New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, New Jersey - United States
The Board of Trustees of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) invites nominations and expressions of interest for its next president. At a time when higher education is navigating unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the Board seeks a bold, forward-looking leader who embraces complexity and acts with conviction. The successful candidate will bring the vision, political acumen, communication and fundraising abilities and innovative spirit needed to advance NJIT’s mission and lead a rising R1 polytechnic university whose influence on social mobility, research and economic growth continues to expand.
Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees and overseeing a $747.43 million budget, the successful candidate will serve as NJIT’s 10th president. Consistent with the goals of NJIT 2030: Innovation Nexus, the president will be responsible for executing the strategic plan and leading NJIT into its next era of excellence. The president will be tasked with enhancing the university’s visibility and influence, advancing innovation and AI leadership, ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the university, strengthening philanthropic resources and deepening strategic partnerships. The next leader of NJIT must be deeply committed to student success and creating transformative opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. By empowering a high-performing leadership team and engaging stakeholders across the university and beyond, the president will further elevate NJIT’s standing as a nationally recognized engine of discovery, opportunity and economic impact.
NJIT is the leading producer of technological talent and knowledge in New Jersey and is a nexus of innovation— a physical and intellectual focal point for innovative ideas, actions and people. NJIT is ranked the top public university in New Jersey by The Wall Street Journal for both value and alumni salaries, No. 7 nationally among public universities for alumni salaries. The Princeton Review ranks NJIT as a Best Value College, in addition to being rated among the top 50 public national universities and top 100 overall by U.S. News & World Report. NJIT also is the only university in the country that is designated by the Carnegie Classification® as a top tier (R1) research university, a tech-focused university and an opportunity college, which means that our students enjoy high career earnings and upward economic mobility.
With 12,309 current students enrolled across six colleges, including the largest entering class in its history, NJIT attracts ambitious, highly talented learners who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and achieve exceptional career outcomes. NJIT generates a $2.8 billion annual economic impact in New Jersey and produces nearly $170 million in research annually in areas that include the life sciences, health care, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, transportation, clean energy and many other fields.
The president should be eligible for appointment with tenure at the rank of professor or higher at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Candidates should bring leadership experience within a research-intensive university, with experience at a polytechnic institution strongly preferred.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. WittKieffer is assisting New Jersey Institute of Technology in this search, led by Melody Rose, Ph.D., Jessica Herrington, and Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, Ph.D. For full consideration, applicants should provide a CV and letter of interest by December 14, 2026, by clicking “Apply” above.
Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
Compensation Range: $725,000 – $825,000
As an EEO employer, NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women.
NJIT values the unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives of our university community and recognizes the cultural and personal contributions each individual brings to the institution. We strive to cultivate a welcoming and supportive campus environment that fosters a sense of belonging, mutual respect, collaboration and excellence among our faculty, staff, students and external partners. Embracing the strengths and contributions of our community is essential to NJIT’s continued success as a premier research institution and leading public polytechnic university.