Executive Search Consultant | Higher Education

Job Description



We are seeking an experienced Executive Search Consultant with a strong background in the higher education industry to join our growing Executive Search practice. This role specializes in identifying, engaging, and recruiting senior leaders and executive-level talent for colleges, universities, and academic institutions nationwide.

The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of higher education organizational structures, an understanding of academic leadership roles, and a proven ability to foster trusted partnerships with institutional stakeholders.

Essential Functions And Primary Duties

Executive Search Leadership

• Lead full-cycle executive search engagements for universities, colleges, and academic systems.
• Partner with institutional leaders (Presidents, Provosts, Deans, Trustees, HR leadership) to understand organizational needs, culture, and strategic priorities.
• Develop comprehensive search strategies aligned with client expectations and industry trends.
  
  

Talent Identification & Recruitment

• Identify, assess, and recruit executive-level candidates for roles such as President, Provost, Dean, CFO, COO, Vice President, and other senior administrative leaders.
• Conduct in-depth candidate interviews, competency assessments, and profile evaluations.
• Build and maintain diverse candidate pipelines within the higher education talent ecosystem.
  
  

Client Advisory & Relationship Management

• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to higher education clients throughout all phases of the search process.
• Provide market insights, salary benchmarks, succession planning recommendations, and talent trends specific to academia.
• Facilitate client meetings, stakeholder interviews, and candidate presentations.
  
  

Search Project Management

• Drive end-to-end search project execution, including timelines, deliverables, documentation, and communication.
• Coordinate candidate scheduling, interview logistics, reference checks, and background verifications.
• Create high-quality search deliverables such as position profiles, candidate reports, and search summaries.
  
  

Industry Expertise & Thought Leadership

• Stay current on higher education trends, governance structures, accreditation requirements, and leadership competencies.
• Represent the firm at higher education conferences, networking events, and industry associations.
• Contribute to thought leadership through articles, presentations, or research on academic leadership and executive search best practices.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in executive search, talent acquistion, or leadership recruitment for colleges and universities.
• Deep understanding of university/college leadership roles, academic structures, and shared governance models.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior academic leaders and executive candidates.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex search engagements simultaneously.
• Exceptional project management skills and attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree highly preferred; Master’s degree in Higher Education, HR, Business, or related field preferred.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and situational judgment
• Client relationship management
• Executive presence and professional credibility
• Research and talent mapping
• Interviewing and candidate assessment
• Confidentiality and ethical integrity
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to directly influence leadership outcomes across higher education institutions.
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Work with a team recognized for excellence in academic and nonprofit executive search.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Some relevant industry experience
• Must obtain required licenses/credentials
• Superior command of verbal, written, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Proficient use of applicable technology
• Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of the organization, both internally and externally
• Must be able to travel based on client and business needs
  
  

About Us

CBIZ Inc. is a leading professional services advisor to middle market businesses and organizations nationwide. With unmatched industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers forward-thinking insights and actionable solutions to help clients anticipate what's next and discover new ways to accelerate growth. CBIZ has more than 10,000 team members across more than 160 locations in 22 major markets coast to coast.

CBIZ strives to be our team members' employer of choice by creating an environment where team members are appreciated, recognized for their contributions, and provided with opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally, throughout their careers.

Together, CBIZ and CBIZ CPAs are ranked as one of the top providers of accounting services in the United States. CBIZ CPAs is an independent CPA firm that provides audit, review and attest services, while CBIZ provides business consulting, tax and financial services. In certain jurisdictions, CBIZ CPAs operates under its previous name, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.