The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges. President Search

Transcription

1 The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges President Search The Board of Trustees of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges launches a search for its next president. The search committee invites nominations of, and application from, accomplished individuals who will provide the Foundation with outstanding leadership. After two decades of service to the OFIC, the last five as its successful president, Mr. Gordon Brollier has announced that he will retire on June 30, The next president will inherit a successful, well-run foundation poised to build on its current momentum. The next president will be asked to develop and implement effective strategies and annual campaigns to successfully raise operating and scholarship support for 34 Ohio private colleges and universities. It is an uncommonly attractive opportunity for an effective leader to make a profound difference in enhancing lives of students, while benefiting the Ohio business community. Page 1 OFIC - President Search

2 About OFIC OFIC Mission: The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges efficiently solicits financial support from corporations, foundations and other donors and distributes those funds to our member colleges and universities for educational programs, scholarships and collaborative efforts. For 65 years The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) has helped provide Ohio s students access to private higher education at our 34 member institutions. Among the state fund members of CIC (Council of Independent Colleges) with active fundraising programs, OFIC ranks first in total gift income, total income from corporations, total income from foundations and total distributions. OFIC was founded in 1950 by Ohio business executives and college presidents as a partnership between Ohio s non-tax-funded colleges and universities and corporations. The goal was to help corporations, foundations and others provide charitable support to students from all socioeconomic levels, thereby creating a pool of skilled workers for Ohio s businesses. Today, these gifts to OFIC not only support our member colleges educational programs, furnish scholarships for low-to-moderate income students and fill the areas of greatest need on OFIC s 34 member campuses, but they also help develop Ohio s future workforce and economy. Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio Columbus is the capital and largest city of the state of Ohio. It is the 15th largest city in the United States, with a population of 835,957. The city has a diverse economy based on education, government, insurance, banking, fashion, defense, aviation, food, clothes, logistics, steel, energy, medical research, health care, hospitality, retail, and technology. Staff: 11 (including Finance/Operations, Marketing/Communication, Scholarship Administration, Development, Information Management, Administrative support) Page 2 OFIC - President Search

3 OFIC member institutions Main Campus Satellite Campus (#) 1. Ashland University Baldwin Wallace University Bluffton University 4. Capital University 5. Cedarville University 6. University of Dayton 7. Defiance College 8. Denison University 9. The University of Findlay 10. Franciscan University of Steubenville 11. Franklin University 12. Heidelberg University Hiram College 14. John Carroll University 15. Kenyon College 16. Lake Erie College Lourdes University 18. Malone University 19. Marietta College 20. University of Mount Union 21. Mount Vernon Nazarene University Muskingum University 23. Notre Dame College 24. Oberlin College 25. Ohio Dominican University 26. Ohio Northern University 27. Ohio Wesleyan University 28. Otterbein University 29. Urbana University Ursuline College 31. Walsh University Wilmington College Wittenberg University 34. The College of Wooster The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges effciently solicits financial support from corporations, foundations and other donors and distributes those funds to our member colleges and universities for educational programs, scholarships and collaborative efforts. Page 3 OFIC - President Search

4 How OFIC donors give Support our colleges Donors who make gifts of support to OFIC understand the importance of providing operating support to our member colleges and universities. These gifts offer college administrators the financial flexibility to meet the myriad needs of their institutions and determine the best use of funds on their campuses. Funds are directed to the areas of greatest need, such as: Updating of campus educational resources in libraries, classrooms and labs, and maintaining state-of-the-art technology Facility maintenance Financial aid for economically disadvantaged students Compensation to attract and retain outstanding faculty Community and campus service projects such as after school tutoring, volunteering at community hospitals, supplying food pantries, and participating in other established campus and community service programs Support our students through scholarships Sean M. Decatur President Kenyon College The scholarships provided through OFIC enable Ohio s students to receive proven, high-quality private education that changes their lives forever. OFIC s private colleges provide small classes, individual attention from professors, research opportunities at an undergraduate level, and a variety of educational experiences that help our students reach their full potential and become the leaders of tomorrow. Scholarship assistance is critical to enable academically qualified students, especially those from low-to-moderate income families, to attend college and graduate. OFIC has managed The Ohio Scholars Program, one of the largest and most comprehensive scholarship services in Ohio, for over 25 years. To date, over 21,000 scholarships have been awarded with a cumulative total value of over $38 million. With proven processes and procedures and long-standing relationships with college and university admissions and financial aid offices, OFIC is uniquely positioned to manage scholarship services. The Ohio Scholars Program allows donors to link their gifts to college students that match their organization s strategic interests and human resource needs. Donors may also direct their scholarship assistance to specific institutions. Page 4 OFIC - President Search

