Vice President for Member Engagement

and sector flourishing, and the formation of member recruitment and retention strategies. Program responsibilities include developing and implementing in-person conferences and leadership development workshops primarily for CIC member presidents. The VPME also actively participates in setting CIC’s strategic agenda and serves as an important national champion of the values of independent higher education.

CIC is the major national membership organization for independent liberal arts colleges and universities in the U.S and abroad, serving more than 650 institutions and 75 associated organizations. CIC has a tripartite mission: supporting and developing campus leaders, securing and providing resources to advance the excellence of member institutions, and enhancing public understanding of the contributions independent higher education makes to society. In collaboration with partner organizations and subject matter experts, CIC’s 33-person staff, based in Washington, DC, develops and manages a dynamic set of convenings, externally funded projects and programs, research, advocacy and other initiatives to serve and support members in all three mission areas. 

As higher education institutions grapple with a challenging economic, social, and political environment, CIC is charting a bold path forward, serving as a trusted advisor, convener, and leader for our members and investing in the tools and resources needed to see independent colleges and universities thrive in the years ahead. The Vice President for Member Engagement will play a central role in implementing the vision of CIC President Marjorie Hass and in developing and delivering programs designed to strengthen and advance the distinctive educational missions of CIC’s member institutions. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Vice President for Member Engagement (VPME) serves as a member of the president's senior leadership team, oversees presidential programs, and is the principal planner of annual programs central to CIC’s mission to advance educational excellence and academic leadership: the Presidents Institute, Presidential Spouses and Partners Program, Presidential Renewal program, and the newly launched On Campus Book series.  

The VPME also oversees CIC's recruitment and retention strategy, internal data and internal data collection and analysis protocols, and external data-informed member services (Insights Tool), develops program and initiatives budgets, serves as liaison to CIC Board of Directors committees, and supports developing information and marketing materials in close collaboration with communications team members. 

Key team members include the Senior Director of Research and Membership Strategy who reports directly to the VPME, the Membership Services and Tuition Exchange Program Manager, as well as staff members who provide project and executive support along with other organizational responsibilities. The position calls for close collaboration with staff colleagues and external program developers and subject matter experts, including an annually appointed president-in-residence to support the development of timely programming. As a senior leader, the VPME carries out a range of strategic and administrative organizational responsibilities and represents CIC in meetings of national and international organizations concerned with higher education. The position reports to the President and is located in Washington, DC.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

Candidates should be deeply knowledgeable about the full spectrum of current issues important to leaders of independent colleges and universities and should be demonstrably committed to advancing and promoting the distinctive characteristics, values, and contributions of member institutions. The ability to nurture relationships with member presidents is essential. Previous experience visioning, planning, and implementing hallmark events is highly desirable. The ability to effectively present the case for CIC’s mission to a national and international audience is important, as are the abilities to build and sustain networks of peers and meeting the needs of a diverse membership. Demonstrated success in advancing the ideals of fairness, access, and the democratic purpose of independent higher education is expected. Evidence of effective innovation, and impactful contributions to collaborative, cross-institutional initiatives all strengthen an application. The ideal candidate will have held increasingly responsible leadership positions at CIC member colleges and universities and/or national higher education associations. A terminal degree in a discipline commonly taught at CIC member institutions is expected.  

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

All CIC staff members are expected to excel at written and oral communication; demonstrate a proactive, positive, and member-focused disposition; handle competing priorities independently and effectively; organize and manage a wide range of activities with excellent control of detail; exercise creativity and initiative in developing ideas and solving problems; be familiar with office applications, virtual content delivery platforms, and other commonly-used applications and tools; and be inclined to thrive in a diverse, fast-paced, highly collaborative work environment.  

This position requires overnight, weekend, and out-of-area travel several times a year. Performing the responsibilities of this position requires the ability to communicate, exchange information and express oneself with members and colleagues and as a presenter at conferences; working in a stationary position for extended periods of time; and being able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds; operating standard office equipment such as keyboards and printers; and moving throughout an office or conference space.  

WORKING AT CIC 

CIC’s work culture is positive, friendly, and always focused on serving our members. We have an eclectic and diverse team that enjoys interacting and takes pride in quality work. 

Full-time CIC staff are based in the Washington, DC, office, and currently have the option to work remotely on Thursdays and Fridays, including away from their DC residence. Work hours are flexible around designated “core hours” (10 am to 4 pm).  

The expected salary range for this position is between $200,000 and $240,000. 

CIC offers competitive compensation and benefits that include significant health, vision, and dental insurance premium contributions. CIC offers a retirement plan with a generous employer contribution match; life insurance; and short- and long-term disability insurance. Employees are eligible to participate in CIC’s Tuition Exchange Program. CIC recognizes 11 paid holidays per year and provides 20 days of annual leave. 

CIC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law in any term or condition of employment. CIC provides reasonable accommodation to allow employees with disabilities to perform their essential job functions unless doing so would result in undue hardship or a direct threat. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY  The position is available immediately and will remain open until the successful candidate is appointed.   To apply, email a detailed letter of interest, a CV, and a list of at least three references to CICJobs@cic.edu with the subject line “VP for Member Engagement.” The priority deadline for best consideration is September 25, 2026.  References will not be contacted until late in the process. We are committed to confidentiality during the application and hiring process.