President & Ceo Jobs

President and CEO
P O S I T I O N P R O F I L E

On behalf of our client Wallin Education Partners,
CohenTaylor Executive Search Services is conducting a

retained executive search for its next
President and CEO.

Position Profile: Wallin Education Partners | President and CEO

The Organization VISION
Wallin Education Partners (Wallin) is more than a scholarship. It is We envision a future where all students
a proven college completion program that includes financial aid and have full access to college and career success, where every scholar can
comprehensive support for high-potential students with financial reach their full potential, and where our
need. program helps build a more equitable

society.
With a 90% six-year graduation rate compared to 64% nationally,
Wallin is one of the most effective college completion programs in MISSION
the country. The program seeks to address the systemic barriers To ensure college and career success
students face and provides support that sets scholars up to rise. for high-potential students from low-
Wallin’s model of financial aid and comprehensive individual income backgrounds, and through our

efforts help build diverse, equitable and
advising accelerates economic mobility and fundamentally vibrant communities. We do this through
increases the odds of graduation and employment for a comprehensive model of financial aid
underrepresented students. and holistic support, and collaboration with our business, education,
Nationally, it is estimated that only 21% of low-income, first- community, and philanthropic partners.

generation college students who enroll at a four-year college
successfully complete their degrees. Since 1992, Wallin Education CORE VALUES
Partners has changed these odds for Minnesota students by

Collaboration – We value unique
partnering with high schools, donors, community organizations, and perspectives, expertise, and the co-
civic leaders to support more than 5,000 students on their college creation of solutions to achieve
journeys. Wallin scholars begin their college journey, belong to a measurable, positive change in our community.
proven support system, and become graduates ready for their next
step. Commitment to Scholar Success –

We prioritize scholars’ needs in all
Working to promote equity in education is an essential component decision making.
of the work of Wallin Education Partners and is key to building a
better future. Wallin focuses on creating equitable outcomes for Equity – We acknowledge the impact of
every scholar and serves a diverse and expanding community structural barriers to student success
including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, AAPI, and multi-racial scholars. and commit to meaningfully increasing access to education to achieve social,
Wallin Education Partners is fully committed to doing its part to economic, and racial justice.
eliminate systemic racism; it does this in part by continuing to
center its scholars, their experiences, their needs, and their Innovation – We encourage
journeys as Wallin builds a more equitable world. adaptability and thoughtful, creative

problem solving.
2022 marked the thirtieth year of the organization, which was
founded by Win Wallin, a former Pillsbury executive and CEO of Trust – We honor the trust placed in us
Medtronic. Although a family foundation at its beginning, it became by our scholars, our stakeholders and each other.

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Position Profile: Wallin Education Partners | President and CEO

a separate 501(c)3 in 2010 and receives support from many corporate individual and foundation donors.

Wallin’s program focused for many years on low-income students attending a four-year degree path, and
most scholars are enrolled in four-year colleges in the upper Midwest as well as across the nation at
HBCUs. In 2019, Wallin launched a new pathway for students interested in two-year degrees at
community colleges in Minnesota. This program, called Opportunity Pathways, provides two-year
scholarships, comprehensive advising support, and access to a system of partnerships helping scholars
connect to internships and work opportunities.

Program Areas
Wallin Education Partners believes that systemic problems require holistic solutions. Its comprehensive
support is designed to address both systemic barriers and individual needs so every scholar can rise.

FINANCIAL AID

Wallin scholars receive financial aid spread across their time in school. The organization carefully
leverages its funding to make sure scholars have what they need to succeed in college.

INDIVIDUALIZED ADVISING

Wallin scholars are part of a proven support system. Students are connected with a full-time, professional
advisor who addresses each student’s unique needs and challenges.

EXPANDED ACCESS

Wallin scholars receive access to career and community opportunities through an expansive network of
partners, and Wallin leverages its relationships so scholars have a portfolio of opportunities to rise.

For more information

Visit wallinpartners.org

View PBS Newshour’s
feature on Wallin
Education Partners

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Position Profile: Wallin Education Partners | President and CEO

The Role
Wallin Education Partners’ President and CEO provides strategic and operational leadership and vision
to the Wallin organization. The President works tirelessly to advance Wallin’s mission and strategy while
serving as a trusted collaborator with partner organizations. They serve as a key voice and thought
leader on issues related to equity in education.

The President and CEO will oversee Wallin’s services, programs, finances, budgeting, administration,
development, brand, external partnerships, and outreach in the community. The President will guide the
continued growth and development of Wallin to meet the needs of all scholars, acting as a thought
leader and to ensure college and career success for high potential students from low-income
backgrounds.

R E P O R T I N G R E L A T I O N S H I P S

The Wallin President and CEO will report to the Wallin Board of Trustees and will have oversight of
approximately forty full-time staff members. The President and CEO will have five direct reports,
including the following:

• Deputy Director

• Director of Scholar Programs

• Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

• Director of Finance

• Director of Scholar Selection

K E Y R O L E S A N D A C C O U N T A B I L I T I E S

The President and CEO of Wallin Education Partners will be responsible for the organization’s strategic
and operational leadership with both internal and external audiences. Key roles and desired
accountabilities include the following:

Strategic Leadership
• Dream big about the role that Wallin can play in ensuring full college access and scholar

success within the future landscape of higher education.

