President

President

Highline College seeks an innovative, collaborative, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next President. As one of the most diverse colleges in the country, Highline College is deeply committed to social justice, student success, and creating equitable pathways that empower students to achieve their educational and professional goals. The President will lead this dynamic institution in advancing a vision of belonging, closing opportunity gaps, and strengthening partnerships that enhance the economic and social vitality of the globally diverse communities it serves. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President will provide strategic leadership that advances Highline's commitment to access, learning, community engagement, and organizational excellence while ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of the College.

Highline College is nationally and internationally recognized as a premier community college, the institution has earned its reputation through a culture that values innovation, globalized curriculum, and community engagement. With over 14,000 students, approximately 1,100 employees and more than 350,000 alumni, Highline is one of the Washinton state’s largest institutions. Highline is also the most diverse higher education institution in the state, with over 70 percent students of color and people representing more than 120 cultures. The main campus is located 20 minutes south of downtown Seattle, in Des Moines, Washington, overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Classes are also offered at The Hub: Federal Way Higher Education Center, the Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST) at Redondo Beach and locations throughout the community.

The President is the chief executive officer of the College and is responsible for the effective management and stewardship of institutional resources. This includes strategic oversight of financial operations, budgeting, enrollment management, facilities, technology, human resources, risk management, and long-range planning to ensure the College's sustainability and success. The ideal candidate will be a trusted, ethical, and resilient leader who demonstrates sound judgment, strategic decision-making, and the ability to navigate complexity with transparency and integrity. The President is a servant-leader who will foster meaningful relationships across and beyond the campus, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, lead effectively through periods of uncertainty and crisis, and cultivate an inclusive environment where all members of the College community feel valued and heard.

Candidate review will begin immediately. To apply for this role, please submit a letter of interest and resume through the Talent Profile. For best consideration, application materials should be submitted by August 12, 2026. Review of candidates will continue until the position is filled.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The anticipated salary range is $300,000-$320,000 and includes a generous benefits package. This is an on-campus position.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Christopher D. Lee, Ph.D., Managing Director
Beth McCarthy, Managing Associate
Mark Halligan, Senior Associate
[email protected]

Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects all cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.

The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (206) 592-3812. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/

The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

The college provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types).