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.
Executive recruiters continue to be in hot pursuit of senior-level HR leaders across the nation. West Hartford CT-based Academic Career & Executive Search was recently tapped by the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) to help find its next chief human resources officer. Jennifer Muller, co-founder and managing partner, is leading the assignment. The Dallas County Community
West Hartford, Conn-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has expanded with the addition of Charles J. Fey as an executive search consultant. Dr. Fey retired after a noteworthy 44-year career in student affairs and student success. He held a number of positions including: president for student engagement and success at the University of Akron, VP for
West Hartford, CT-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has expanded with the addition of Dr. Robert A. Kennedy as an executive search consultant. Dr. Kennedy has over 40 years of experience in academia, including six years as president of the University of Maine. He also served as executive vice president and provost at the
In the wake of its launch earlier this month, Academic Career & Executive Search has added former Tuskegee University president Dr. Gilbert L. Rochon to its team. He brings 30 years of experience in academia to the West Hartford, CT-based recruitment firm. Jennifer Muller, ACES managing partner and lead consultant, said Dr. Rochon brings both
(December 15, 2025, 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. Tamara V. Hill, securing the role of Assistant Vice President, Office of Research Administration at The University of Akron. Dr. Tamara Hill brings
(December 12, 2025, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, has been selected to recruit the next Vice President for Information Services and Chief Information Officer at St. Mary’s University. Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, will be leading the search. Reporting directly to the President and
(December 12, 2025, 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. Brian Peterson, securing the role as Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Briar Cliff University. Brian Peterson joins
(December 12, 2025, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, has been selected to recruit an Assistant Professor (N-T Track Research) of Psychiatry/Behavioral Science Search at The University of Texas Medical Branch. Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, will be leading the search. UTMB invites applications for
(December 12, 2025, 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 Melanie Walker, securing the role as Vice President of Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Melanie Walker