Job Description

President & Chief Executive Officer

South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU)

Columbia, South Carolina

South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) seeks an accomplished, visionary leader to serve as its next President & Chief Executive Officer.

Representing 20 independent colleges and universities across South Carolina, SCICU advocates for student access, educational choice, institutional excellence, and public policies that strengthen independent higher education.

The President & CEO serves as the chief advocate, strategist, spokesperson, fundraiser, and organizational leader for SCICU. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President works closely with college and university presidents, legislators, state leaders, donors, business partners, and other stakeholders to advance the interests of South Carolina's independent higher education sector.

Key Responsibilities

Legislative Advocacy & Public Policy

• Lead SCICU's legislative and public policy agenda.
• Advocate for state financial aid programs that support student access and affordability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state and federal policymakers.
• Monitor and respond to legislative, regulatory, and budget developments affecting member institutions.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and communicate a compelling vision for SCICU.
• Advance initiatives that strengthen member institutions and enhance the visibility of independent higher education.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and support for member campuses.

Member Relations

• Maintain strong relationships with the presidents of SCICU's 20 member institutions.
• Build consensus among institutions with diverse missions and backgrounds.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and resource on policy, advocacy, and strategic issues.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Lead fundraising efforts and cultivate relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Strengthen partnerships that support scholarships, grants, and other SCICU initiatives.
• Serve as the public voice for independent higher education in South Carolina.

Organizational Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing staff team.
• Ensure sound financial management, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees to establish priorities and measure success.

Desired Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in higher education, public policy, government relations, nonprofit leadership, association management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success working with elected officials, policymakers, boards, and senior leaders.
• Strong understanding of higher education policy, student financial aid, and institutional advocacy.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and consensus-building skills.
• Fundraising and donor relations experience preferred.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Why This Opportunity?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of independent higher education in South Carolina. The successful candidate will champion student choice, strengthen access to higher education, advocate for critical student aid programs, and serve as the leading voice for South Carolina's independent colleges and universities.

To Apply

Confidential nominations, inquiries, and application materials should be submitted electronically to:

***email_hidden***

Application materials should include:

• Cover letter
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Contact information for five professional references

References will not be contacted without the candidate's permission.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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