PRESIDENT

REPORTS TO: APUS Board of Trustees

WEBSITE: www.apus.edu

OPPORTUNITY IN BRIEF:

The Board of Trustees of American Public University System (APUS) is seeking a proven leader with extensive executive experience working in collaboration with a wide variety of constituencies, including board members, faculty, staff, and students, as well as external audiences, to bring vision and strong execution to the institution (or university) as its new President.

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Read on...

POSITION OVERVIEW

Based in Charles Town, WV (less than an hour from Washington’s Dulles Airport) and reporting directly to the Board of Trustees of American Public University System, the new President of APUS will be responsible for providing the leadership, strategic thinking, and business acumen required to manage all aspects of the American Public University System (APUS).

The President will serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the APUS Board of Trustees (BOT). In this capacity s/he will ensure the continued quality improvement of the university's people, processes, and reputation, and will work with the BOT to optimize the university 's position as a leader in the online, post-secondary education sector.

The President is expected to keep the CEO of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) informed on all major initiatives and significant budget impacts and coordinate with the APEI CEO as appropriate. S/he will be responsible for producing an annual budget, a short (one to three years) and long-range (three to five years) strategic plan, and successfully executing the annual plan and strategic plan implementation. These plans will be coordinated with the CEO of APEI and approved by the Board of Trustees.

Specific responsibilities:

• Working closely with the BOT and the senior management team, as well as the CEO of APEI, lead the development of a clear, concise, and realistic strategy and direction.
• Take an active role to ensure accreditation and regulatory compliance are maintained.
• Gain the trust and confidence of the academic and business management teams, employees, and key partners to ensure understanding and acceptance of the strategic plan by each of these stakeholders.
• Establish priorities, performance measurements, milestones, and measurable benchmarks along with accountability and reward systems that support goal achievements.
• Ensure proper staff coordination between APUS and APEI and represent the interests of APUS in its relationship with APEI.
• Review, provide feedback and approve all service level agreements between APUS and APEI including:
  • Accounting
  • Benefits
  • Contracts
  • Facilities
  • Information Technology
  • Marketing
  • Payroll
  • State Education Licensure
  • Other agreements as required
• Use knowledge of the postsecondary education industry to support and assist business development initiatives and APUS development strategies.
• Review the university's financial and operational activities and results to set organizational goals and priorities.
• Oversee and manage the APUS executive team.
• Serve as the executive and administrative head, and provide academic leadership to the university system.
• Carry out governing board and institutional policies within the university.
• Support the Board of Trustees in maintaining a satisfactory governance and business relationship between the boards of APUS and APEI.
• Other duties as assigned by the BOT.

CAREER ATTRIBUTES

To an experienced senior executive with relevant online postsecondary school or analogous experience, this opportunity offers several attractive features—

• The chance to build on a highly respected, successful, profitable online educational platform.
• The chance to work with committed, knowledgeable, and experienced Trustees, and to be mentored by them and the respected CEO of American Public Education, the publicly-traded parent company.
• The chance (for some) to gain initial experience with a publicly-traded company.
• The chance to gain an equity stake in the company at an attractive stock valuation.
• The chance to do this in the highly attractive Greater DC area.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate currently is CEO, President, Group President, General Manager, or other senior executive for a substantial online college or university, or for the online division of a campus-based college or university. He or she has solid academic credentials (including an advanced degree) combined with significant experience running a company or school with full P&L responsibility.

He or she should rapidly have taken his or her company or division to and beyond $100M in revenues. A strong track record of execution against plan for a marketing-driven organization is mandatory; a background in sales and marketing is preferred, as is experience in running a major online program. Above all, the individual will be a proven leader whose team-building skills and results orientation are acknowledged by all.

Equally important, this individual will be a true leader--outstanding communication skills, presence, self-awareness, "learning agility," integrity, and intelligence.

Specifically, this individual will have:

• A minimum 10 to 15 years in senior level general management.
• Demonstrated strong leadership in a growth-oriented postsecondary institution or business as a CEO, President, COO, CFO, Provost, or Dean of a school.
• Demonstrated ability to scale an institution or business through strategic and tactical acumen.
• Demonstrated experience in leading initiatives for evaluation, development, and implementation in new markets.
• Functional competencies from one or more of the areas of student marketing, academics, finance, higher education administration, technology, business development, and strategy.
• Experience managing a budget.
• Deep experience in developing successful alliances and/or strategic partnerships utilized in order to support the growth of the university system.
• Proven external and internal leadership.
• Doctorate or other terminal degree is required.

Competencies Critical to this Position:

• Acquires information and understands the business.
• Strategic thinking, change, and innovation.
• Performance management.
• Planning and monitoring for results.
• Rational decision making.
• Ability to communicate and influence.
• Market savvy.
• Exceptional leadership and motivator.

THE COMPANY

Overview

American Public University System is comprised of American Public University and the American Military University. The distance learning institution was founded in 1991 as American Military University. Today, the entire system now supports more than 100,000 students in 50 states and 110 countries, delivering more than 95 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University System combines a quality, career-focused curriculum with the convenience of 100 percent online courses and monthly class starts. More information can be found at www.apus.edu

Degrees offered range from the traditional liberal arts degrees (English, History, Math), Business Administration and Information Technology to practitioner-oriented degrees like Homeland Security, Emergency Management, and Strategic Intelligence to Nursing and Electrical Engineering. The degrees are offered through six schools, each of which is directed by a school dean. The schools are: Arts and Humanities, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Science Technology Engineering and Math, and Security and Global Studies. Since 2006, APUS has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Some of its programs have received specialty accreditation.

Since its founding, APUS has strongly aligned itself with a mission to provide quality education at an affordable price to those who serve. Undergraduate tuition has not increased in 14 years for students who serve in the military or who are veterans. Books are provided to all undergraduate students through a book grant. Undergraduate tuition, fees, and books costs are approximately 19 percent less than the average in-state public institution costs (per the College Board) and graduate tuition, fees, and books costs are approximately 38 percent less than the average in-state public tuition costs. APUS has received national recognition for its online initiatives including receiving the Ralph Gomory Award for quality online education by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC). APUS has also received four Effective Practice Awards from the OLC.

American Public University System is a for-profit institution, wholly owned by American Public Education, Inc., (APEI). In 2007, APEI became a publicly-owned company traded on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. Since 2004, Dr. Wallace Boston has served as the President of APUS as well as the CEO of APEI. Dr. Boston has worked with the boards of APUS and APEI to evaluate a reorganization of the structures of APUS and APEI in a way that would separate the dual responsibilities held by Dr. Boston. Senior management and the boards are now working toward implementing an organizational realignment. Dr. Boston intends to remain CEO of APEI and will retire as President of APUS after his successor is appointed by the Board of Trustees.

How does APUS distinguish itself from other universities? Above all, APUS provides outstanding programs and student services designed with students’ career outcomes in mind. The school consults with industry leaders to continually assess its curriculum based upon marketplace needs and enhance it in line with their recommendations. Many of APUS’s faculty members are practitioners who bring current best practices from their fields into the classroom. Among the faculty one finds executives in government, business, and nonprofit organizations including the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, State Department, CIA, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the United Nations.

APUS’s learners are motivated, working adults often balancing family, school, and career. Students quickly discover a supportive and tight-knit community of faculty, staff, and fellow scholars who help drive an enriching and engaging classroom experience.

History

Founded as American Military University (AMU) in 1991 by retired Marine Corps officer James P. Etter, the establishment of AMU broke new ground by offering career-relevant education for a mobile population of military learners with unique needs. Over the next ten years, AMU greatly expanded its program offering to encompass a broader array of online programs at the undergraduate and graduate level in response to demand from students seeking education to help prepare them for leadership roles within the military and to transition to post-military careers.

In 2002, AMU was reorganized into American Public University System (APUS), and American Public University (APU) was founded to provide access to the same quality, affordable, and relevant education to a broader audience of motivated working adults with an emphasis on public service disciplines. Today APUS, through American Military University and American Public University, provides education to more than 100,000 students worldwide and offers more than 180 online degree and certificate programs. APUS is the nation's largest provider of higher education to the U.S. Armed Forces* and has been nationally recognized for excellence in online education by the Online Learning Consortium (formerly Sloan Consortium).

Apus Facts

Origins: Flagship school, American Military University, founded in 1991
Degree Program Levels: Associate, Bachelor's, Master's
Other Programs: Certificate Programs
Course Delivery: 100% online
Current Students: 100,000+

Academic Programs

APUS, through members American Military University and American Public University, offers more than 190 degrees and certificates.

The 10 most popular programs are:

Course Delivery:

Courses are taught in an online format.

Accreditation:

American Public University System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC accredits degree-granting institutions located in a 19-state region, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Academic Calendar

Semesters: Classes start on a monthly basis, unlike traditional universities. Courses start on the first Monday of every month.

Course Length:

Courses are offered in an 8-week or a 16-week format.

Student Profile:

Employees

As of December 31, 2014, APUS had 3,525 total employees, consisting of 1,428 full-time and 2,097 part-time employees.

APUS IN THE NEWS

APUS Announces Course Pool for American Council on Education
APU Strategic Partnership to Provide Increased Education Support to Members of The Wildlife Society
New Health Information Management Programs from APUS to Help Healthcare Professionals Harness Big Data to Improve Patient Outcomes
2015 IACP/American Military University Civilian Law Enforcement Military Cooperation Award Winners

WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY

“I have been with APUS for 15 years. I completed my B.A. with them, and have continued on with my Master's in American History. I've seen this institution grow into a very fine online experience that has continued to improve during my years of schooling. I have recommended it to many friends and colleagues, and am happy to discuss it with anyone at any time.”

“The most important factors for me were the accreditation, the challenging course work, challenging online environment and the flexibility to allow me to achieve my overall goal!”

“…this is an institution that reaches back for you, in a most timely and considerate way. The knowledge and resources are in place at APUS. You couldn't fake the level of concern and passion that the faculty have for your learning, and growth. It's the real thing!”

“This is personal but I have felt honored to go to school with so many brave men and women who serve in our military.”

COMPENSATION

Compensation will include a competitive salary, performance bonus, and significant equity commensurate with the individual’s experience.

TRAVEL

National travel will be in no more than 25%-30% in a year.

Ideal location for the new President is in Charles Town, West Virginia. Accommodation is possible however, for an individual residing in the Greater DC area and willing to commute to Charles Town on a regular basis. Commuting from outside of DC for any extended time is not an option.

INTERVIEW PROCESS | BACKGROUND CHECK

APUS has an Employment Application, Work History and Background Check (provided to candidates). The background check includes compensation verification, professional references, employment and education verifications, state and federal criminal history reports, and drug screen.

Resume and cover letter should be posted to the BSG website. No phone calls please.