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Opportunity Profile—Leadership Attributes

• The Opportunity
• The Person
• The Position
• Dynamic Opportunities
• Process of Candidacy

Leadership Attributes

Visionary and Strategic
The president must be a visionary leader who is able to see future trends and opportunities that will impact Christian higher education and position the institution to capitalize on or respond to those trends. S/he must be able to cast a compelling vision that inspires others to excellence and strategically lead the university with purpose and clarity to carry out the vision s/he has laid out.

Collaborative, yet Decisive
Collaboration is at the heart of a successful working relationship between a college president and his/her many constituents. The president of Bethel University should be known for the participative and collaborative spirit that permeates his/her administration; leading the team relationally, creating synergy, encouraging innovation, and delegating responsibility and authority while demonstrating a high degree of decisiveness.

Effective Communicator
The president must communicate the mission and vision of Bethel University with energy and enthusiasm in multiple venues. In addition to having strong interpersonal communications skills, s/he must effectively engage internal and external small groups and large audiences; bringing visibility to the university while serving as chief spokesperson.

Engaging and Relational
The president of Bethel University must enjoy and be able to develop relationships at all levels. S/he should enjoy meeting people in both professional and social settings. Building relationships with a broad range of people (students, faculty members, staff, trustees, donors, denominational leaders, Christian organization leaders, etc.) is vital to effective leadership at Bethel.   

Champion of Cultural Diversity
One of Bethel’s seven core values affirms: “We are reconcilers—honoring the worth and dignity of people from all races and purposely seeking to create a community that reflects the diversity of the Body of Christ.” The president must lead the development and implementation of policies that improve and increase the diversity in university leadership at all levels as well as in the student body.

Accomplished Fund Raiser
Assisted by the Office of Development, the president will set the tone and direction for fundraising.  S/he should have first-hand experience and proven skill in fundraising. 

Visible and Active
Bethel has enjoyed a tradition of its president being visible and active in the local and national evangelical community.  In order for Bethel to continue to grow in regional and national impact, it is essential that the president be active in these communities; building visibility and confidence in the Bethel constituent groups and supporters and getting results that confirm Bethel’s value proposition and mission.