President & CEO Search

Conestoga College has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified search firms to conduct a comprehensive President & CEO search for their institution. The procurement opportunity specifically targets professional search firms capable of identifying and recruiting a top-level executive who will lead the college's strategic direction and institutional development. The primary deliverable is a comprehensive executive search process resulting in the selection of a new President & CEO who can guide Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning through future challenges. The ideal candidate will report directly to the Board of Governors and be responsible for developing and delivering educational programs and services that meet stakeholder expectations while maintaining organizational agility. The RFP was posted on August 26, 2025, with proposals due by September 25, 2025, providing potential search firms approximately 30 days to prepare and submit their detailed proposals. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly stated in the provided documentation, the search appears to prioritize firms with demonstrated experience in higher education executive recruitment and a track record of identifying transformative leadership talent.

No specific set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise requirements, or vendor restrictions were outlined in the provided contract opportunity description. The documentation does not indicate incumbent vendors, existing technological infrastructure requirements, or specific budget ranges for the executive search. Given the nature of the procurement as a professional services engagement for a critical leadership position, interested search firms would likely need to demonstrate substantial experience in higher education executive recruitment, strong professional networks, and proven methodologies for identifying and vetting senior administrative talent. The search is for Conestoga College, located in Puerto Rico, suggesting potential nuanced understanding of local educational and professional landscapes may be advantageous. While precise compensation or contract value is not specified, executive search fees typically range between 25-35% of the first-year total compensation for the recruited executive, which for a college president could potentially represent a significant professional services contract.