The University of Massachusetts Strategic Sourcing team is pleased to announce that it will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Executive Search Services later this year. This important opportunity will ensure that the UMass system and institutions across the Commonwealth continue to have access to the highest-quality professional search firms for recruiting campus and system leaders.
A Strategically Important Partnership
Executive search services represent one of the most strategically important partnerships we manage. With over $ 2 million in annual spend across the UMass system, it impacts major facets of our leadership recruitment efforts. The firms we work with connect UMass and other state institutions with candidates who bring deep knowledge, national reach, and a shared commitment to advancing public higher education. The multi-year contracts resulting from this RFP will be accessible not only to all five UMass campuses but also to state universities and community colleges across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Acknowledging Our Current Partners
We sincerely appreciate our current partners as we approach the upcoming bid event. Your professionalism, responsiveness, and deep understanding of public higher education have significantly contributed to numerous successes over the years, including key leadership appointments such as chancellor at the Amherst and Lowell campuses, as well as numerous senior executive, academic, and administrative roles across UMass campuses and affiliates. These achievements underscore the strength of our collaboration, the breadth of your networks, and the effectiveness of your search methods. We encourage you to participate in this upcoming bid event.
Looking Ahead to the Next RFP Cycle
We invite both incumbent and new firms to present their expertise, innovative approaches, and strategies. The RFP is expected to be released later this year, with a contract award anticipated by mid-spring 2026.
The submitted proposals will be evaluated based on demonstrated experience in higher education leadership searches, commitment to inclusive search practices, and the ability to deliver exceptional candidate experiences.
How to Stay Informed
We encourage all interested firms to monitor the UMass Sourcing Portal, the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Hub portal, and COMMBUYS for official postings and timeline updates. In addition, we invite you to follow the UPST LinkedIn page, where we share helpful information, including upcoming and active bid opportunities.
We thank all our valued partners for your ongoing dedication, service, and collaboration. Your contributions have had a meaningful and lasting impact on the leadership and direction of the University of Massachusetts and the wider public higher education community.
Together, we look forward to continuing this important partnership and identifying the next generation of transformative leaders for the Commonwealth.