Managing Director

Korn Ferry Executive Search; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry Executive Search seeks a Managing Director to serve as a key leader within a global university system. The role advances growth, influence, and impact by leading strategic partnerships, external engagement, and organizational strategy to position the institute as a premier hub for talent and innovation.

The Managing Director will act as a visible ambassador, collaborating with academic and administrative leaders across the global network and cultivating relationships with business

Qualifications

• Proven track record of building strategic partnerships.
• Experience engaging with senior academic, industry, and policy leaders.
• Strong strategic vision and ability to lead through complexity.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic partnerships and external engagement at global scale.
• Develop and implement organizational strategy to grow institute.
• Act as ambassador for the institute to diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders across the network.

Skills

Strategic partnerships

External engagement

Organizational strategy

Relationship-building

Leadership

Business acumen

Stakeholder management

Job description

The client is seeking a Managing Director to serve as a key leader within The client’s global university system, responsible for advancing the institute’s growth, influence, and impact. The role operates at the intersection of higher education, innovation, and economic development, and will lead strategic partnerships, external engagement, and organizational strategy to help position the institute as a globally recognized hub for talent and innovation.

The Managing Director will provide senior administrative leadership and serve as a visible ambassador for both the institute and The client. The role includes collaborating with academic and administrative leaders across The client’s global network, as well as cultivating relationships with business leaders, policymakers, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders. The position is expected to expand global influence, strengthen market position, and create new opportunities for growth and partnership, supporting the institute’s mission to generate meaningful economic and societal change.

The ideal candidate is a highly credible, entrepreneurial leader with demonstrated ability to build partnerships, lead through complexity, and create meaningful impact. Strong strategic vision, business acumen, and exceptional relationship-building skills are expected, along with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a dynamic environment.