RFP 2027-01 Executive Search Firm for College President

Massasoit Community College is requesting proposals from executive search firms to conduct a nationwide search for a college president, with proposals due November 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST and questions due by October 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

The scope encompasses search organization and planning, nationwide recruitment of candidates, candidate evaluations, screening and interviewing process development, reference checks, and coordination of the presidential appointment process. Bidders must demonstrate experience conducting nationwide searches for college presidents at public higher education institutions within the past five years, with preference for community college experience, and provide at least three references from executive searches completed within the past five years. The selected firm must maintain dedicated staff to ensure prompt communication and timely follow-through. Bidders must comply with Massachusetts General Laws regarding tax compliance, unemployment compensation, and non-collusion certifications and maintain liability insurance with a combined single limit of $5 million.

Pricing must be submitted as a flat fee for the full engagement; the College will directly fund final candidate travel costs and Board of Trustees travel to finalists' institutions. Evaluation criteria are weighted at 40 percent for the Management Proposal, 40 percent for the Technical Proposal, and 20 percent for pricing, with the lowest bid receiving full points and higher bids receiving proportional points.

Proposals must be submitted in sealed envelopes with separate Management/Technical and Pricing Proposals mailed or delivered to Robert Norcott, Director of Administrative Services, at the Brockton Campus. Selected bidders will present to and interview with the Evaluation Committee between November 12 and 17, 2026 via videoconference. The anticipated contract award date is November 25, 2026, with work beginning on or about November 30, 2026 and concluding upon the new president's employment commencement, projected for June 1, 2027. Answers to questions will be posted as an addendum by November 4, 2026.