5 How OFIC donors give Graduate NOW Each year, many students are forced to drop out of college due to unanticipated financial hardships. For some, it is the loss of a parent. For others, it is the loss of jobs, or the exhaustion of every possible financial resource. GraduateNow! allows OFIC donors to assist students in a way no other scholarship program can. OFIC works closely with presidents, financial aid directors, chief student affairs officers, faculty and others to identify students facing a financial crisis that meet donor-specified criteria. Once a student is identified OFIC is positioned to expose these students to potential employment opportunities. OFIC can provide scholars an audience with corporations through our annual CareerFest events as well as making their resumes available to OFIC corporate donors who are seeking to add young talent to their ranks. The GraduateNOW! program not only provides financial assistance to increase college graduates in the state, but also makes sure they are utilizing their degrees by providing a pathway for these graduates to successfully enter the workforce. Without GraduateNOW!, the state of Ohio will continue to lose talent as well as the economic benefit that college graduates provide. Page 5 OFIC - President Search

6 OFIC programs Evening April 6, 2016 of Excellence The Sheraton Columbus at C a p itol Sq uar e Evening of Excellence In 1987, OFIC initiated the Evening of Excellence program to honor outstanding alumni of its member institutions. Some well-known inductees to the OFIC Hall of Excellence are Hugh Downs, Senator John H. Glenn, Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Each year, OFIC member colleges are invited to nominate an alumna/alumnus to be considered for induction into the Hall of Excellence. Inductees are chosen by a committee of OFIC collegiate and corporate trustees based on the criteria of professional achievement; impact on society through service, leadership, scholarship, minority affairs, sciences, research, arts or elected office; and service to alma mater, all of which exemplify the value of a liberal arts education. Also awarded at the Evening of Excellence is the Earl F. Morris Trustee award, which recognizes exceptional trustees of OFIC member institutions; the OFIC Volunteer of the Year award; and the Student Service-Learning Leadership Award, which honors a student of one of the OFIC s institutions for exemplary community service. CareerFest OFIC s annual career fair provides an avenue for employers to connect with students and recent graduates of OFIC member colleges and universities in one central location. Students and human resource representatives have the opportunity to investigate full-time and part-time employment opportunities, as well as internships. A main benefit of this event is that students can meet with numerous potential employers in just one day. Approximately 120 national and Ohio employers and more than 1,000 students who register to attend each year find that this is the career fair that cannot be missed. Additionally, OFIC helps connect employers with outstanding students and graduates by putting businesses in touch with career services directors from our member institutions. Page 6 OFIC - President Search

7 OFIC programs OFIC Diversity Forum The need to provide educational opportunities and support for students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds continues to grow exponentially as the face of our country changes. With the support of Diversity Forum sponsors, Libbey Inc. and TimkenSteel Corporation, OFIC continues to take a leadership role in facilitating diversity initiatives that address the interests shared by corporations and independent colleges. The forum is designed to help increase minority student recruitment and retention on campuses and employee diversity in the workplace. At the forum, college faculty/staff and corporate donor representatives share best practices and discuss solutions for diversity issues common to both. The OFIC Bridges program connects 1400 urban youth in major cities of Northeast Ohio with the higher education community by collaborating with schools, youth organizations, faith-based networks and OFIC member institutions to assist high school students in forming and realizing their dreams of college attendance. The program strives to change the view that many urban youth have of college as an unrealistic and unattainable goal available only to students from privileged backgrounds. Page 7 OFIC - President Search

