Founded in 2016, the Coalition for College is made up of over 150 institutions of higher education that have a demonstrated commitment to access, affordability, academic outcomes, and student success. In partnership with its member institutions, the Coalition provides students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the tools and resources needed to apply to college. Member institutions have a demonstrated commitment to graduating students with low-to-no debt by offering generous financial aid packages or low-cost in-state tuition. The Coalition's impact is notable once students enroll at member institutions. Graduation rates across Coalition schools are about 17% higher than the national average. For Pell-eligible students, that difference grows to 27%.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coalition for College offers an executive leadership role and an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and transformative organization. The Coalition for College is a diverse group of more than 150 distinguished colleges and universities across the U.S. that work together to inspire more students to see college in their future and provide them with the information and resources to help them achieve that goal. The Coalition is committed to working with students who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in higher education. This is a pivotal time to join the Coalition. In 2022, the organization announced a partnership with Scoir and Technolutions and launched a new, streamlined way for students to apply to college, integrated within the tools many students, counselors and colleges already use.
The CEO will provide a visionary mindset and act as the driving force behind the continued development and mission of the Coalition with an eye toward growth and sustainability. In collaboration with the Board, member schools, and various Coalition committees, the CEO will develop and implement short and long-term operational plans. The CEO will establish partnerships with key stakeholders and vendors, including high schools, school counselors, districts, community-based organizations, corporations, and other nonprofits. Specifically, the CEO will establish annual priorities for engagement with member schools on Coalition initiatives, including but not limited to, inspiring members to partner with the Coalition as part of their institutional access outreach. The CEO is responsible for public media relations and enhancing internal and external communications. Additionally, the CEO will oversee the financial longevity and technical advancements of the Coalition. The CEO will identify and manage complex financial goals, as well as extend the Coalition’s successful fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. The CEO will represent the Coalition publicly to advance awareness and support of the core values of this access-driven organization.
The ideal candidate will be an innovative and strategic individual with a demonstrated commitment to the Coalition’s mission of increasing access to a transformative college education for all students. The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of ten years of leadership experience in the education, non-profit, private or public sector and a capacity for strategic planning, consensus-building, fund development, and finance oversight. The next CEO will be able to balance big-picture, longer term strategy development with immediate needs, and will be a persuasive communicator able to convey a strong and unique value proposition of the Coalition to a diverse array of constituents.
Salary for the role is currently anticipated to range from $200,000 to $275,000 and will be commensurate with experience. The Coalition offers excellent fringe benefits, including life, health, dental, disability insurance, vacation days, 401K and paid holidays. The CEO will receive an annual review from the Chair of Board of Directors. CEO compensation will be reviewed annually by the full Board of Directors.
Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Amy Sugin and Laura Bertonazzi of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. Please submit a compelling cover letter and resume to by filling out our Talent Profile.