President

Independence Community College • Independence, KS

8d • $120,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Board of Trustees of Independence Community College (ICC) invites nominations and applications for the position of President. The College seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and visionary leader who will embrace the community-centered mission of ICC and inspire innovation, transparency, and excellence across all facets of the institution. Located in the heart of Southeast Kansas, Independence Community College is a proud, rural-serving institution dedicated to transforming lives through education, workforce development, and community engagement. ICC combines academic rigor with personal support—serving as both a pathway to opportunity and a hub of civic, cultural, and economic vitality for the region. Founded in 1925, ICC serves students through a vibrant mix of academic transfer programs, career and technical education, and continuing education opportunities. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and operates under the Standard Pathway, reaffirmed in 2021. ICC offers a wide range of programs in arts and sciences, business, healthcare, and technical education, including stackable credentials and associate degrees designed to prepare students for transfer or direct entry into the workforce. Through partnerships with area high schools, universities, and employers, ICC continues to expand access to higher education and promote lifelong learning across its service area. With a student-first culture and strong community roots, ICC’s faculty and staff take pride in knowing students by name and in helping them succeed—academically, professionally, and personally. The next President of Independence Community College will provide visionary and servant leadership, guiding the institution through its next era of growth and transformation. The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the College and reports directly to the Board of Trustees. The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking and student-centered leader who can: Inspire collaboration and shared governance across all levels of the College. Strengthen enrollment, retention, and completion through innovation and partnership. Lead strategic planning, budgeting, and operational effectiveness with transparency and accountability. Foster workforce development partnerships that align programs with regional and state economic priorities. Advance inclusive excellence and a campus culture of belonging. Champion the value of public higher education and actively represent ICC in community, regional, and state forums.

Requirements

• An earned Master’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution; Doctorate preferred.
• Proven record of executive leadership, preferably within a community college or public higher education environment.
• Demonstrated success in enrollment management, strategic planning, financial leadership, and operational oversight.
• Strong knowledge of local governance and coordinated institutions processes and regulatory compliance.
• Evidence of collaborative leadership, transparency, and a deep commitment to servant leadership and student success.

Responsibilities

• Champion initiatives that promote equitable access, student persistence, and academic achievement.
• Strengthening recruitment pipelines with high schools, enhancing concurrent and dual-credit partnerships, and deepening engagement with local employers will be central to this work.
• Guide multi-year budgeting, oversee facilities and technology improvements, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and manage vendor contracts with efficiency and integrity.
• Actively engage with civic, business, and educational leaders throughout Southeast Kansas.
• Represent ICC in workforce initiatives, community development efforts, and regional collaborations—ensuring ICC remains a trusted partner and catalyst for progress.
• Strengthen relationships with the Kansas Board of Regents, four-year universities, and local K–12 districts.
• Support innovative academic programs, uphold accreditation standards, and advance a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure these programs align with academic goals, compliance requirements, and the College’s broader mission of student development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive