Job Description

The deadline for applications is April 29, 2026.

Complete information is available on the Search Profile

Polk State College, in Central Florida, seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as President. The President serves as the institution’s chief executive officer and corporate secretary to the board of trustees, providing visionary, mission-driven leadership. The President guides strategic planning and institutional effectiveness while fostering a culture of student success, access, and academic excellence.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The President serves as the institution’s chief executive officer and corporate secretary to the board of trustees, providing visionary, mission-driven leadership. The President guides strategic planning and institutional effectiveness while fostering a culture of student success, access, and academic excellence.

Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, trustees, and community partners, the President oversees financial stewardship, resource development, academic programs, enrollment management, and campus operations.

The role carries responsibility for policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and accountability to state performance goals.

As the institution’s principal ambassador, the President cultivates partnerships, advances workforce and transfer pathways, and ensures responsible governance aligned with state law and Board priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Polk State College, the largest public college in Polk County, Florida, is an indispensable and valued community partner, highly responsive to local educational and workforce needs.

The Polk State President is a visible, active member of the College community and must display technical and principled leadership in all matters.

To achieve this, the President must be an accomplished, energetic leader who:

• Provides visionary leadership, reporting directly to the District Board of Trustees and ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education while aligning institutional priorities with state and community needs to advance student success and academic excellence.
• Articulates and advances a compelling, mission-centered vision in partnership with the Board, guiding strategic planning and institutional priorities, and taking calculated, transformational risks to position the College for success in a rapidly changing educational environment.
• Demonstrates extensive academic leadership experience, including accreditation, curriculum development, articulation agreements, and workforce alignment, ensuring programs meet evolving student and community needs.
• Fosters a culture of engagement, promoting collaboration, transparency, and respect among students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders, and advancing the “one college” concept across multiple campuses and centers.
• Serves as the College’s chief executive and public representative, strengthening relationships with legislators, community leaders, industry partners, and donors, and partnering with the College’s direct-support organization and Board of Trustees to advance advocacy, resource development, and philanthropic support consistent with Florida law.
• Provides strategic, transparent, and ethical fiscal stewardship, aligning resources with institutional goals, promoting affordability, diversifying funding streams, and ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and audit requirements.
• Champions academic excellence and student success, advancing high-quality instruction, innovation, comprehensive student-centered services, and seamless systems, using data-informed strategies to improve enrollment, retention, completion, and institutional effectiveness.
• Leads long-range planning for capital assets, facilities, and technology, integrating innovation and digital transformation to enhance learning, operational efficiency, and institutional growth.
• Cultivates and sustains a high-performing workforce, supporting professional development, leadership growth, a positive organizational culture, compliance with employment laws, and strategic talent management.
• Demonstrates experience in crisis management, safety planning, and institutional resilience, ensuring preparedness and effective response to emergencies.
• Maintains a strong, transparent, and collaborative partnership with the Board of Trustees, providing timely, data-informed counsel, executing Board policies faithfully, and ensuring clear communication and thorough preparation to support effective governance.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned doctorate or other terminal degree is preferred.
• Candidates must have a combination of credentials and/or experience sufficient to guarantee the respect and confidence of a wide range of college constituents.
• Candidates with a variety of leadership experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Polk County is a “best of both worlds” location that offers Central Florida access, economic momentum and authentic Florida lifestyle. Nestled in one of Florida’s fastest growing regions, residents are conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa but enjoy small-town benefits.

Polk County is a tight-knit community where networking is relationship driven, business leaders are accessible, and schools and colleges are expanding. With more than 550 lakes, expansive outdoor recreation as well as growing arts and food scenes, there is a lot to experience within county lines.

Polk County is home to attractions including LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, Westgate River Ranch Resort, Bok Tower Gardens, Bonnet Springs Park, and historic downtowns and museums that provide entertainment for the whole family.

Both Polk County public schools and private schools are excellent and plentiful as well as the three chartered schools operated by Polk State College. Within Polk County there are also many medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and physicians from which to choose.