President

Keene State College; Keene (NH); On-site; USD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Keene State College seeks a transformative president to lead a public liberal arts college in Keene, NH. The president will implement the ongoing transformation, support the three-school structure, and expand programs that advance student success and regional service.

The next president will build an engaged leadership team, foster transparency and collaboration across campus and with the City of Keene and Monadnock region, and represent the college with integrity and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief executive officer and administrative head of Keene State College.
• Report to the Chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire and advise the USNH Board of Trustees.
• Lead leadership and cabinet structure, advancing student success and public service.

Job description

President

The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Board of Trustees and the Keene State College community invite nominations and applications for the 12th President of Keene State College. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a public institution with a proud history, a resilient community, and a deep commitment to student success and public service.

This presidency offers the opportunity to lead the next chapter of a transformation already underway. Building on the direction established in November 2025, the next president will bring the promise of a three‐school structure to life, build on distinctive program strengths such as safety and construction sciences, and deepen the College’s role as a partner in the region’s future.

Keene State College (The College) is unique among premier liberal arts institutions with its mix of applied programs integrated with its strong arts and sciences and humanities curriculum. The College is ready for its next chapter and what is needed now is a leader who can build on this foundation by developing and communicating a compelling vision for the College’s future, and navigating the challenges ahead with resilience, integrity, and optimism.

The President of Keene State College is the chief executive officer and administrative head of the College, reporting to the Chancellor of the USNH and serving as a member of the USNH Board of Trustees. The president will assess and shape a senior leadership team and Cabinet structure to reflect the College’s priorities and future direction. They will inherit experienced and dedicated colleagues across academic affairs, finance and administration, enrollment, student engagement, and advancement, and will have the flexibility to build on that foundation. The president will be a visible and engaged leader on campus and in the region. The president will build relationships across campus, fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and shared purpose, and ultimately hold the institution accountable for continuous improvement and innovation. Externally, the president will serve as an active and committed member of the City of Keene and the broader Monadnock region.

Keene State College is a residential campus located in Keene, the heart of the Monadnock region in southwestern New Hampshire. Part of the USNH, the College carries its own mission, identity, and accreditation, and has served the state since 1909. The College is one of three institutions within USNH, alongside the University of New Hampshire and Plymouth State University. Together, the institutions serve more than 21,000 students and award more than half of the bachelor's degrees earned in New Hampshire. The College combines a foundational commitment to the liberal arts with a strong emphasis on career readiness. Academic programs include education, nursing, the sciences, business, and the arts and humanities. The College also offers a popular and distinctive set of applied professional programs, including construction safety sciences, optics, and human performance and movement science.

A complete leadership profile with additional information may be found here: https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/president-keene-state-college

To assure full consideration, applications should be received by December 18, 2026. Applicants are requested to submit the following materials:

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.