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Executive Higher Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CodePath

Account Executive, Higher Education

$190K - $210K/yr

Head of Higher Education Compensation: $130,000 - $150,000 base plus variable tied to new-partner ... You shift register easily between faculty, administrators, and executive stakeholders. * You keep a ...

Coakley & Williams Construction

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Construction Project Executive, Higher Education

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$170K - $215K/yr

Provide executive leadership for multiple educational and higher education construction projects from preconstruction through closeout. * Develop and maintain relationships with institutional owners ...

Salesforce, Inc.

OR · On-site

As a Named Account Executive specializing in selling into Higher Education customers you will play a critical role in establishing and nurturing strong relationships with these organizations. Your ...

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Executive Higher Education information

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$26.5K

$93.6K

$184K

How much do executive higher education jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive higher education in the United States is $93,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive in Higher Education, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive in Higher Education, you need advanced degrees (often a doctorate), significant leadership experience, and a deep understanding of academic administration and policy. Familiarity with strategic planning tools, budgeting systems, and accreditation processes, as well as experience with learning management systems, is typically required. Exceptional communication, visionary leadership, and stakeholder management skills set outstanding executives apart. These competencies are crucial for driving institutional growth, ensuring academic quality, and effectively navigating the complexities of higher education.

What are some common challenges faced by executives in higher education, and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Executives in higher education often navigate complex challenges such as balancing academic priorities with financial sustainability, leading organizational change, and managing diverse stakeholder expectations. Job seekers should be prepared to address issues like enrollment management, regulatory compliance, and fostering an inclusive campus environment. Building strong leadership skills, staying informed about higher education trends, and developing effective communication strategies are key to success in this role.

What is an Executive in Higher Education?

An Executive in Higher Education typically refers to senior leadership roles such as president, provost, chancellor, or dean within a college or university. These professionals are responsible for setting strategic direction, overseeing academic and administrative functions, and representing the institution to stakeholders. Their work ensures that the institution meets its educational mission, manages resources effectively, and adapts to changing educational landscapes.

What is the difference between Executive Higher Education vs Academic Dean?

AspectExecutive Higher EducationAcademic Dean
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Education or related field, leadership experienceDoctorate in Education or relevant field, academic leadership experience
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, executive education programsUniversities, colleges, overseeing academic departments
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, executive education providersAcademic institutions, universities, colleges
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Executive Higher Education professionals focus on leading and managing executive education programs and strategic initiatives within higher education institutions. Academic Deans oversee academic departments, curriculum, and faculty. While both roles require advanced degrees and leadership skills, Executive Higher Education emphasizes program management at an institutional level, whereas Academic Deans concentrate on academic operations within departments.

More about Executive Higher Education jobs
What cities are hiring for Executive Higher Education jobs? Cities with the most Executive Higher Education job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Higher Education jobs? The most popular types of Higher Education jobs are:
What states have the most Executive Higher Education jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Higher Education jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Executive Higher Education jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Higher Education jobs are:
Executive Higher Education jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Higher Education job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,552 per year, or $45 per hour.
Project Executive - Higher Education

Project Executive - Higher Education

Coakley & Williams Construction, LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$170K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) is seeking a Project Executive to lead educational and institutional construction projects while helping expand our higher education portfolio.

Building on CWC’s established work with public and state-funded learning institutions, this leader will strengthen client relationships, develop new higher education opportunities, and partner directly with the COO on pursuits and growth strategy. The role offers meaningful authority over project selection, staffing, and execution, with a potential path to Business Unit Leader or senior operations leadership.

What You’ll Do
  • Provide executive leadership for multiple educational and higher education construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with institutional owners, higher education leaders, architects, engineers, consultants, and trade subcontractors.
  • Identify and advance new opportunities while serving as a final reviewer of project pursuits, proposals, RFP responses, and interview strategies.
  • Partner directly with the COO and business leaders on higher education growth strategy, market positioning, and pursuit decisions.
  • Lead project teams and oversee safety, scheduling, procurement, quality, risk, subcontractor performance, and client communication.
  • Manage budgets, forecasts, change orders, cost controls, owner requisitions, and overall project profitability.
  • Guide constructability, phasing, logistics, estimating, scheduling, BIM, and value-management decisions during preconstruction.
  • Help select, mentor, and develop project team members with support from CWC’s experienced Talent Acquisition team.
  • Represent CWC within higher education and construction industry organizations, conferences, and networking events.
What Sets This Opportunity Apart
  • Build on an established educational and institutional construction platform while helping shape CWC’s growing higher education portfolio.
  • Influence which projects CWC pursues and how teams are assembled to deliver them.
  • Work directly with the COO on business-line strategy, client development, and long-term growth.
  • Gain executive visibility and a potential path to Business Unit Leader or senior operations leadership.
  • Join a mid-sized commercial general contractor where senior leaders have the resources to execute and the access to make an impact.
Required Qualifications
  • At least ten (10) years of experience in managing building construction projects singularly, or in cumulative, in excess of Twenty (20) Million Dollars
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or Related field
  • Experience developing business and maintaining long-term client relationships within the educational and institutional construction market
  • Proven track record of client satisfaction and profitability
  • OSHA 30 hour, First Aid and CPR certifications
  • LEED Specialty Accreditation
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Procore, Bluebeam as well as an understanding of Primavera scheduling and BIM
Preferred Experience
  • Leadership of new construction, renovation, reconstruction, or preconstruction projects for colleges, universities, trade schools, or other higher education institutions
  • An established network of institutional owners, facilities leaders, design partners, consultants, and industry professionals
  • Experience managing occupied campuses, phased construction, academic calendar constraints, and complex stakeholder groups

Wage Transparency: 
In accordance to the Maryland Wage Transparency Act, the base salary range for this postion is: $170,000-$215,000, based on experience, qualifications, and skills. 

What we offer: 
  • A collaborative culture focused on safety, quality, and long-term relationships
  • Clear path for leadership growth and advancement
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including: 
    • Health, Dental, and Vision coverage
    • 401(k) with employer match
    • Performance-based bonuses
    • Paid time off and wellness programs 
Job Demands

This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Work may involve active construction sites, heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and extreme weather conditions. Hours will vary based on project requirements and may include nights and weekends.

CWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected status, including protected veteran or disability status.

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