Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) is exclusively dedicated to higher education institutions. Recognizing the unique challenges of the education landscape, our flexible, flat fee search services cater to any budget level, without compromising on quality. Backed by a team of strong researchers, we take pride in generating robust and diverse candidate pools, ensuring the best-fit talent for every position. We possess an unparalleled ability to reach passive candidates, granting you access to hidden talent gems. We are skilled in filling even the most challenging and niche academic, leadership, and senior staff positions.
Our customer-centric approach sets us apart as our highly responsive team consistently ensures a seamless and efficient recruitment process, tailored to your specific needs. Our clients include 4-year universities, 2-year colleges, public and private institutions, R1 research universities, and liberal arts colleges.
The success of our team is a customer-centric approach and dedication to providing an exceptional search experience by delivering premium services, solutions, candidate pools, and search success.
We offer multiple levels of search services designed to meet your needs and budgets, giving you affordable options for every position level from faculty to senior administration.
We offer a fixed fee rather than a sliding scale or percentage of salary. Eliminated are additional monthly, research, administrative, or hourly/per diem fees, assuring stable fees over a search’s duration.
Enhanced Search:
Our most comprehensive level of service. We are involved in every step of the process from candidate profile development to final reference checks. Four levels of vetting include candidate review, social media and Google background check, candidate questionnaire and prescreen phone interview. Interview coordination and reference checks included. Placement guarantee included.
Full Search:
A slightly more economical search service including all items in the Enhanced Search including the four levels of vetting (candidate review, social media and Google check, candidate questionnaire and prescreen phone interview). Interview coordination and reference checks not included. Placement guarantee included.
Candidate Generator:
Our most economical level provides all stages included in the initial work to build the candidate pool. It includes three of the four levels of vetting (candidate review, social media and Google check, candidate questionnaire) including salary verification. Search committees review qualified candidates, conduct video interviews, identify finalists, and make the hire. Prescreen phone interview and written narrative, reference checks or interview coordination not included. Placement guarantee not included.
Faculty Hire:
Developed specifically for single or multi-hire faculty searches and offers the ability to hire multiple faculty from a single search effort. This level provides all stages included in the initial work to build the candidate pool and two of the four levels of vetting (candidate review, social media and Google check along with salary verification. Search committees review qualified candidates, conduct video interviews, identify finalists, and make the hire. ACES maintains weekly progress meetings throughout the search process. Candidate questionnaire, prescreen phone interview and written narrative, reference checks or interview coordination not included. Placement guarantee not included.
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) was recently retained by Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI, to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The search is being led by managing partner Jennifer Muller. Reporting to the president and serving on the president’s executive leadership team, the CHRO is responsible for integrating human
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) was recently selected to recruit the next chief human resources officer for Massachusetts College of Art and Design. The search is being led by managing partner Jennifer Muller. This is a vibrant period for
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has assisted in the placement of Mary Schutten as the founding dean of the College of Health Sciences at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) in Southfield, MI. This follows a national search led by managing partner Jennifer Muller. “Our College of Health Sciences was formed to address the growing need for technologically educated
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has assisted in the recruitment of Christopher Robinson as the new provost for Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. Robyn Hannigan stepped down from the role last June to become president of nearby Ursinus College. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the search. “We are thrilled to have Chris Robinson take on the permanent
(January 16, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Dr. Ann Monroe-Baillargeon, securing the role as Dean for the Ella Cline Shear School of Education at SUNY Geneseo. Dr. Ann Monroe-Baillargeon comes
(January 16, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, has been selected to recruit the next Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, will be leading the search. The Associate Vice Chancellor for HR (AVC HR)
(January 16, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education-focused executive search firm, has been selected to recruit the next Dean of the College of Nursing at Rush University. Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, will be leading the search. The Dean of the College of Nursing will provide leadership for
(January 16, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Vicki Steele securing the role as Assistant Vice President of Finance and Controller at Marietta College. Having recently served as Controller and Acting
(January 16, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of William Everroad, securing the role as Chief of Staff to the Provost and Executive Vice President at Kansas State University. William Everroad brings