President

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Paterson (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Passaic County Community College (PCCC) in Paterson, New Jersey, seeks a President to serve as the chief executive officer, driving a student-centered agenda and transformative growth. The President will steward resources, advocate for academic excellence, and strengthen regional partnerships to advance workforce development and economic opportunity.

The successful candidate will lead strategic initiatives across enrollment, programs, and community partnerships, while upholding governance,

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of five (5) years of significant senior-level cabinet administrative experience in higher education, preferably within a community college environment.
• Experience with fundraising, collective bargaining, and working with unions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the College as chief executive officer, guiding vision, strategy and operations.
• Advocate for student success, academic excellence, and workforce development.
• Strengthen financial sustainability and oversight, partnerships, and community engagement.
• Foster shared governance, transparency, and inclusive leadership across the campus and with the Board.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Community college experience

Education

Doctorate degree

Job description

President

Passaic County Community College (PCCC)

Paterson, New Jersey

Lead the Future of a Transformative Community College

The Board of Trustees of Passaic County Community College (PCCC) invites applications and nominations for the position of President. The College seeks an inspirational, strategic, and student-centered leader who will build upon PCCC’s strong foundation and guide the institution through its next chapter of innovation, growth, and community impact.

The President serves as the chief executive officer of the College and is responsible for providing visionary leadership, advancing student success, ensuring fiscal sustainability, strengthening community partnerships, and fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared governance.

About the Opportunity

Passaic County Community College serves one of the most diverse communities in New Jersey and plays a vital role in expanding access to higher education, workforce development, and economic opportunity. The successful candidate will lead the College in addressing key institutional priorities while enhancing its reputation as a premier community college committed to academic excellence and student achievement.

Key Leadership Priorities

Student Success, Enrollment, and Academic Excellence

• Develop and implement comprehensive enrollment management strategies to improve enrollment, retention, completion, and student engagement.
• Expand academic programs, workforce training, certificates, apprenticeships, and transfer pathways aligned with regional and emerging workforce needs.
• Promote innovation in teaching and learning, including the responsible integration of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Financial Sustainability and Operational Excellence

• Ensure responsible stewardship of institutional resources while maintaining long-term financial stability.
• Identify and secure new revenue streams through grants, partnerships, fundraising, and external funding opportunities.
• Strengthen institutional effectiveness through improved communication, accountability, decision-making, and operational efficiency.

Institutional Visibility and Community Engagement

• Serve as the College’s primary ambassador throughout Passaic County, New Jersey, and beyond.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government leaders, community organizations, employers, and educational partners.
• Enhance awareness of PCCC’s student outcomes, affordability, and educational opportunities through strategic marketing and outreach.

Workforce Development and Strategic Partnerships

• Position PCCC as a regional leader in workforce development and economic advancement.
• Expand partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, K-12 school districts, and four-year institutions.
• Create pathways that increase employment opportunities, transfer success, and community impact.

Shared Governance and Campus Culture

• Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, transparency, and shared governance.
• Support employee engagement, professional development, recruitment, retention, and recognition.
• Preserve the College’s longstanding commitment to accessibility, affordability, and student-centered service while advancing future opportunities

Desired Leadership Characteristics

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Visionary and strategic leadership with the ability to articulate and execute a compelling future direction for the College.
• Deep commitment to the community college mission, including access, affordability, equity, workforce development, and student success.
• A student-centered approach that recognizes and addresses barriers to educational achievement.
• Strong financial, operational, and organizational leadership experience.
• Proven success in enrollment management and improving student outcomes.
• Expertise in workforce development, partnership building, and community engagement.
• Demonstrated success securing grants, fundraising, and cultivating external resources.
• Political acumen and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience working collaboratively with governing boards and understanding appropriate governance roles.
• A commitment to employee development, engagement, and organizational excellence.
• A collaborative leadership style that values inclusion, consensus-building, and shared decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of five (5) years of significant senior-level cabinet administrative experience in higher education, preferably within a community college environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching experience, preferably at a community college.
• Experience working with collective bargaining agreements and unionized environments.
• Demonstrated fundraising experience and success in resource development.

Application Process

This is a confidential search process. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than September 8, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Candidates will need to have the following information or materials available to complete the application:

1. A letter of application (not to exceed five pages) that succinctly addresses the opportunities and challenges identified in the Position Profile and demonstrates how the candidate’s experience and professional qualifications prepare them to serve as the President of Passaic County Community College.
2. A current resume including an email address and cellular telephone number.
3. A list of eight references: example, two to three supervisors, two to three direct reports, and two to three faculty and/or staff members from current and for