Fordham University, the Jesuit University of New York, seeks a Vice President for Enrollment Strategy to build upon its long history of academic excellence and forward its commitment to impacting the world through meaningful opportunity, transformative learning, and research that matters. Firmly rooted in the life of New York City, Fordham is a private university for the public good. Approximately 17,000 students are taught by nearly 750 full-time instructors on residential campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx; the Westchester campus in West Harrison, New York; and the Fordham London campus in the U.K. This vibrant and diverse learning community also has program offerings throughout the world, more than 1,000 administrators, a fiscal year operating budget of $800 million (net of $400 million in financial aid allocation), and an endowment of approximately $1 billion. The University is steeped in the Jesuit tenet of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, and is committed to scholarly research and teaching excellence. Additionally, Fordham strives to contribute to the well-being of New York City, the nation, and the planet through education and research for the common good. The University seeks to engage deeply and authentically with its local communities to promote mutual learning and solidarity. Fordham commits to making the pursuit of racial, economic, environmental, and social justice an inextricable and interdependent part of its academic excellence.

Full Position Announcement: https://nessearches.com/fordham-vpes/

Compensation and the Fordham Work Environment
Fordham offers a competitive compensation package, including relocation assistance, and a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The range identified for this role is $400,000 to $450,000. In this important leadership position, the successful candidate will have an active on-campus presence.

To Apply
NES, a higher education search firm specializing in enrollment management searches, is assisting Fordham University in seeking the Vice President for Enrollment Strategy. For more information, or to nominate someone for this position, contact Laura Robinson (laura.robinson@nessearches.com) or Catherine Capolupo (catherine.capolupo@nessearches.com). All conversations will remain confidential unless otherwise stated and agreed. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a letter of interest describing their unique qualifications for this role. Candidates should also provide the names and contact information of at least five professional references. For confidentiality, references will not be contacted without permission. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted electronically to fordham@nessearches.com by June 6, 2025. The preferred start date for the new Vice President for Enrollment Strategy will be in the summer of 2025.

Fordham University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Violence Against Women Act, and other federal, state, and local laws.

Skills, Qualifications, and Abilities
It is expected that the Vice President for Enrollment Strategy will hold a master’s degree in higher education administration, business, marketing, or a related field. A doctorate in higher education, business or a related field is preferred. The VPES will possess at least 10 years of demonstrated leadership success as an innovator in enrollment management. In addition, the successful candidate will also possess many of the following abilities and characteristics:

Vision and Leadership

• Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive strategic enrollment plans aligned with institutional goals, producing measurable results. Results driven with expertise in national and international recruitment, with a focus on diverse student populations including first-generation, international, transfer, and adult learners.
• Proficiency in financial aid strategy, including optimization, forecasting, scholarship allocation, and leveraging aid to support enrollment and access.
• Extensive knowledge of the higher education ecosystem and demonstrated ability to analyze, articulate, and address market trends, demographic shifts, regulatory changes, and evolving student expectations.
• Exceptional leadership and team development skills, with a commitment to staff mentorship and professional growth.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly identify key issues and develop and communicate strategic imperatives grounded in data-driven research to a diverse group of cross-functional leaders of all levels.
• Ability to develop and communicate a positive, compelling, distinctive vision and related goals to motivate a team to execute actionable, cutting-edge, and creative actions toward that vision and related goals.

Collaboration, Communication, and Analytical Skills

• A track record of success in building and growing strong relationships across pipelines and populations, in conducting national and international recruitment and marketing campaigns, and in raising the visibility and reputation of an organization.
• Ability to be bold, creative, and visionary while also being collegial, collaborative, and inclusive; a strong desire to contribute to a successful leadership team.
• Proven ability to work with diverse constituencies, both on and off campus; propensity to serve as an ambassador for the University and to engage effectively with prospective students and families, current students and families, high school counselors, faculty, staff, alumni, community-based organizations, national admission and financial organizations, and other external audiences on behalf of the institution.
• An understanding of NCAA regulations for Division I athletics and demonstrated experience building partnerships and processes with coaches and athletic administrators to actively and competitively facilitate the strategic recruitment of student athletes.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence across complex organizational structures.
• Advanced knowledge of digital and data-driven enrollment and enrollment marketing practices, including effective use of CRM, SIS, social media and digital marketing tools, and emerging technologies such as generative AI.

Personal Qualities

• Progressive change agent who cares about making pivotal and conscious change, is willing to take calculated risks, and leads with sensitivity and integrity.
• Even-keeled, thoughtful temperament, with impeccable integrity, appropriate transparency, and excellent judgment.
• Exceptional work ethic and excellent organizational and delegation skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and handle highly confidential information.
• Self-motivated, critical thinker with advanced problem-solving abilities and creativity.
• Commitment to and respect for the University’s Jesuit and Catholic mission, with the ability to reflect institutional values in enrollment strategies.

About NES (formerly Napier Executive Search)

NES (formerly Napier Executive Search) specializes in senior level enrollment management searches for post-secondary institutions. Established in 2014, the firm's search consultants bring extensive experience in enrollment management positions along with knowledge of today's employment landscape. Calling on our past experience in higher education enrollment roles and extensive sales and consultative experience with deans, directors and vice presidents across multiple states and regions, we nurture connections with enrollment professionals.

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