Higher Education will also be provided with an opportunity to interview the finalists. The successful candidate will be expected to pass an extensive background check, and final appointment is subject to Board of Higher Education approval. For more information on the Board of Higher Educations presidential search, selection and appointment guidelines, click here.

This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional non-union position. The current annual salary range for this position is $240,000 to $300,000. In addition, the successful candidate will be eligible for an annual, regional housing allowance and vehicle benefit (either a college-supplied car or car allowance).

STCCs personnel and academic decisions, programs, and policies are formulated and conducted in a manner that will ensure equal access for all people and prevent discrimination. As part of this effort, a College will ensure that employment and academic decisions, programs, and policies will be based solely on the individual eligibility, merit, or fitness of applicants, employees, and students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, military service, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation, or political or union affiliation.

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