Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Advancement at InsideHigherEd

Lorain County Community College (Elyria, Ohio)Lorain County Community College (LCCC), a nationally recognized leader in student success, workforce innovation, and economic mobility, invites applications for the position of Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Advancement. This cabinet-level executive will play a pivotal role in advancing THRIVE 2035, the College’s new bold strategic vision, and will help shape the next decade of institutional innovation and regional impact. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President provides integrated leadership across a diverse and future-focused portfolio that includes strategic initiatives and long-range planning; workforce, economic, and community development; and LCCC’s comprehensive advancement enterprise. The Vice President also serves as Vice President of the LCCC Foundation, stewarding a nationally regarded philanthropic organization with more than $80 million in assets and a long history of fueling innovation, student success, and community impact. As LCCC’s chief external relations officer and primary media spokesperson, this leader represents the College to donors, employers, policymakers, regional, state and national partners, and the broader community—strengthening LCCC’s visibility, public trust, and relevance. The portfolio includes ten departments led by experienced and accomplished professionals who advance innovation, operational excellence, and community vitality across the institution. The Vice President will guide efforts that align institutional priorities; secure philanthropic, public, and grant-funded resources; strengthen employer, civic, and community partnerships; and elevate LCCC’s leadership in workforce, economic, and community development. This executive also plays a central role in shaping and advancing public support campaigns that reinforce the College’s value proposition and ensure sustained community endorsement. Professional StatementAs LCCC advances toward a Community College 3.0 model and implements the THRIVE 2035 strategic vision, this leader must design future-ready strategies that align employer needs, student success outcomes, external resources, and community impact. Please discuss the external trends you believe will most influence the future of higher education, regional workforce and economic development, and resource development in a community college environment.QualificationsSuccessful candidates will possess:Bachelor’s degree is required from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant field. A master’s degree is strongly preferred.Minimum of 10 years of progressive senior-level administrative leadership experience in community college (preferred) setting or within related sectors.Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, with a collaborative and shared governance mindset.Experience advancing workforce and economic development strategies in partnership with industry, community, and government entities.Demonstrated experience developing and executing government relations, public funding campaign strategies and institutional messaging aligned with public good.A record of securing and managing external resources through grants, philanthropy, and strategic partnerships.Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to serve as a compelling and credible public spokesperson.Skills in long-range planning, data-informed decision-making, performance measurement, and continuous improvement.A deep commitment to mission-driven work and community impact.Application ProcessInterested applicants are encouraged to apply by February 1, 2026 to ensure full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Application materials should include:LCCC ApplicationLetter of InterestCurriculum VitaeProfessional StatementNames and contact information for three professional references