Director

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is seeking a dynamic and diplomatic leader to serve as its next director. SCHEV is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s coordinating body for higher education, making policy recommendations, administering educational programs, and serving as a catalyst to promote access, quality, affordability, and accountability. SCHEV also acts as a bridge between the Commonwealth’s policymakers, the Governor’s office, higher education administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure educational excellence throughout the system.

The next leader of SCHEV must be a change agent who is able to develop a vision and strategy to ensure Virginia’s higher education institutions are positioned to thrive and to better meet the changing needs of our citizens.  They must be a compelling and thoughtful communicator who is able to build urgency and a skilled leader who can implement the strategy in partnership with the broad group of stakeholders who are critical to the success of the Commonwealth’s higher education efforts.  The Director must be motivated by building, maintaining, and leading a strong coalition to support a higher education environment that is accessible, affordable, and transformative for all Virginians. They will be passionate about education and elevating Virginia’s higher education system through impactful policy and financial stewardship. 

The SCHEV Director oversees a seventy-person staff in the Richmond office.  They will report to the Council which is made of thirteen individuals appointed by the Governor’s office. The Director is tasked with ensuring that SCHEV accomplishes its major responsibilities which include developing a statewide strategic plan, providing policy and financial guidance, approving changes to institutional missions and curricula, and administering state aid to students.  The next director will bring these elements together and fulfill their duty to serve the interests of the Council in partnering to make Virginia the preeminent state in the nation for postsecondary education and training and to prepare every Virginian for success in life. The Director will have the opportunity to make statewide impact in the development of a transformational strategic plan that will outline SCHEV’s commitment to educate communities on their higher education opportunities and to build awareness and increase college-going throughout the Commonwealth. SCHEV also works to increase access through effective remote programs, affordable tuition and fees coupled with appropriate aid, and support for student success broadly. 

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION

This role is based in Richmond, VA.  Salary Range (based on current 2023 budget): $200k-$285k/year, with potential for incremental 5% bonus paid annually, at the discretion of the Council, based on successful achievement of goals. Salary adjustments and ranges are determined by the General Assembly.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted electronically below, as well as at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Karen Avery (she/her) and Keight Tucker Kennedy (she/her) are leading this search with Melissa DePretto Behan (she/her) and Isabelle Atkinson (she/her).

SCHEV is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.   Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Veterans, people with disabilities, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.