ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNING BOARDS (AGB)
Vice President for Public Policy and
Executive Director, AGB Center for Trusteeship and Governance
Washington, D.C.
The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) has begun the search
for the Vice President for Public Policy and Executive Director, AGB Center for Trusteeship and
Governance and invites nominations and applications from persons who will provide exceptional
and distinguished leadership. AGB is the only national association that serves the interests and
needs of academic governing boards, boards of institutionally related foundations, and campus
CEOs and other senior-level campus administrators on issues related to higher education
governance and leadership. Its mission is to strengthen, protect, and advocate on behalf of
citizen trusteeship that supports and advances higher education. It is expected that the newly
appointed VP will begin duties as soon as available, but, ideally, not later than September 1,
2015.
ABOUT AGB:
AGB serves nearly 40,000 individuals, including:
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trustees and regents
public and independent college and university presidents and chancellors; public college and
university foundation CEOs
board professional staff members
senior-level administrators (vice presidents for finance, advancement, student services,
academic affairs, and enrollment management; institutional research professionals; and chief
legal counsels)
AGB has over 1,300 member boards that serve nearly 2000 member institutions--colleges and
universities of all types (independent, public, and for-profit, four-year and two-year, and general
and specialized) plus public college and university foundation boards. It was founded in 1921
and is located in Washington, D.C.
AGB advances the practice of citizen trusteeship and helps ensure the quality and success of our
nation's colleges and universities. To do so, AGB delivers programs and services that
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strengthen partnerships between presidents and governing boards
define and clarify the responsibilities of governing board members
provide guidance to trustees, board leaders, and campus leaders in their governance-related
roles
encourage a level of professionalism for trusteeship, a voluntary function
monitor and respond to public policy issues that affect higher education and governance
and foster cooperation among all education stakeholders
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Vice President provides entrepreneurial leadership and strategic direction for the AGB
Center for Public Trusteeship and Governance. The mission for AGB’s Center is to strengthen
public college and university governance and trusteeship, enhance the overall relationships
between public higher education and state governments, and assist in developing and executing
AGB’s new federal advocacy agenda. Working with staff and external advisors, the vice
president also ensures implementation of AGB’s strategic plan, especially as it relates to
advocacy with state elected leaders on matters of higher education governance, board structure
and state public agendas. As such, the vice president serves as AGB’s point person with state
government and state higher education leaders, appropriate federal offices and individuals, and
AGB’s public sector membership. In addition, the vice president markets and oversees the
engagement of the Center in statewide governance consulting assignments. The vice president is
a member of AGB’s Leadership Team and reports to its executive vice president.
Duties:
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Supervise all Center professional, administrative staff, and senior fellows.
Assist in the successful achievement of AGB’s strategic plan in three key areas: development
and implementation of a federal advocacy agenda, in conjunction with AGB’s leadership and
board; promotion of best practices for public trusteeship and governance in the 50 states; and
identifying opportunities for promoting effective state policies on reforming governance and
trusteeship.
Clarify and oversee the implementation of a robust action plan for AGB’s work in support of
public institutional-related foundations.
Identify states, university systems, state higher education coordinating agencies, and regional
higher education compacts seeking technical assistance, consulting, and statewide board
education services from AGB that require Center expertise; collaborate with AGB staff and
senior fellows to secure this work.
Collaborate with AGB Consulting to market, organize and oversee consulting engagements
related to state agencies, university systems, and state governments; help conduct consulting
engagements as required and as time allow.
Develop sustainable working relationships with partner organizations (state government and
higher education associations) in the planning and implementation of programs and activities,
and maintain regular contact with their respective staff liaisons to address issues of mutual
concern.
With appropriate AGB staff and partners, ensure robust programming, new and existing, for
public board chairs, presidents, chancellors, and state and university system executives (for
example, Public Leadership Institutes, webinars, public sector workshops).
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Serve as the chief point of contact with AGB’s federal relations advisors; as needed,
contribute to AGB’s public advocacy voice for AGB and the Center with the press and with
partner organizations and other state government and higher education associations.
In collaboration with AGB’s research office, develop and prioritize a Center research and
policy analysis agenda on pertinent federal issues and state governance and trusteeship
issues.
Work closely with staff from Programs and Research to identify, secure, and orient
facilitators, faculty, speakers, and other resource people for AGB’s annual National
Conference on Trusteeship.
Monitor trends affecting public higher education; be available to appear before state
legislatures, special study commissions, and others to deliver written or oral testimony
concerning AGB’s key advocacy issues.
Oversee current grant-funded projects housed in the Center, and identify and develop
potential new grant and sponsorship projects for work related to the Center’s mission.
Oversee the marketing of Center technical assistance and activities to prospective states and
clients.
Oversee the Center budget and ensure that dollars are spent responsibly and accountably.
Staff the Advocacy Committee of AGB’s Board of Directors.
Qualifications:
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Significant experience in public higher education, state government, and with state elected
leaders.
Knowledge of trends affecting public college and university governance and state
governments generally.
Familiarity with public sector governing boards and state higher education structures.
Familiarity with the leaders of public higher education and their affiliated organizations.
Creativity, initiative, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Strong communication skills, both written and oral; at ease with public speaking.
Skill and experience in research and policy analysis.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.
Willingness to travel in carrying out the work of the Center and AGB.
Nominations and Inquiries
The VP for Public Policy and Executive Director, AGB Center for Public Trusteeship and
Governance search committee will begin a review of applications immediately and continue
work until an appointment is made. To assure full consideration, applications should be received
by May 15, 2015 and include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and five professional
references with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted
without prior authorization from the applicant. Applications and nominations should be sent
electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to [email protected].
The search is being assisted by Jo Ann Gora, Ph.D., Senior Consultant at AGB Search,
[email protected], (765) 748-9491 and Anne Hoffman, AGB Search, [email protected],
(805) 658-7249
The Association of Governing Boards (AGB)
is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.