8 OFIC programs Cost-saving services for member institutions OFIC offers cost-saving opportunities to all of its member colleges and universities through group purchasing initiatives. OFIC membership in statewide and national organizations makes its member institutions eligible for discount purchases of goods and services in areas such as office supplies, electricity, long-term care insurance, life and disability insurance, and maintenance supply products. Contracts negotiated directly by OFIC and partner companies provide significantly discounted prices for mobile phone service, software licensing, solar energy, purchasing arrangements and shipping. Scholarship Management Resources SM OFIC s Scholarship Management Resources (SMR) program is an efficient and effective way for corporations, trust officers, foundations and individuals to give back and improve their communities through scholarships without being burdened by the administration of the program. All criteria for these scholarships, regardless of where the students go to college (any accredited non-profit institution of higher learning in the U.S.), may be determined by the client. OFIC can provide management services for scholarships that are funded annually or those that are supported by endowments or trusts. SMR provides a comprehensive range of services to address the numerous details of scholarship management and will provide any or all of the following services: Assist with marketing the scholarship program Create and manage a web-based scholarship application Identify scholarship candidates Select scholars and verify that they meet the client s criteria Notify scholars and colleges/universities of awards Distribute scholarship funds to scholars colleges/universities Ensure compliance with NCAA and institutional regulations Monitor scholars academic progress, continuing eligibility and financial need Provide the client with status reports and facilitate thank-you letters Design a scholarship program for dependents of employees Page 8 OFIC - President Search

9 The agenda for the next OFIC president The Board of Trustees of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges and its affiliate members are keenly aware of the challenges and changes that are occurring in funding for private higher education. The next President of the OFIC has the opportunity to build on the current momentum and strengths of this premier organization, while contributing ingenuity, vision and leadership to shape a successful and sustainable future. Ohio is home to a large network of outstanding private colleges and universities, and the OFIC draws confidence from its many past successes in supporting this sector and looks forward to a bright tomorrow. Articulate a compelling vision for the future of OFIC The change in leadership provides an opportunity for a fresh look and perspective on the Foundation s future. The new leader will have the opportunity to lead an inclusive strategic planning process, emphasizing the prominent role that private higher education has in workforce development for the businesses in Ohio. The emphasis on unrestricted corporate giving to the member colleges remains primary, but successful efforts to incorporate restricted annual giving for scholarships and endowments have also proved attractive to donors. The Foundation has also taken on programs in addition to fund-raising that assist colleges, including a group purchasing arrangement, conducting diversity forums, and hosting job fairs ( CareerFest ) to benefit both graduates and employers. The opportunity to evaluate the priority and success of these and other programs, in addition to the core fund raising mission, will be a key responsibility for the new President, in strong partnership with the Board of Trustees. Be a persuasive spokesperson for private higher education and the liberal arts An outstanding communicator, who can persuasively, passionately and effectively articulate the case for Ohio private higher education and the value of the liberal arts, drawing from personal experience, is a necessary trait for the new leader. The Foundation has consistently articulated that private higher education is more effective in graduating students of low income and first generation than the public sector. In addition, Ohio private colleges fouryear graduation rate is considerably better than Ohio publics (51% vs. 35%). Thus private college graduates typically enter the job market sooner, which is a great bonus for both businesses seeking prepared workers and graduates desiring a financial edge. Although surprising to many, Ohio private colleges graduate a disproportionately larger share of graduates in the physical and biological sciences, technology and math than the publics. Furthermore, many studies validate the critical importance of a liberal arts foundation (a hallmark of private colleges) for successful career advancement and fulfilling lives. Being able to articulately make this case to prospective and current donors is a core competency for the new OFIC President. Page 9 OFIC - President Search

10 The agenda for the next OFIC president Expand the Foundation s fund-raising efforts Over the past five years, the OFIC has generated a 42% increase (from $3.049 M in 2011 to $4.322 M in 2015) in corporate support of private higher education, making the OFIC one of the most successful foundations of its kind in the nation. However, with the decline in the number of small, family-owned businesses, the pool from which to draw funds has diminished. In addition, the public state universities have become considerably more competitive and effective in garnering corporate support. Finally, college affordability has become increasingly difficult for college students and their families. Because of these challenges, the new leader will need to continue to expand fund-raising efforts. The President is expected to be the chief fund raiser, among a staff of fund-raisers, and will work to identify and motivate new corporate partners to support OFIC, while encouraging existing donors to maintain or optimally increase their support. $5.0M 5 YEAR TREND 42% INCREASE SINCE 2010 $4.5M $4.0M $3.5M $3.0M $2.5M Unrestricted Funds 14% Program Funds 14% $625,593 $607,825 $117, Campaign Income $4,322,343 $2,970,932 In-Kind Gifts 3% Scholarship Funds 69% Page 10 OFIC - President Search

