Program Overview: Your 5-Day Search Committee Framework

The higher ed job market has changed dramatically. Political interference, anti-DEI backlash, institutional instability, and values misalignment are making it harder than ever to find roles where you can truly thrive. In this shifting landscape, this 5-day bootcamp equips you with the clarity, insight, and confidence to move from application to offer. You’ll clarify your priorities, assess institutional culture, refine your materials, and prepare for interviews—so you can make career decisions that align with your values, not just what’s on paper.

This 5-day institutional bootcamp equips your search committee with the structure, tools, and confidence to move from posting to hire with clarity and purpose. Together, we’ll sharpen your process, strengthen candidate experience, and align each step of the search with your institution’s mission and culture—so you don’t just fill a position, you make the right hire.

Your 5-day journey includes:

    1. Welcome to Bootcamp!

    2. Join The Academic Exchange

    3. Preparing for Bootcamp - Let's go!

    1. Redefining Career Success in a Changing Academic Landscape

    2. Values, Vision, and Vulnerability — What Truly Matters to You Now?

    3. Identifying Your Non-Negotiables — Beyond Salary and Title

    4. Building Your Academic Fit Filter

    1. Understanding Culture in the Academic Context

    2. Identifying the Gaps Between Stated and Lived Values

    3. Investigating Institutional Priorities Through Public Signals

    4. Spotting Red Flags in Culture, Climate, and Communication

    5. Conducting a Pre-Application Culture Scan

    1. What Position Descriptions Reveal—And What They Don’t

    2. What to look for (and listen for) in job postings, mission statements, and conversations

    3. Reading Between the Lines — Identifying Hidden Expectations and Priorities

    4. Spotting Coded Language and Red Flag Phrases

    5. Assessing Role Viability, Scope, and Institutional Support

    6. Using Your Non-Negotiables to Screen the Role Before You Apply

    1. Reframing the Purpose of Your Application Materials

    2. Common Pitfalls in CVs and Cover Letters

    3. Interview Missteps that Undermine Confidence and Clarity

    4. Navigating Value-Based Language in a Politicized Climate

    5. Conducting a Self-Audit of Your Academic Job Search Materials & Strategy

    1. How Hiring Decisions Are Really Made

    2. Recognizing Power Dynamics Within Search Committees

    3. What’s negotiable in academia (and how to ask)

    4. Making Aligned, Informed Decisions—Even in Uncertain Times

    5. When to Pause, Pivot, or Withdraw

    6. How to compare multiple offers using a values-based decision matrix

    7. Managing emotions and expectations around offers and rejections

    8. Approaching the job search as an act of leadership—on behalf of your future self

5-Day Bootcamp Curiculum

  • Daily Q&A (support → daily interaction)
  • Resources, Materials, Tools
  • 5-Part Clarity Framework

Who is This For?

  • Graduate Students and Postdocs

    Preparing to enter the market and eager to job search with clarity, confidence, and alignment.

  • Faculty and Early-Career Professionals

    Ready for the next professional move and seeking tools to navigate today’s shifting higher ed landscape.

  • Academic Leaders in Transition

    Chairs, deans, and seasoned administrators pursuing roles that better reflect their leadership identity and values.

⏳ Don’t Miss Out on Your Early-Bird Bonus

Register by September 15, 2025 to unlock your free copy of The New Reality of Job Searching in Higher Ed e-book plus access to an exclusive Mock Interview Practice bonus session.

Early Registration Ends In:

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WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Today’s job search requires more than strong credentials. It demands cultural fluency, political awareness, and intentional decision-making. This bootcamp gives you the tools to assess, align, and act with clarity at every stage of the process.

  • Spot misalignment cues in job descriptions and interviews

  • Decode unwritten cultural dynamics during campus visits

  • Identify red flags and “green lights” in institutional behavior

CHOOSE YOUR OPTION

🪴Bootcamp | Essential - $249

Includes the full 5-day Bootcamp experience, packed with strategy, templates, and real-time guidance designed to help you advance your job search in today’s higher ed climate. Includes:

• 5-day live Bootcamp with daily Q & A

• Daily lessons + action tasks

• Downloadable tools & templates

• Access to the Leadership Exchange Community

JOIN BOOTCAMP | ESSENTIAL - $249

🌿Bootcamp | Enhanced - $750

Includes everything in Bootcamp Essential, plus:

• One 60-minute private coaching session

• Custom Job Search Toolkit

JOIN BOOTCAMP | ENHANCED - $750

🌳 Bootcamp | Comprehensive - $1,950

Includes everything in Bootcamp Enhanced, plus:

• Three 60-minute private coaching sessions:

• Session 1: Detailed CV Feedback and Edits

• Session 2: Strategic Cover Letter Review & Revisions

• Session 3: Mock Interview + Practice Session

• Priority scheduling + private email access

JOIN BOOTCAMP | ENHANCED - $1,950

Meet Dr. Nicole R. Robinson

Founder of Cultural Connections by Design | Higher Ed Consultant | Leadership Strategist |

Dr. Nicole R. Robinson is a nationally recognized academic consultant and former university associate vice president with 25+ years in higher ed leadership. As founder of Cultural Connections by Design, she helps institutions build inclusive, purpose-driven cultures using her signature 4P’s Framework™—People, Place, Process, and Power. Nicole has supported over 150 colleges and universities through culture challenges, leadership transitions, and strategic planning. Whether you’re a student, faculty, or administrator, she offers real-world insight and practical tools to help you lead with intention.

🎓 Want to Gift This to A Graduate Student or Postdoc?

We’re proud to support the next generation of academic professionals. If you’re purchasing this course as a gift for a graduate student, simply select “This is a gift for a graduate student” at checkout. Once payment is processed, the recipient will receive an email granting them access, and you’ll also receive a link to the gifted course for your records.

FAQ

  • Can I use university professional development funds for this bootcamp?

    Yes. This program qualifies as professional development training in higher education leadership and career advancement. If needed, we are happy to provide a receipt formatted with professional development language for institutional reimbursement.

  • Will the sessions be recorded?

    Yes. All sessions are recorded. If you are unable to attend live, you’ll still receive access to the recording and materials for two weeks. We do encourage live participation for the best interactive experience.

  • What will I need to participate?

    You’ll need a reliable internet connection, access to Zoom, and space to engage fully during the session. We also recommend bringing your current CV or resume, cover letter, and a list of institutions/roles you’re targeting.

  • Do I need to complete any prep work before the bootcamp?

    No required prep is needed, but early registrants will receive a free e-book (The New Reality of Job Searching in Higher Ed) to help you begin reflecting on your priorities before we meet.

  • Is this bootcamp only for faculty?

    No. This program is designed for a wide range of higher education professionals — faculty, staff, and administrators — who are seeking new roles or career advancement in today’s shifting academic landscape.

  • What if I have to change my session after registering?

    No problem! If you need to move to a different session, just follow these quick steps:

    Step 1: Open your confirmation email from Zoom for the original session and click “Cancel Registration.”

    Step 2: Return to this page and register for your new preferred session using the correct Zoom link.

    Step 3: Add the new session to your calendar so you don’t miss it.

    Tip: Because space is limited, we recommend making changes as soon as possible to secure your spot.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!!

Get insider tips, job search strategies, and early access to future bootcamps.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY HERE