Description

Executive Director Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging

Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Marieb College of Health & Human Services (MCHHS) invites nominations, inquiries, and applications for a seasoned leader to join the Institute as its next Executive Director (ED) for the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging. The Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging was established in 2022 as a university-wide entity to strengthen interprofessional inquiry on aging and the life course, with the specific aims of advancing research to optimize the aging experience of a wide range of populations and preparing future leaders for the field of gerontology. The Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging at Florida Gulf Coast University was created to close those gaps by integrating education, scholarship, and service. As one of the fastest-aging regions in the nation, Southwest Florida presents a unique opportunity for FGCU to emerge as a regional and national leader in healthspan, aging, and lifespan innovation. We are also living longer with more years of poor health and reduced independence. The Institute will draw upon the expertise of faculty, staff, and students from across the FGCU campus, fostering a vibrant interprofessional community and serving as a convener for community, governmental, and industry partners focused on aging and healthspan.

Reporting directly to the Dean of MCHHS and serving as a member of the MCHHS Administrative Team, the incoming Executive Director (ED) will provide effective leadership and direction in implementing the vision, mission, strategic plan, and core values of the Institute. While foundational strategic planning efforts are underway, the Executive Director will play a central role in shaping, refining, and executing the Institute’s strategic priorities in alignment with FGCU and MCHHS goals. The Executive Director for the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging will join MCHHS and FGCU at an exciting time in the college and university’s history. Architectural planning is finalizing for a new academic building that will foster the college's projected growth. Additionally, there is a renewed focus on interprofessional education and utilizing emerging technology. The ideal candidate for this role will be deeply committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment. Additionally, this candidate will have an entrepreneurial mindset, with responsibility for advancing sustainable programs, partnerships, and funding opportunities that expand the Institute’s impact across FGCU, the College, and the Southwest Florida community.

Required Candidate Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of senior leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit, public health, business, or related sectors focused on aging, community development, or health innovation. Earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution/program in a health-related field or nonprofit management.
• Demonstrated fundraising, nonprofit management, advocacy leadership, or creating substantial leads including experience growing programs, partnerships, or organizations through grants, philanthropy, contracts, or earned revenue.
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to engage and inspire various stakeholders across academia, community organizations, industry, philanthropy, and government.
• Evidence of visionary leadership, exceptional communication, financial management, political savvy, collaborative attitude, and an entrepreneurial spirit with demonstrated ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes.
• Five or more years of relevant experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives or organizations.

Preferred Professional Experiences and Characteristics:

• Demonstrated knowledge of gerontology, the socioeconomic needs of the aging population, and state and federal guidelines governing senior services.
• Expertise in securing funding streams including grants and donations, and experience working within institutional approval, compliance, and governance structures.
• Experience working with advisory councils, coalitions, or cross-sector partnerships to advance shared goals and accountability.

How to Apply

Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting Florida Gulf Coast University in this search. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be submitted by Feb 9, 2026. Appointment will be made at an out-of-unit faculty rank commensurate with the candidate’s experience on a 12-month out-of-unit multi-year appointment basis available (as early as March 2026).

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments:

• A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position
• A current résumé/curriculum vitae

Please submit full application packets here.

Nominations, inquiries, and questions should be directed to:

Denice Perdue

Senior Executive Search Consultant

deniceperdue@greenwoodsearch.com

Andriel Dees

Vice President of Executive Search

andrieldees@greenwoodsearch.com

Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida’s Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.