Interim Placement Services

Bridge leadership gaps with experienced professionals ready to make an immediate impact

Institutions of higher education continue to need skilled and motivated leaders to step into critical roles during times of transition, change, and planning. Temporary vacancies in those circumstances call for experienced individuals who can seamlessly integrate and contribute to strong student outcomes and institutional success from day one.

K&A brings decades of expertise in meeting the interim leadership needs of colleges and universities. Having successfully placed more than 100 professionals in interim leadership roles, we understand the necessity for and the vital role of interim leaders. Our placements—whom we assess and recommend with utmost sensitivity and care—ensure stability, foster student success, and advance institutional priorities.

Employers: Ready to Find Your Interim Leader?

Let us help you bridge leadership gaps and maintain momentum with an experienced and highly prepared interim professional. Contact us today at info@keelingassociates.com to discuss your interim placement needs and discover how K&A can support your institution.

Candidates: Interested in Interim Opportunities?

If you would like to be considered for future interim opportunities, please fill out our brief informational survey and join our pool of potential candidates. We are always excited to connect with talented professionals who are ready to make a difference!


Why Choose K&A for Interim Placements?

Proven Expertise

  • More than 100 experienced professionals successfully placed in interim student affairs leadership roles
  • Extensive knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities within higher education leadership, as informed by decades of success in conducting permanent searches; division, program, and service reviews; strategic planning for departments, schools, and whole institutions; and other consulting and executive coaching projects

Tailored Solutions

  • Customized approach designed to align seamlessly with your institution’s goals, priorities, and processes
  • Access to a diverse and robust network of vetted student affairs professionals

Speed and Efficiency

  • Recruitment begins immediately upon contract signing and candidates are typically presented to the client within 1-2 weeks
  • Streamlined processes to minimize disruption and maintain operational continuity


Interim Placement Process

K&A’s interim executive placement services are designed to assist each client in selecting well-qualified candidates through a customized process specific to the institution’s needs and expectations.


FAQs About Interim Placements

How quickly can you provide an interim leader?

  • Once the procurement process is finalized with a signed contract, K&A will promptly initiate candidate recruitment and begin presenting candidates to the institution on a rolling basis. Typically, we begin submitting candidates for review one to two weeks after initiating our outreach. All other timing is subject to the priorities and schedule of the institution.

What roles do you specialize in for interim placements?

  • K&A specializes in a wide range of leadership roles within student affairs. Our interim placement service spans positions such as Vice Presidents or Vice Chancellors, Deans of Students, Executive Directors/Associate Vice Presidents, and Directors overseeing critical areas like housing and residential life, student conduct, student health and well-being, and career services, among others.

How does pricing for interim placements work?

  • K&A charges a flat fee for interim placements, with a 10% discount for returning clients and a 20% discount if your institution also chooses K&A to conduct your search for a permanent hire.

How does K&A communicate with candidates about compensation and benefits?

  • It is our practice to share with potential candidates the approximate monthly salary to be paid and whether housing will be provided by the hiring institution. Candidates are asked to confirm their understanding that the institution determines and provides all compensation and benefits directly, including items such as health insurance, annual and sick leave, and retirement plans, which may vary. Additionally, candidates should be prepared to negotiate other aspects, such as housing costs (if not provided), professional travel, and food allowances, directly with the institution.