President

Highland Community College is guided by a mission to shape the future of its communities by providing high-quality education and learning opportunities that support the personal and professional growth of the people of northwest Illinois. The College offers comprehensive academic programming, with more than 60 degree and certificate options, and serves as a regional hub for cultural engagement through its campus theatre, arts, music, literature, and lecture series, which are widely attended throughout the area.

Highland Community College serves a district population of approximately 90,000 residents across the northwest Illinois counties of Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, and Stephenson. Annually, the College serves approximately 4,500 students, including those enrolled in Community Education, Business Institute courses, and Adult Education programs.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the president is responsible for advancing the College's mission and achieving institutional goals by establishing an effective organizational structure, implementing sound procedures, and recommending policies that promote broad participation across the Highland Community College (HCC) community. The president fosters the College's core values of integrity, compassion, and respect while strengthening existing external partnerships and cultivating new channels of support. In collaboration with local businesses and community stakeholders, the president evaluates workforce and community needs to ensure the College's learning and educational programs remain responsive and relevant.

The president oversees a comprehensive staff of approximately 260 employees, comprising 150 full-time and 110 part-time staff, with six direct reports, and manages an operating budget of $18 million. This is an on-site leadership role, with an anticipated start date of June 2026.

The expected salary range is $195,000 - $240,000, contingent upon experience level.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications for this position are an earned master's degree or other graduate degree and five years of demonstrated success at a senior leadership level in higher education or another complex organization. A doctorate, substantive administrative experience in higher education, and prior teaching experience are preferred.

Application and Nomination

Highland Community College at Freeport has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin January 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/president/

• Contact Ellen Heffernan at eth@spelmanjohnson.com or Anne Marie Kenney at amk@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries.
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Highland Community College website at www.highland.edu

HCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and other protected groups.