• Lead with bold vision and purpose, providing inspiration and strategic direction to team.

• Provide leadership and framework to develop/implement strategic goals and objectives to best

serve the mission of Wallin.

• Continue the strategic planning activities underway, driving the 5-year vision and goals

consistent with the Board’s 2022-2027 strategic plan.

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Position Profile: Wallin Education Partners | President and CEO

Team Leadership

• Recruit and retain a talented and diverse team through equitable practices, competitive

compensation, and opportunities for professional growth.

• Serve as a cultural steward for Wallin in an ever-changing workplace; define and direct actions

that mobilize employees and build a culture that drives a shared vision and goals of
achievement for the future.

• Inspire Wallin staff to drive the mission through collaborative, open, and respectful

communications.

• Align the senior leadership team and ensure the organization is both inclusive and innovative.

Fundraising and Revenue Development

• Serve as a fundraising leader, ensure financial strength to support future growth and

innovation; actively manage a major gift portfolio with the Director of Development and Wallin
Leadership Team.

• Work with the senior leadership team to oversee all national and local donor development plans

and programs, and actively expand an engaged community of donors to meet the needs of
Wallin’s growth.

• Identify and develop new and creative revenue streams and funding/fee for service

approaches.

External Relations / Stakeholder Relations

• Function as the face and voice of Wallin; passionately speak on behalf of Wallin’s vision,

mission, and goals.

• Identify and establish new strong and innovative partnerships with outside stakeholders while

maintaining existing relationships with stakeholders and partners.

• Serve as the key representative and spokesperson for Wallin, internally and externally.

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Position Profile: Wallin Education Partners | President and CEO

Administrative and Operations

• Provide leadership in developing organizational and long-range financial plans with the Board of

Trustees and staff, consistent with Wallin’s mission and values.

• Lead the ongoing refinement and enhancement of the scholar experience to meet the current

and emerging needs of Wallin’s scholars.

• Utilize key financial information to measure organizational performance, manage risk, and make

decisions regarding the best mix of investments and expenditures.

• Use financial data and metrics to evaluate opportunities and develop new revenue streams to

support program growth and serve more students.

Diversity Leadership

• Embody a culture of inclusivity.

• Encourage diverse perspectives in problem solving and delivery of services.

• Welcome and embrace diverse life experiences that reflect the communities that Wallin serves.

• Provide leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, continuing the work underway at the

Wallin.

Board of Trustee Management

• Develop, recruit, and retain a diverse and engaged Board of Trustees.

• Work with the Trustees to develop policy and ensure proper governance of Wallin.

• Partner with the Board of Trustees in the development of Wallin’s strategy, plans and

programs. Focus on enhancing board engagement and effectiveness.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for this President and CEO role is a
bold and visionary leader who will proactively lead Wallin
into its next chapter of growth and sustainability. They will
be committed to scholar success, knowledgeable about the
higher educational ecosystem, and equipped to position
Wallin as a thought leader and changemaker in the higher-
ed landscape.

The ideal candidate will be a culturally competent leader
passionate about driving equity. They will be experienced
at leading and building strong teams, enhancing
organizational culture, and identifying and developing new
and creative revenue streams.

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Position Profile: Wallin Education Partners | President and CEO

While no one candidate will have all the criteria enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess the
following professional and personal abilities and attributes:

• A leader passionate about scholar success; equipped to position Wallin as a thought leader

and changemaker in the Higher Education landscape.

• A visionary and strategic leader who can enhance the Wallin brand; with an ability to

set Wallin’s future vision and priorities to ensure long term scalability, sustainability, and
relevance.

• A culturally competent leader with an unwavering and active commitment to driving diversity,

equity, and inclusion work in and around the organization.

• A proven people leader, able to attract, retain, coach, develop and mentor high performing

teams.

• A leader with successful fundraising experience with an ability to identify and cultivate

diversified sources of revenue. Experience in securing major gifts for a nonprofit is preferred.

• A leader skilled at leading complex, high growth organizations; building the infrastructure to

support the future growth of the organization.

• A financially savvy and situationally astute leader with the ability to set clear financial priorities,

guide investments in people and systems, and build out infrastructure to ensure the long-term
sustainability of Wallin.

• A relational leader with a strong presence, equipped to act as external spokesperson and to

maintain and build strong external partnerships.

• A leader with experience working with or serving on a non-profit Board of Directors,

equipped to develop, attract, and retain board members.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years or more of leadership experience.

• Experience working for a non-profit or serving on a non-profit Board of Directors is required.

Knowledge or experience developing, attracting, and retaining board members is preferred.

• A bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management or related is required. A master’s degree

or advanced training in business, finance, nonprofit management or related is preferred.

• Candidates must be willing to be located in the Twin Cities, and able to travel as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Expected salary for this role is in the $185,000-$250,000 range, commensurate with experience and
qualifications; insurance and benefits are in addition to salary.

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Position Profile: Wallin Education Partners | President and CEO

For more information or to send your credentials,

please email

[email protected].

All inquiries will remain confidential.

Wallin Education Partners is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. We encourage
candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities: The contract will not discharge
or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about,
discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees
who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their
essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not
otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal
complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an
investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish
information.

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