Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a university defined by innovation and creativity, with programs spanning STEM to the fine arts, seeks an exceptional leader to become its 10th president. Founded in 1829, RIT was an early pioneer in practice-based and cooperative education. Today, RIT is a premier career-oriented doctoral university with strong programs in engineering and technology, the fine arts and design, healthcare and the sciences, and business and prepares students for success in a globally integrated society. The president will be a strategic transformational leader with vision, energy, integrity, and the personal qualities to inspire and lead the academic enterprise to new levels of excellence.

At a time when higher education is facing significant challenges and the most dynamic elements of the economy prize creativity, translation from theory to practice, and technological mastery, RIT is brilliantly positioned. Over the last ten years, under the current president who will retire in 2017, RIT has seen advancement in every key institutional metric. Applications have increased 70 percent. Enrollment has grown 20 percent to nearly 19,000 students, with student quality and diversity simultaneously on the rise. Cooperative education, a pillar in the RIT educational philosophy, has thrived, both domestically and internationally, helping fuel the university’s exceptional post-graduation employment rate of 95 percent. Faculty have grown in number, diversity, and scholarly stature as RIT increases its research productivity, while remaining deeply student-focused.

RIT attracts top-flight research-active faculty who are passionate about their teaching mission. It is committed to the ethos and teaching traditions of an undergraduate-focused university while growing and leveraging its graduate education and doctoral programs. Over the last decade, the university has invested significant capital to improve its education, research, and technology infrastructure. Today, RIT offers more than 200 academic programs in nine colleges. The 10th largest private university in the nation in terms of full-time undergraduate enrollment, RIT counts over 120,000 alumni around the world. Its endowment is currently valued at $762 million, and the university benefits from sound financial management.

Building on a strong foundation, RIT is on an impressive trajectory, delivering graduates well-positioned for industry and academia. The university now seeks to further its position and reputation as the top university for career preparation in today’s technology-driven world. In its strategic plan developed for 2015-2025, Greatness Through Difference , RIT has articulated ambitious goals for the future and defined its core strategic imperatives: providing an extraordinary career-oriented education and a rich campus experience for all RIT students, pursuing a uniquely interdisciplinary research program, sustaining an inclusive community that prepares students to embrace and advance the global diversity of the 21st century, and enabling every promising student who aspires to an RIT education to receive one.

RIT seeks as its new president a seasoned executive who can move the university forward in these ambitious goals, develop the necessary financial resources through inspired and energetic fundraising, and represent the university externally to strengthen its brand. The next president will bring a bold and inspirational spirit; high energy; a deep appreciation for the creativity and diversity of programs at RIT; and a passion for student-centered, interdisciplinary, career-oriented education and scholarship. Demonstrated success leading a complex enterprise, experience guiding an organization through growth and change, and evidence of effective financial management are required. Communication and interpersonal skills appropriate to the demands of leadership, fundraising, community and alumni relations, and external representation of a comprehensive university operating on the global stage are essential. A terminal degree, or a record of equivalent accomplishment, is required.

The Board of Trustees has named a 24-member search committee to lead its recruitment of a new President. The committee has retained the services of Isaacson, Miller to assist in this critical effort. Expectations are high for this appointment. Persons wishing to apply for, nominate a candidate to, or inquire about the position are encouraged to contact Isaacson, Miller, as noted at the end of this document.

Vivian Brocard and Kate Barry are leading this search with Morgan Sharoff.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity, pluralism, and inclusion in the work place. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities.

RIT provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, veterans, or wounded warriors where appropriate.