Vice President, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Affairs

Summary

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), a non-profit membership organization of public research universities, is seeking a Vice President, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Affairs, to lead the association’s agenda to advance the interests of 1890 land-grant universities and other APLU member HBCUs. The Vice President will collaborate with the President of APLU to advance the work of the Council of 1890 Universities. Strong candidates will have a deep understanding of, and commitment to, advancing the missions and goals of 1890 land-grants and other APLU member HBCUs and will have served in a senior position working in support of HBCUs. This full-time position is based in Washington, DC. They must reside in DC, Maryland, or Virginia, be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, and pass standard background checks. For more information, consult www.aplu.org.

Background

APLU is a membership organization that fosters a community of university leaders collectively working to advance the mission of public research universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.  The association’s membership consists of more than 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations focused on: increasing access, equity, completion, and workforce readiness; promoting pathbreaking scientific research; and bolstering economic and community engagement. Drawing on the powerful collective action of its members, the association’s advocacy arm helps shape federal policy that maximizes the positive impact of public and land-grant universities. APLU’s members span across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, four U.S. territories, Canada, and Mexico. Annually, member campuses enroll 5.4 million undergraduates and 1.4 million graduate students, award 1.5 million degrees, employ 1.3 million faculty and staff, and conduct $51 billion in university-based research.            

APLU’s Council of 1890 Universities is composed of the presidents/chancellors of the nineteen 1890 land-grant institutions in the United States. The Council provides a forum for discussion; advances the public’s understanding and appreciation of the value of 1890 land-grant universities; develops positions and priority areas for congressional and executive branch advocacy; and collaborates with the 1890 Universities Foundation and other associations focused on the 1890 land-grant institutions to further their goals in these areas.

Responsibilities

• Elevate the profile and raise awareness of the important contributions made by 1890 land-grant universities and other APLU member HBCUs by developing and disseminating reports and briefs, organizing convenings, etc.  
• Collaborate with the APLU President to advance the work and mission of the Council of 1890 Universities.
• Lead and coordinate the development of joint programs and initiatives between the Council of 1890 Universities and other APLU councils and commissions.
• Coordinate with APLU’s President, Office of Governmental Affairs, and the Office of Public Affairs, as well as the 1890 Universities Foundation, on the development of positions, policies, and communications to advance the work and federal funding of 1890 land-grants and other APLU member HBCUs.
• Work with APLU leadership to strengthen 1890 and other APLU member HBCUs through the work of APLU’s councils and commissions.
• Lead and coordinate APLU efforts to develop partnerships between and across 1890 Universities, APLU member HBCUs, and other sectors of the higher education community.
• Provide overall leadership to the Office of HBCU Affairs, ensuring the office meets internal and external goals and objectives, and work closely with other offices and vice presidents.
• Promote a diverse, inclusive, effective, and positive team environment within the office, supervising staff, and providing coaching, support, training, and development opportunities as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• At least five years of experience in one or more senior administrative positions working at, or in support of, 1890 land-grants, HBCU members, or other APLU land-grants/members.
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing funded partnerships between public HBCUs and/or between public HBCUs and other public universities.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing the missions and goals of public HBCUs, including experience with issues related to public HBCUs (including 1890 land-grants) such as college access, academic achievement, research, engagement, and/or educational policy.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build successful and effective relationships between diverse teams, organizations, and educational institutions; demonstrated ability to construct and/or maintain partnerships and coalitions with other organizations that have shared interests and goals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and excellent facilitation skills.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills, with successful experience in building and maintaining positive, supportive, diverse, and inclusive work environments.
• Excellent analytical skills. Ability to understand and utilize data (both quantitative and qualitative) to accurately diagnose and report on key issues and develop strategies and plans. 
• Ability to create and responsibly manage budgets.
• Ability to travel as needed.

To Apply

Please send a letter of interest and resume to APLU’s Human Resources Department at resume@aplu.org with the subject line: VP, HBCU Affairs. Applications will be reviewed as received, with preference given to those received by June 9, 2023. APLU provides a generous benefits package. 

APLU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, employing, training, compensating, and promoting staff regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.