President
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Job Start Date: July 2025
Contact: Michael Trerotola, Ph.D.
Chief of Staff, Fordham University
Opportunity:
The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities – North America (AJCU) seeks a strategic leader to serve as its next President. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a distinguished association of institutions dedicated to the transformative power of Jesuit higher education. The President will be responsible for advancing the mission of AJCU, helping to strengthen the Jesuit mission of its member institutions, and articulating the value of Jesuit higher education to a wide range of audiences.
AJCU is the national organization that represents Jesuit higher education among its various constituencies; provides a forum for the exchange of information and experiences in Jesuit higher education; and encourages and facilitates collaborative initiatives among its member institutions. This position provides essential leadership to AJCU and its membership community. In close collaboration with the Board of Directors, the president will lead and support the organization in pursuit of its goals and strategic plan. AJCU is a member of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat (WHES), which serves as a forum for Chief Executive Officers of national higher education associations.
About AJCU:
AJCU is a membership organization representing the 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and one Jesuit college in Belize, with three associate members in Canada. Rooted in the nearly 500-year-old educational tradition of the Society of Jesus, AJCU fosters collaboration, advocacy, and the deepening of Jesuit identity among its member institutions.
Jesuit education is distinguished by its commitment to the development of the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and ethically—for lives of leadership and service. This educational philosophy emphasizes academic excellence, the pursuit of justice, and the formation of individuals who are “men and women for others.”
Since its founding in 1970 (as successor to a 1936 Commission), AJCU has had the following purposes: 1) continued study of new educational problems in light of Jesuit policy and practice; 2) continued effort to improve educational effectiveness of Jesuit colleges and universities; 3) effective promotion of inter-institutional cooperation, especially among Jesuit institutions; 4) a unified influence in national organizations, programs, and developments; 5) effective assistance in participating in federal and other national programs supporting research and educational projects; 6) effective dissemination to member institutions of important information; and 7) a forum for the exchange of experiences and information.
Today, AJCU plays a crucial role in strengthening Jesuit higher education, promoting its distinctive mission of educating for justice, and representing the interests of its members on a national stage. The association facilitates a wide range of cooperative programs, advocates for federal and state policies that support Jesuit higher education, and provides a forum for addressing the shared challenges and opportunities facing its member institutions.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Working with the presidents of the member institutions, developing strategic direction for AJCU, facilitating the opportunity for deep collaboration among the presidents and universities, and helping navigate the relationship between the Jesuit Order and AJCU.
- Advocacy and Representation: Serving as the chief advocate for Jesuit higher education in the United States. Representing AJCU’s interests before government agencies, policymakers, foundations, and other national organizations. Helping institutions navigate a tumultuous time in higher education.
- Communications and Public Relations: Serving as the principal spokesperson for AJCU; articulating the association’s mission, values, and accomplishments to a wide range of internal and external audiences. Enhancing the visibility and reputation of AJCU and its member institutions.
- Navigating the Future of Higher Education: Providing leadership and guidance to member institutions in navigating the complex and rapidly changing landscape of higher education. The president will be asked to help guide the membership to address the myriad challenges and opportunities presented to higher education in the current moment while being ever aware of but not overawed by the political, cultural, and policy landscape.
- Member Engagement and Collaboration: Fostering strong and collaborative relationships with the presidents and senior leaders of member institutions. Promoting and facilitating the sharing of best practices, resources, and innovative programs among member institutions. AJCU hosts more than 40 “networks” of leaders, from academic deans to student affairs directors. These self-organized groups, supported by the AJCU staff, provide deep and abiding links to the Jesuit mission across our universities.
- Mission Integration: Deepening and strengthening the integration of the Jesuit charism and core values into the programs and activities of AJCU. Ensuring that the association remains true to its mission and identity.
- Program Development and Management: Directing and overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of AJCU’s programs and initiatives. AJCU provides a structure of formation training for leaders and emerging leaders within our member institutions. Ensuring that these programs effectively serve the needs of member institutions, evolve as appropriate, and advance the current goals of the association.
- Mission Priority Examen (MPE): At the request of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, the U.S. Provincials (regional leaders of the Jesuits) and AJCU have established a self-study and peer review process for reaffirming the Jesuit, Catholic mission priorities of North American Jesuit colleges and universities. The AJCU president provides executive leadership of the Mission Priority Examen program including the process, timeline, and coordination of activities between the provincials and the presidents. The AJCU president serves as chair of the Mission Priority Examen Coordinating Committee, thus providing an appropriate balance of involvement between the provincials and the presidents, allowing for the autonomy of each of the Jesuit colleges and universities.
- Financial Stewardship: Overseeing the financial management of AJCU, ensuring the organization’s long-term financial health, sustainability, and responsible use of resources. Diversifying and enhancing revenue streams to support the association’s strategic priorities.
- Organizational Management: Leading, managing, and developing the AJCU staff, fostering a collaborative, productive, and inclusive work environment. Overseeing the operations of the AJCU office in Washington, D.C.
- Innovation and Collaboration: Working generatively with member institutions, the president will help foster collaborations among member institutions as well as between AJCU and other organizations.
Qualifications:
- A deep and demonstrated understanding of the Jesuit charism, Ignatian spirituality, and the mission and values of Jesuit higher education.
- A distinguished record of leadership experience in higher education, a Jesuit institution, or a related field.
- A strong commitment to the mission and values of Jesuit education.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including university presidents, faculty, staff, trustees, donors, and policymakers.
- Demonstrated understanding of the current challenges and opportunities facing higher education.
- Experience in advocacy, public policy, and government relations is highly desirable.
- Successful experience in fundraising and development is highly desirable.
- Strong financial management skills and experience in overseeing complex budgets.
- Ability to articulate the value of Jesuit higher education to a variety of audiences.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a confidential letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and a list of three professional references to Michael Trerotola, Ph.D., Chief of Staff at Fordham University at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
