President

Parker-University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Parker University in Dallas, Texas seeks a visionary President to lead the institution and advance its mission, growth, and student success. The President serves as CEO, reporting to the Board of Trustees, guiding strategic planning, fundraising, accreditation, and external relations.

Ideal candidates bring an earned doctorate, 10+ years of senior leadership in higher education, and a track record of building collaborative governance, financial stewardship, and transformative change.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Chiropractic or equivalent earned doctorate required.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience.
• Experience working effectively with governing boards and external stakeholders preferred.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial management, and fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the University's strategic vision in partnership with the Board of Trustees.
• Provide visionary leadership to drive growth, organizational effectiveness, and student success.
• Oversee governance, policy development, and board reporting to support informed decisions.
• Ensure financial sustainability, budgeting, risk management, and operational excellence.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Financial acumen

Public speaking

Change management

Stakeholder mgmt

Board governance

Fundraising

Travel readiness

Education

Doctor of Chiropractic or other earned doctorate

Job description

PRESIDENTParker University | Dallas, TexasAre you interested in leading an institution that makes a difference and creates a lasting legacy? Parker University, a rapidly growing university in Dallas and Texas, is seeking an accomplished and visionary President to join our leadership team. We are seeking an exceptional leader who is committed to advancing Parker University's mission, fostering innovation, and making a meaningful impact on students, employees, the profession, and the broader community.The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Parker University, providing visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to advance the University's mission, values, growth, and long-term success. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President works collaboratively with the Board, Cabinet, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to advance academic excellence and student success, enrollment growth, financial sustainability, organizational effectiveness, fundraising, and community partnerships. The President serves as the University's primary representative and ambassador and is responsible for fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, accountability, collaboration, and student success.WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Strategic LeadershipDevelop and implement the University's strategic vision, priorities, and initiatives in partnership with the Board of Trustees.Provide visionary leadership to support institutional growth, organizational effectiveness, and long-term success.Monitor emerging trends and opportunities in higher education and position the University to respond proactively to challenges and opportunities.Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.Governance and Board RelationsServe as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees.Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities through strategic planning, policy development, and informed decision-making.Provide timely communication and reporting to the Board regarding institutional performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic priorities.Work collaboratively with Board committees to advance institutional priorities.Financial and Operational StewardshipEnsure the fiscal health, financial sustainability, and long-term viability of the University.Oversee annual budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and risk management.Promote operational excellence and effective stewardship of University resources and assets.Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and Board policies.Academic and Student Success LeadershipChampion academic quality, student achievement, retention, graduation, and overall student success.Support the development and implementation of innovative academic programs and student-centered initiatives.Foster an environment that promotes student engagement, wellness, and success.Partner with academic leadership to maintain accreditation and educational excellence.Advancement and External RelationsServe as the chief ambassador and spokesperson for Parker University.Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni, community leaders, industry partners, governmental agencies, and other external stakeholders.Lead fundraising, philanthropic, and advancement initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.Enhance the University's visibility, reputation, partnerships, and community impact.Leadership and Organizational DevelopmentRecruit, develop, engage, and retain a high-performing executive leadership team.Promote a culture of engagement, collaboration, accountability, and effective communication.Lead succession planning and talent development for key leadership positions.Ensure organizational alignment and effective communication across the University.Culture and MissionPromote and uphold the University's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.Foster an inclusive, respectful, collaborative, and service-oriented culture.Demonstrate ethical leadership, integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.Ensure decisions reflect the best interests of students, employees, the profession, and Parker University.Key Performance AreasStrategic Plan ExecutionEnrollment Growth and Student SuccessFinancial SustainabilityFundraising and AdvancementBoard Relations and GovernanceEmployee Engagement and Organizational CultureAcademic Quality and AccreditationCommunity and Industry PartnershipsRisk Management and ComplianceWHAT YOU WILL NEED:EDUCATION/EXPERTISE:Doctor of Chiropractic or other appropriate earned doctorate.Ten or more years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience.Executive leadership experience within higher education preferred.Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial management, organizational leadership, and fundraising.Experience working effectively with governing boards and external stakeholders.Legislative experience at the state and national levels preferred.Understanding of Texas statutes and rules pertaining to the chiropractic profession preferred.JOB REQUIREMENT/SKILL/ETC.:Exceptional strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.Strong financial and business acumen.Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills.Demonstrated ability to lead through change, growth, and organizational transformation.Ability to build consensus and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.High level of integrity, discretion, accountability, and sound judgment.Commitment to shared governance, institutional excellence, student success, and mission fulfillment.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Sufficient stamina to perform the duties of the position and maintain a consistent, active presence within the University.Ability to travel locally, nationally, and occasionally internationally, including overnight travel.Ability to attend meetings, events, and University functions, including evenings and weekends as needed.Ability to move throughout campus and external event locations.Ability to maintain a visible and active presence within the University and broader community.WHY PARKER?Founded in 1982 by Dr. James William Parker, Parker University has more than 1,800 students and 34 academic programs. Parker University proudly offers its famed Doctor of Chiropractic degree and Business and Technology and Health Sciences programs.Parker University has been recognized as a Great College to Work For and one of the 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges in the U.S.Parker University offers competitive salaries, generous benefits, and the opportunity to engage with our unique campus community.