Eastern Michigan University - Vice President for Enrollment Management

Eastern Michigan University (EMU), one of the most diverse public universities in Michigan, invites inquiries, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of vice president for enrollment management.

Eastern Michigan University is an institution of opportunity. The 800-acre campus located 25 minutes from Detroit Metropolitan airport is where excellence meets access. Approximately 47% of first-year students receive Pell Grants; 29% self-identify as students of color; and 21% were the first in their families to attend college. In 2022, EMU was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best universities in the country in the category of social mobility. EMU is also ranked as the No. 1 “Military Friendly” university in Michigan (second in the nation), and is the top LGBTQ-friendly university in Michigan.

Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students from 47 states and 76 countries who are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 200 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. Eagle pride runs deep with 19 NCAA Division I varsity sports.

This exciting opportunity for an enrollment management professional to have a profound impact on an institution with a strategic focus on equity and inclusion, students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access higher education, and the regional communities that EMU serves. Reporting to the president, the vice president for enrollment management (VPEM) will develop and implement a comprehensive strategic enrollment management plan to stabilize enrollment. While traditional undergraduate enrollment remains critical, given the demographic shifts, it will be important to diversify the strategy to look beyond first-year enrollment, think critically about how to open new geographic markets, create a more holistic view of what the student lifecycle looks like, and consider how the student success journey can be improved. The new Michigan Achievement Scholarship presents a tremendous opportunity to reimagine how to optimize financial aid and scholarships to achieve enrollment goals and the University’s access mission. The VPEM will also foster and broaden community collaboration to support enrollment efforts and cultivate a high-performing enrollment management team.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, visionary, and collaborative leader who possesses knowledge of contemporary enrollment management issues, trends and opportunities. Experience in strategic planning, budget management, policy development and personnel management are required. An understanding of marketing concepts, financial aid optimization, and emerging technologies will be assets for the role. It will be important that the VPEM be student-focused, have an inclusive approach, be willing to advocate for staff, and be comfortable working in a highly unionized environment. An appreciation of EMU’s mission and its diverse population are essential for success.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile.

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 8, 2023.

Application materials should be submitted using the buttons below.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Shelley Arakawa J.D. and Randi Miller
EMU-VPEM@wittkieffer.com

It is the policy of Eastern Michigan University not to discriminate or allow the harassment of employees or applicants on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law with regard to any employment practices, including recruitment, advertising, job application procedures, hiring, upgrading, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, job assignments, benefits, and/or other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, provided the individual is qualified, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform the essential functions of the job. This policy applies to all jobs at the university. The university will continue to ensure that individuals are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law in all employment practices.