Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a leading nonprofit association dedicated to advancing the quality of higher education, seeks a nationally recognized leader to forge partnerships, alliances, and funding relationships in order to develop new programs and business lines that amplify our mission and extend our impact.

As Senior Vice President, you will collaborate closely with the President to lead enterprise-wide strategic initiatives and represent HLC as a thought leader in the national higher education community.  This position is an opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

The ideal candidate has extensive networks across education, nonprofit, association or philanthropic sectors. They bring at least ten years of senior leadership experience with proven success implementing and managing the end-to-end launch of new business lines.

The successful candidate will excel at building consensus, fostering collaboration, and leading cross-functional teams toward shared goals. They demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking, financial acumen, and project management expertise, along with the credibility to engage effectively with trustees, national higher education leaders, funders, and HLC’s high-performing staff.

HLC welcomes candidates with broad familiarity with higher education, as well as those from adjacent mission-driven sectors who have successfully developed and led new programs or partnerships that advance learning and opportunity. HLC values leaders who combine strategic insight with a deep commitment to the public good.

Advanced Education: Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience required; terminal degree or MBA preferred.

Strategic Partnership Development: Proven ability to identify and cultivate partnerships that expand organizational impact and strengthen financial sustainability.

Business Line Development: Extensive experience leading the end-to-end launch of new programs or business lines, including strategic planning, benchmarking, pricing, and operational execution.

Operational Readiness: Track record of ensuring organizational infrastructure and systems are prepared to support new initiatives and growth.

Grant Strategy and Execution: Demonstrated experience designing and implementing multi-year grant strategies aligned with mission and strategic priorities.

Project Leadership: Exceptional project management skills with demonstrated success in delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives.

Executive Advising Experience: Minimum of ten years advising senior leaders and navigating complex organizational challenges.

Leadership and Organizational Insight: Deep understanding of leadership practices, management strategies, and organizational behavior to drive effective decision-making and team performance.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent accrediting agency founded in 1895. HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. HLC has approximately 60 employees.

HLC is a hybrid work environment. In general, employees are expected to work in the HLC Chicago office on an occasional basis. Non-local candidates will be considered for Alternative Work Arrangements.

HLC is an equal opportunity employer. If you may require reasonable accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].    

Pay Scale and Benefits Information

HLC offers a rich benefits package including an employer 10% contribution of base salary to the retirement plan; medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance options; long term disability insurance; and dedicated funding for professional development.

HLC’s time-off includes 20 vacation days, 10 personal days, and a typical annual office closure for ten days in December.

The annual pay range for this salary is expected to be $230k-$250k, although the actual salary for the position may vary based on experience, qualifications, and HLC budget considerations.

Timeline and Hiring Process

Initial review of applications will begin on 01/05/2026. While subject to change, candidates elected to advance throughout the process can expect a virtual interview and an in-person interview to take place in early February. The expected start date is Spring 2026.