Russell Sage College (Sage), a student-centered, private undergraduate and graduate institution invites applications and nominations for its 11th President. The successful individual will be a dynamic, strategic, and transformational leader to ensure a future of smart and sustainable growth, innovation, and positive social impact.
In addition to galvanizing the Sage community around a distinctive course for the College’s future – vis-à-vis the architecture of a new strategic plan – the President will be charged with attracting broad philanthropic support, forging new partnerships in the region, growing enrollment, continuing to focus on student success, and furthering Sage’s commitment to educating and preparing a diverse student body.
Founded in Troy, New York in 1916 to offer women the means of independence through the combination of broad education in the liberal arts with preparation for specific professional careers, Sage has gone through transformation from a women’s college to its present identity as Russell Sage College with two co-educational campuses in Troy and Albany. Classes are offered on both campuses, and students can choose to live on either campus. A regular shuttle provides access to both campuses.
Sage’s motto, “To Be, To Know, To Do” encompasses Sage’s mission to provide students with the means to develop personally and professionally, to contribute to the larger society, and to translate learning into action and application. Faculty and staff take pride in promoting a culture of support and encouragement, finding innovative and creative ways to move forward to create a healthier, more equitable world for everyone.
Two key strategic initiatives reflect Sage’s commitment to the success and well-being of the whole person: the Women’s Institute was created in 2020 to preserve the ideals on which Sage was founded with a transformative focus on values of equality and gender inclusivity, and THRIVE@Russell Sage draws upon Sage’s substantial reputation in the health sciences to help members of the Sage community achieve the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social intellectual, environmental, spiritual, vocational, and financial.
With an operating budget of more than $48 million, Sage offers its 1074 undergraduates and 979 graduate students more than 50 bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs and seven entirely online master’s degree programs. Sage’s academic programs are offered through four schools -- School of Arts & Sciences, Esteves School of Education, School of Health Sciences, and School of Management – and its strategic plan calls for the launching of eight new graduate and certificate programs, a process currently underway. Sage employs more than 100 full-time faculty and more than 200 professional staff and has more than 40,000 alumnae/i.
Sage’s next President will partner with a committed and resourceful Board of Trustees, dedicated faculty, adroit administrators and staff, inspired students, and active alumnae/i, in the work of guiding the College towards a sustainable future. The successful candidate will bring a keen sense of the future of higher education and, specifically, small, tuition-dependent colleges. The President will be an inspiring team builder, powerful communicator and fundraiser, collaborative problem-solver, champion of inclusion, and sound fiscal manager.
Candidates should bring a distinguished record of senior leadership experience and professional achievement in higher education or an equivalent level of responsibility in a business, government, or nonprofit enterprise. A sophisticated sense of the power of building graduate and professional education on a liberal arts foundation and the ability to leverage these strengths are essential. The President will be expected to champion Sage’s mission and serve as its persuasive and dynamic ambassador locally, regionally, and nationally.
Compensation: This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in New York. Compensation is expected to start at $325,000 and will be commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package, including a presidential house adjacent to the campus.
Russell Sage College has retained Diversified Search Group (DSG) to assist in this recruitment. Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for fullest consideration, applications should be received by February 5, 2024. Applications and expressions of interest should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a curriculum vita, and the names and reliable contact information of at least five references. Letters of interest should thoughtfully respond to all that is outlined above and address how the candidate’s experience and qualifications have prepared them for the role. Applications should be submitted, in confidence, using DSG’s candidate portal.
Please send all nominations or inquiries via email to RussellSagePresident@divsearch.com.
Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D., and Euris Belle, Managing DirectorsNancy Helfman and Susan Kart, Senior Search AssociatesThe Diversified Search GroupOne Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 3300, Philadelphia PA 19103
Russell Sage College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision making, criminal history, and any other legally protected characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws, supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Russell Sage College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity.