President/Chief Executive Officer

Posting Date: Open Until Filled

Founded in 1997, The Corporation for Educational Network Initiatives in California (CENIC) supports California's education and research communities to leverage their networking resources, in order to obtain cost-effective, high-bandwidth networking to support their missions and answer the needs of their faculty, staff, and students. CENIC is a 501(c) not-for-profit organization focused the goals of its members by establishing and maintaining a unique network infrastructure.

CENIC designs, implements, and operates CalREN, the California Research and Education Network, a high-bandwidth, high-capacity Internet network specially designed to meet the unique requirements of these communities, and to which the vast majority of the state's K-20 educational institutions are connected.

The Role

Reporting to the CENIC Board of Directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all financial, operational, administrative and legal aspects of the daily management of the organization. As the most visible CENIC officer, the position is also responsible for working with the Board to identify strategic directions and for executing on them.

More specifically the charter of the CEO is to:

• Clearly articulate and evangelize the CENIC vision and mission within the research and education community in California;
• Represent CENIC's interests to various state policy makers, including legislative, regulatory and other leaders;
• Ensure the long-term financial vitality of the organization through continuing member acquisition and retention efforts; by leveraging new and existing commercial relationships consistent to further CENIC's mission;
• Maintain CENIC's world-class technical capabilities.

Candidate Profile

The qualified candidate will be a recognized leader with a track record of accomplishment in an esteemed educational, industry research, or governmental organization. This individual will have demonstrable skill leading an organization of a similar size and complexity and have a broad set of professional relationships/contacts/experience within the education, research and/or networking arenas. Strategically, (s)he will have proven skills in crafting and articulating a cogent organizational vision. Operationally, (s)he will bring knowledge and experience working with research and education members as well as the expertise required to build and nurture relationships with commercial partners.

The ideal candidate will have experience and an appropriate level of technical understanding in the areas of IT networking, high performance computing or a related field and broad business and administrative skills. An advanced degree is a distinct plus.

In addition to the requisite experience and functional skills, qualified candidates will have demonstrated strong competencies in the following areas:

• Entrepreneurial leadership - (S)he will have a hands-on, energetic style and the ability to work without a large organization/infrastructure behind her/him. Likewise, (s)he will be highly results focused and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Collaborative decision making - This individual seeks out the opinions and expertise of others and uses that input to build consensus and drive action.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills - (S)he projects a polished, executive presence and is able to listen and communicate effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. (S)He builds strong working relationships with both internal and external constituents.
• High integrity - This person is open, honest, and consistently delivers on her/his commitments. (S)He has the trust and respect of key stakeholders and partners in the State and nation.

CENIC is a major participant in national and international R&E networking. As a result a moderate amount of travel is required.

A Bachelors or higher degree in engineering, technology or business is required. An advanced degree and experience in a higher education environment are preferred.

Compensation will be commensurate with the selected candidate's skills and experience.

CENIC offers a comprehensive set of benefits, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance. CENIC also contributes 5% to each employee's salary to a 403(b) retirement plan. Additionally, employees can contribute on a voluntary pre-tax basis to the plan, up to the amount allowed by law.

Interested parties should submit a letter of interest and resume to Bea Jensen at bjensen@cenic.org. Review of resumes will begin April 1. Position open until filled.

CENIC is an equal opportunity employer.