Towson University (TU) is pleased to accept applications for the Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM).
The Vice President reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and is a member of the President's Cabinet and Provost's Council. As Towson prepares for R2 classification and expands its research profile, the Vice President will play a key role in ensuring that enrollment strategies support the institution's evolving academic ambitions and contribute to Towson's emergence as a leading research university.
It is an exciting time to lead enrollment management at TU, an institution on the rise and a member of a higher education system in a prosperous state that values and invests in higher education. This year, TU welcomes its largest incoming first-year class in history, with a record number of Honors College students and a demographic profile that closely mirrors that of the State of Maryland.
TU looks to build upon this impressive momentum, further its impact as an anchor institution, and advance its pre-eminent position as a national leader in higher education for the public good. The Vice President will be a key player in this strategy, and will be able to leverage TU's collaborative, consultative environment; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and a vibrant atmosphere that fosters innovation and change.
The Vice President will lead the next phase of developing and implementing a strategic, data-informed, forward-thinking enrollment management plan that advances the university’s goals regarding degree programs, inclusivity, and fiscal outcomes. Through oversight of four functional units – University Admissions, Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, and Academic Success (which includes the Tutoring and Learning Center and the Writing Center) the Vice President will be expected to lead the implementation of the strategic enrollment management plan; improve retention, persistence and student outcomes; grow and diversity enrollment beyond traditional markets; enhance data, analytics, and financial aid strategy; strengthen campus partnerships and collaboration; and develop and support a respected and committed team.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, collaborative, and creative leader who will provide a transparent and forward-thinking approach to short- and long-term enrollment goals. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of achieving recruitment, enrollment, and student success outcomes to build a highly accomplished and diverse student body. For more information about this opportunity, please review the VPEM Leadership Profile
WittKieffer is assisting Towson University in this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal by clicking here Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Shelley Arakawa, J.D., and Ashlee Musser at: TowsonVPEM@wittkieffer.com
Institutional alignment:
A genuine commitment to Towson University’s mission as Maryland’s university of opportunities and its role as a national leader in higher education for the public good; appreciation for Towson’s student-centered culture, commitment to inclusion and access, strong record of student success, and growing reputation as a research-oriented public university; enthusiasm for advancing the university’s aspirations and ability to articulate the distinctive value of a Towson education.
Collaborative leadership:
Proven ability to build trust, foster partnership, and develop strong relationships across a wide range of constituencies; experience working productively with presidents, provosts, cabinet-level leaders, faculty, deans, staff, the state system, and other external partners; demonstrated commitment to transparency, shared governance, open communication, and collective problem solving; a leader who listens well, invites perspectives, and builds consensus while maintaining forward momentum.
Proven effectiveness in strategic enrollment management:
Progressive leadership experience in enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, student success, advising, registrar functions, or related areas; demonstrated success designing and implementing comprehensive enrollment strategies that advance recruitment, retention, graduation, diversity, and revenue objectives; deep understanding of current enrollment trends, demographic shifts, market dynamics, and the evolving factors influencing student college choice and behavior.
Student success and retention leadership:
A demonstrated commitment to student achievement throughout the enrollment lifecycle; experience developing and implementing strategies that improve persistence, retention, academic success, and timely degree completion; ability to partner effectively with academic affairs, student affairs, faculty leaders, and advisors to build a culture of student success and shared responsibility for outcomes.
Strategic vision and entrepreneurial thinking:
Ability to anticipate opportunities, challenges, and emerging trends and translate those insights into actionable enrollment strategies; demonstrated success identifying innovative approaches to enrollment growth, program development, partnerships, and student engagement; willingness to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and introduce new ideas while maintaining focus on execution and results.
Financial aid and enrollment strategy acumen:
Sophisticated understanding of financial aid, enrollment planning, tuition strategy, and student affordability; experience aligning financial aid resources with enrollment goals, student success outcomes, and institutional priorities; ability to evaluate recruitment investments, pricing strategies, and enrollment initiatives through a data-informed and outcomes-driven lens.
Analytical acumen and technological fluency:
Demonstrated success leveraging data analytics, predictive modeling, market intelligence, and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to inform strategy and decision-making; ability to translate complex data into clear recommendations and actionable plans; commitment to using technology to improve efficiency, expand access, strengthen communication, and enhance the student experience.
Leadership and management skills:
Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams; ability to establish clear expectations, cultivate accountability, and support professional growth; experience creating organizational cultures that value innovation, adaptability, customer service, collaboration, and continuous improvement; skill in leading through change while maintaining focus, resilience, and alignment around institutional priorities.
Exceptional communication:
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to communicate clearly, credibly, and persuasively with a variety of audiences; skill in presenting enrollment concepts, trends, and data in ways that promote understanding, informed decision-making, and shared ownership of institutional goals.
Personal qualities:
Optimistic, energetic, and forward-looking; intellectually curious and committed to continuous learning; innovative, entrepreneurial, and willing to pursue bold ideas thoughtfully; approachable, authentic, and relationship oriented; politically astute without being political; resilient and adaptable in the face of ambiguity and change; collegial, humble, and collaborative by nature; deeply committed to students, the academic mission, and the success of colleagues and the institution,.
Candidates should provide, as two separate attachments, a curriculum vitae or resume and a letter of application addressing the responsibilities and requirements described in the profile. Review of applications has begun and will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal by clicking here Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Shelley Arakawa, J.D., and Ashlee Musser at: TowsonVPEM@wittkieffer.comTargeted salary range: $275,000 - $300,000, commensurate with experience. To learn about employee benefits, please visit our Benefits page.
