Executive Director

Fahrenheit Advisors is pleased to lead the search process for the next Executive Director or the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, a state agency located in South Boston, VA. This is an incredible opportunity for a strategic leader with a passion for student success and access to opportunity to take a well-established organization into the next phase. This role will make a huge impact in a rural community and you will work with a talented and committed team of professionals towards that mission.

The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) in South Boston, VA is a dynamic multi-institutional campus designed to foster higher education, workforce training, and economic development opportunities in southern Virginia. By partnering with private and public school systems, local universities, community colleges, and industry leaders, SVHEC delivers hands-on, cutting-edge training in IT, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and more. SVHEC serves as a bridge between education and workforce development, addressing the needs of both students and employers, with a focus on driving the region’s economic vitality.

The Executive Director (ED) of SVHEC serves as the chief executive and visionary leader responsible for implementing the organization’s strategic plan, fostering collaborative community partnerships, and ensuring organizational sustainability. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the ED will manage all operational, financial, and strategic facets of the institution. The ED must possess the leadership, vision, and adaptability needed to drive growth while maintaining a positive, inclusive culture that supports the mission of SVHEC. Positions reporting to the ED are: Chief Finance & Operations Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Workforce Training Officer, Director of Communications, Outreach & Employee Relations, and Executive Assistant & Board Clerk.

Core Responsibilities:

Leadership Style & Decision-Making:

• Inclusive & Collaborative Leadership: Involve the Leadership Team (LT) and staff in brainstorming and problem-solving processes, fostering an environment of open communication and input at all levels.
• Internal Communication: Build strong internal communication and accessibility to leadership. Ensure a non-partisan approach to decision-making and reinforce SVHEC’s open-door policy.
• Succession Planning: Prioritize long-term planning, addressing the concerns of an aging leadership team and ensuring smooth succession aligned with state regulations.
• Soft Skills: Emphasize approachability, transparency, and the ability to listen and motivate staff, promoting a positive, inclusive organizational culture.

Industry & Community Relations:

• Industry Experience: Leverage private industry experience to align SVHEC’s programs with workforce needs and to connect effectively with local business leaders.
• Rural Background & Community Adaptation: Have experience in or be adaptable to working in a rural environment, understanding
  the unique challenges of the region’s workforce.

• Partnerships & Outreach: Strengthen regional partnerships and engage collaboratively with political figures, industry leaders, and the broader community to create new opportunities for growth.

Organizational Goals & Strategy:

• Program Evaluation: Regularly evaluate existing programs for relevance, making necessary adaptations to meet evolving community and workforce needs.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrate strong budget management focusing on revenue diversification, grant acquisition, and innovative funding solutions to ensure SVHEC’s long-term financial health.
• Community Leadership: Serve as an active and engaged leader within the community, sitting on various boards and contributing to local and regional strategic planning efforts.

Management and Administration:

• Operational Oversight: Oversee all SVHEC operations, ensuring that day-to-day activities are managed efficiently and effectively.
• Program Quality: Assure program quality and organizational stability through the development and implementation of systems, standards, and controls.
• Staff Development: Create a work environment that attracts, retains, and supports high-quality staff by fostering staff development and regularly evaluating performance.
• Financial Strategies: Recommend staffing and financial strategies to the Board, and manage professional contracts and salary structures.

Financing and Fundraising:

• Cost-Effective Programs: Promote cost-effective, high-quality programs that align with SVHEC’s mission.
• Fiscal Activities: Oversee SVHEC’s fiscal activities, including budgeting, reporting, and auditing

Community Relations:

• Marketing and Communications: Integrate SVHEC into the community through effective marketing and communications strategies.
• Spokesperson: Serve as the chief spokesperson for SVHEC, representing the organization to donors, industry partners, and the public.
• Collaborative Relationships: Initiate and maintain collaborative relationships with local, state, and regional stakeholders, fostering partnerships that drive workforce and educational development.
• Policy Promotion: Work closely with legislators, regulatory agencies, and community leaders to promote policies that support educational access and innovation.

Governance:

• Board Support: Support the Board in fulfilling its governance role by facilitating strategic discussions, policy development, and oversight functions.
• Due Diligence: Manage the Board’s due diligence processes, ensuring timely attention to critical issues.
• Board Participation: Encourage Board members’ active participation in fundraising, governance, and community outreach.

Legal Compliance:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all legal and regulatory documents are filed and that SVHEC complies with relevant laws and regulations.

Key Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree is preferred, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership position, preferably in higher education, workforce development, government administration, economic development or industry. A blend of several of these backgrounds is extremely ideal.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, budgeting, grant acquisition, and financial management.
• A proven track record in fostering partnerships with government, industry, and educational institutions.
• A background in private industry, higher education, or public administration, with experience managing both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience working in or familiarity with rural communities is an asset.
• Ideal candidate will reside within Halifax County, VA and relocation assistance will be provided.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions: This is a high-stress position that requires balancing multiple responsibilities simultaneously and making rapid decisions. The Executive Director will handle complex tasks, manage relationships with various stakeholders, and work irregular hours to meet organizational demands. Flexibility and resilience are crucial for success in this role.

Estimated Search Process Timeline:

• November 1, 2024 - January 2025  Recruitment process begins, Interviews will be conducted by Fahrenheit Advisors
• January - February 2025 Virtual interviews and In-Person interviews conducted by search committee
• March 25, 2025  Target Start Date for Executive Director