Associate Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management, Owen Graduate School of Management
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN - United States
The Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management (Owen) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Associate Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management. This inaugural, senior-level position will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the school’s recruitment, admissions, and enrollment management strategies.
Owen is one of the world’s top business schools. Its rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and dynamic learning environment have consistently produced top-tier graduates. Owen is building the next generation of leaders through collaboration and a portfolio of programs that focus on helping people discover, grow, and thrive in business and beyond.
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Owen draws from a city that has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, emerging as a vibrant hub for business, technology, and innovation. The city’s dynamic and diverse economy, coupled with its rich cultural offerings, make it an attractive destination for prospective students and working professionals. Owen’s state-of-the-art facility on Vanderbilt’s beautiful campus, located in the heart of Nashville, reinforces its commitment to an unparalleled learning environment. Redesigned classrooms, gathering spaces, and a new multi-purpose space foster collaborative and academically enriching study environments. Owen has an enrollment of over 650 students in its MBA, Executive MBA, Global MBA for Executives, Master of Science in Finance, Master of Accountancy, Master of Marketing, and Master of Management in Health Care programs. In addition, the Owen School oversees the Hoogland Undergraduate Business Program, a trans-institutional business minor designed to complement students’ strong liberal arts education. The Owen School is proud to have a student body that represents a broad range of backgrounds from across the U.S. and more than 40 countries.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Owen, a school with future-focused momentum and ambition. The next chapter of Owen reflects its commitment to academic and curricular excellence; student, faculty, and staff success; executive and lifelong learning; and growth of Owen’s financial aid portfolio through philanthropic efforts. To support these commitments, Owen recently implemented several organizational changes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its enrollment management efforts. The newly created position of Associate Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management reports to the Dean of the Owen Graduate School of Management, with a dotted line to the Vice Provost for University Enrollment Affairs, which provides the Associate Dean with access to a high-performing division of seasoned professionals to support enrollment growth for Owen. The Associate Dean will set a new enrollment direction for the school’s diverse portfolio of graduate programs while working closely with the University Enrollment Affairs leadership team to ensure seamless coordination and alignment across the University.
The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader and a systems thinker who will leverage their creative and expansive mindset in the role. This individual will be crucial in leading a new phase of enrollment for Owen and developing innovative recruitment, admissions, and financial aid strategies to help achieve the school’s ambitious goals. The Associate Dean will have at least 8-10 years of progressive experience at an academic institution with a demonstrated track record of success in leading recruiting, admissions, financial aid, and overall strategic enrollment management. The ability to harness data and leverage knowledge of market trends to shape strategic direction, employ predictive analytics, establish clear benchmarks and metrics, and ensure progress toward goals can be measured will be essential for success. Additionally, the new leader will be committed to cultivating staff members’ skills, experienced in fostering collaboration, and adept in managing change. The Associate Dean will model an excitement for change and a cooperative and optimistic attitude; encourage openness and consistent communication and information sharing; and cultivate an imaginative, forward-thinking, and results-driven ethos to help drive enrollment growth.
All application materials, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Application materials should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile
WittKieffer is assisting Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management in this search. The review of candidate materials has begun and will continue until an appointment has been made.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Shelley Arakawa, J.D. and Tyler Workman
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.