THE SEARCH

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) seeks a strategic and forward-thinking professional to join the organization as its inaugural chief of staff (COS). Reporting to NACAC’s chief executive officer (CEO), Dr. Angel B. Pérez, and serving on the executive team, the COS will work in partnership with the CEO, the senior leadership team, and the Board of Directors to operationalize the goals and priorities associated with the organization’s new vision and strategic direction. The COS will advise the CEO, manage the daily operations of the executive office, ensure productive collaborations within the organization and the board, and monitor progress and completion of critical strategic initiatives. The COS will implement strategies associated with organizational change management and cultural transformation to further strengthen NACAC’s commitment to professional excellence and deepen its value proposition to members and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate must:

• Thrive working behind the scenes on behalf of the CEO, board, and organization
• Find joy and purpose in serving and uplifting others to ensure the individual success of employees as well as the success of the greater association

THE ASSOCIATION

NACAC is the world’s largest association supporting professionals who serve students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. The association works to expand access to higher education through policy, advocacy, convening, education, and training. It has a membership of more than 23,000, comprised of postsecondary admission professionals, high school counselors, independent educational consultants, community based organizations, and

others throughout the United States and around the world. NACAC is fortunate to partner with 23 state and regionally based affiliate organizations that share a common mission to serve and support the needs of admission and counseling professionals. In addition, the organization cultivates special interest groups. These “micro communities” nurture the growing diversity of interests across the association.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

NACAC is in the process of reinventing itself during a time of disruption for both the college admission profession and higher education associations. New strategic vision, mission, and values statements, as well as a new organizational structure, will ensure the organization becomes a cutting-edge influencer, leading and supporting the transformation of the college admission profession.

NACAC commits to:

• Leading important initiatives resulting in a more diverse and inclusive student population
• Boldly influencing higher education policy
• Serving as a clearinghouse for readily accessible knowledge sharing, transformative professional development opportunities, and cutting-edge research
• Creating a membership that is reflective of the changing demographics among students

To ensure the organization’s success, NACAC is committed to being innovative, nimble, and meeting the moment— working at the speed of light to stay ahead of the curve and to lead meaningful and impactful change.

Recently, NACAC staff members participated in strategic visioning sessions to reaffirm, as well as reimagine, its organizational values and guiding principles. The newly developed vision statement and values direct the CEO, the senior leadership group, and staff in their work together as they seek organizational and cultural transformation to better serve

NACAC’s membership and external stakeholders, in service of the college admission counseling profession.

Staff Vision Statement

We are the trusted source of information and resources for NACAC members and the students they serve, providing exceptional service and stewardship to meet the evolving needs of the college admission counseling profession.

Staff Values

• Trust
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Inclusivity
• Accountability
• Sustainability

LEADERSHIP

Dr. Angel B. Pérez became CEO of NACAC in July 2020. Prior to joining NACAC, he served as the vice president for enrollment and student success at Trinity College in Connecticut, where he also taught in the educational studies department. A recognized thought-leader on issues of equity and access in American education, he is a tireless champion for underrepresented communities and a creative advocate for reform. Named by a Forbes article in 2019 as the most influential voice in college admission, he strives to build an educational ecosystem that better represents today’s America.

Dr. Pérez’s expertise has been sought by key policy influencers. In 2016, the governor of Connecticut appointed him to the New England Board of Higher Education, and he was chosen by the Gates Foundation and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators to serve on Forward50, a group of higher education leaders presenting solutions to Congress. In 2019, the New York Times Magazine profiled his story in a cover feature, and he is a frequent contributor and commentator in national media outlets, including the Washington Post, NPR, CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, Forbes, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Highlights of Pérez’s first seven months were featured in a recent article, “How an Association Rebounded, Turning Challenges into Progress,” in Associations Now Daily News, the daily newsletter from ASAE, the Center for Association Leadership.

POSITION OVERVIEW & DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the CEO, the COS is a key advisor to the CEO and works with the senior leadership team and Board of Directors in planning, integrating, operationalizing, and implementing goals and priorities in support of NACAC’s mission and strategic objectives. The COS ensures collaboration between members of the senior leadership team and administrative divisions to transform and deliver a culture of collaboration and excellence that best serves NACAC’s membership and external stakeholders, as well as influences policy and systems change in higher education.

Advisor to the CEO

• Serve as senior support to the CEO and strategic member of the senior management team; raise critical issues with the CEO and advise in decision-making
• On behalf of the CEO, lead and support the collaborative effort to create a culture that embodies the staff’s co-created mission and values statements
• Conduct and manage follow-up regarding CEO’s priorities, creating and maintaining systems to ensure goal setting, accountability, and outcomes for the senior leadership group
• Strategize and improve opportunities for cross-organizational collaboration
• Oversee agendas for CEO’s meetings and execute strategic time management strategies for CEO; participate in meetings and ensure effective sequencing, coordination, and follow-through of the CEO’s activities; prioritize activities for the CEO’s schedule and upcoming commitments

Prepare and/or contribute to the preparation of reports, proposals, briefing, presentations, and responses on organizational and strategic issues

• Assess internal and external inquiries directed to CEO and determine proper course of action; ensure all issues are addressed appropriately, efficiently, and judiciously, and monitor progress until resolved
• Build and nurture relationships to serve as a resource for the CEO and a point of contact for designated key constituents to resolve complex issues and direct strategic priorities

Executive & Operational Administration

• (At the direction of the CEO) Assist in all aspects of NACAC administration
• Direct the daily operations of the CEO’s office
• Interact with all levels of leadership and administrative divisions to ensure organizational focus and alignment; facilitate communication across divisions
• Participate in key meetings with staff and/or external stakeholders to represent the CEO’s position to drive understanding and decision-making
• Support outward-facing priorities and initiatives; consult with divisional leaders on public relations matters, member engagement, policy and research opportunities, etc.
• Serve as an organizational liaison on issues related to human resources and support conflict resolution efforts
• Partner with the CFO and CEO to track the development and monitoring of NACAC’s budget and finances
• Prepare and/or contribute to the preparation of reports, proposals, briefing, presentations, and responses on organizational and strategic issues
• Assess internal and external inquiries directed to CEO and determine proper course of action; ensure all issues are addressed appropriately, efficiently, and judiciously, and monitor progress until resolved
• Build and nurture relationships to serve as a resource for the CEO and a point of contact for designated key constituents to resolve complex issues and direct strategic priorities

Executive & Operational Administration

• (At the direction of the CEO) Assist in all aspects of NACAC administration
• Direct the daily operations of the CEO’s office
• Interact with all levels of leadership and administrative divisions to ensure organizational focus and alignment; facilitate communication across divisions
• Participate in key meetings with staff and/or external stakeholders to represent the CEO’s position to drive understanding and decision-making
• Support outward-facing priorities and initiatives; consult with divisional leaders on public relations matters, member engagement, policy and research opportunities, etc.
• Serve as an organizational liaison on issues related to human resources and support conflict resolution efforts
• Partner with the CFO and CEO to track the development and monitoring of NACAC’s budget and finances