11 The agenda for the next OFIC president Build and empower the leadership team The capable OFIC leadership team and support staff are talented and dedicated, and collectively they possess over a century of experience working for OFIC. The new president will have the opportunity to not only determine the optimum structure for his team, but to build off a successful fund raising platform that is already in place. Enhancement to the technological support of the fund-raising operation will be required of the new leader and presents an opportunity to incorporate new efficiencies and strategies. Guide and expand trustee development The OFIC Board of Trustees is active, supportive and committed to the mission of the Foundation to provide philanthropic support for Ohio private higher education institutions and their students. Comprised of both business leaders and college presidents, the board accepts their fiduciary responsibilities with resolve and understanding. A constant challenge for a new president will be an adeptness to being responsive to the needs of both business leaders and college presidents and, in effect, serving two very talented constituencies. The trustees function in accordance with best practices in governance, and they currently operate well in committees to support the work of the full board. The new president will have the opportunity to evaluate the current committee structure and suggest improvements as is necessary. The president will also have a key responsibility to provide continuing education and training for the board, as well as recruiting new board members to fill current and future vacancies. Effectively and efficiently run the operation of the Foundation Although the Foundation has a VP for Finance and Administration, the president is ultimately responsible for insuring that accurate records are kept, all regulations and laws are explicitly followed, operations are financially balanced, and the cost for raising a dollar fall at or below industry standards. In addition, recognition of donors will continue to be a high priority in order to express gratitude for generosity and good stewardship. The new President will need to be experienced at effectively running an efficient, wellorganized fund-raising operation. Evaluate areas for collaboration with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO) OFIC, along with AICUO, works on behalf of private higher education in Ohio. AICUO focuses its activities on government relations and lobbying, while OFIC works with corporate Ohio to raise financial support. With the mounting pressures for efficiencies in higher education in general, it will be important for the new president to be open to exploring ways in which to work in partnership with AICUO for the benefit of Ohio s colleges, universities, businesses, corporations and students. Page 11 OFIC - President Search

12 Desired presidential attributes The Board of Trustees of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges seeks a president who possesses a deep appreciation of the prominence of private higher education among the rich educational options available in the state, as well as a contemporary understanding of the value and the practical application that a liberal arts education provides for students. The new president will possess financial acumen and planning experience to enhance and sustain an already successful organization. Personal characteristics of integrity, concern for others, warmth and a persuasive demeanor are critical. The board recognizes that there are many career paths that can prepare one to be successful in this position and is committed to consider applications from candidates with a broad array of experiences. The successful president of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges will be: A visionary leader with a strong sense of optimism A strategic thinker who enhances the institutional vision and inspires others to engage in planning for an increasingly successful future An articulate, persuasive spokesperson for private higher education and the transforming power of the liberal arts and its practical application for professional success A proven, successful fund-raiser who embraces and meets stretch goals An empathetic team builder who unites individuals in a common purpose An experienced manager who accurately accesses, carefully evaluates and thoughtfully enhances programs and operations A committed leader who understands the critical value of inclusivity and diversity in all its forms An individual comfortable with collaboration and effective in working with a governing board comprised of business and educational leaders Page 12 OFIC - President Search

13 How to apply The application process The search committee of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges will accept nominations and evaluate application materials on a rolling basis into February, 2016 and will begin to narrow the candidate pool by mid-february. Although applicants will be accepted until the time that a new president is selected, candidates should submit materials by 5 P.M. on February 15th for the most favorable consideration. Final selection will be made in March, and the new president will be invited to begin work on or about July 1, Contact Dr. Richard F. Giese of AGB Search will be assisting with the search. Nominators and prospective candidates may contact him at: rfg@agbsearch.com or (cell) or (office) Application materials should be submitted to: Mr. Todd Clossin, Chair, Presidential Search Committee at OFICPres@agbsearch.com. Materials should include a letter of candidacy that responds to the Agenda for the Next OFIC President, a complete CV or resume, and the names and contact information (phone and ) for three references, none of whom will be contacted until a later stage of the search nor without the formal permission of the candidate. All inquiries and applications will be received and evaluated in full confidence. Equal Opportunity It is the policy of OFIC to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or disability. In addition, it is the policy of the organization to comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. Page 13 OFIC - President Search