American University (AU) seeks a forward-thinking, data-informed, and highly collaborative leader to serve as the Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment Management. During a pivotal moment for AU, this role presents an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of enrollment strategy at one of the nation's most distinctive universities.
Located in Washington, DC, AU is a student-centered research university known for its highly regarded academic programs, internationally recognized faculty, and a longstanding commitment to preparing graduates for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. The University has experienced significant momentum in recent years, achieving R1 status, doubling research funding, expanding interdisciplinary scholarship and experiential learning opportunities, and successfully completing the Change Can't Wait campaign, which established new endowed faculty positions and launched transformative centers and institutes. Building on this progress, AU recently launched its new strategic plan, Meet Our Moment, a bold vision centered on Readiness, Community, and Curiosity that seeks to prepare students for meaningful careers and lives of impact while advancing the University's research, educational, and societal contributions. At the foundation of this remarkable trajectory is a community of passionate leaders committed to tackling society's most pressing challenges.
As the University's chief architect of undergraduate enrollment strategy, the Vice President will bring a comprehensive view of the student lifecycle, leading efforts that span early awareness and recruitment through enrollment, persistence, and graduation. The successful candidate will develop and execute an integrated enrollment strategy that strengthens the recruitment funnel, enhances AU's value proposition, optimizes financial aid, advances enrollment growth opportunities, and improves student success and retention outcomes. This leader will be both a strategist and an operator, capable of translating data and market insights into action while building alignment across campus. The Vice President reports directly to the President and serves on the University's Cabinet.
A key member of the University's senior leadership team, the Vice President will partner closely with academic and administrative leaders to advance ambitious enrollment goals and a coordinated, university-wide approach to the entire student lifecycle. This leader will work collaboratively with the deans and senior leadership across the university to align enrollment priorities with institutional objectives, identify opportunities for growth and differentiation, and strengthen the University's market position in an increasingly competitive environment. The successful candidate will excel at collaboration, communication, and change leadership, viewing enrollment as a shared institutional responsibility and fostering strong partnerships across the University. Supported by an engaged Board of Trustees and a leadership team committed to execution and innovation, the next Vice President will have a unique opportunity to influence institutional direction, strengthen enrollment performance, and help lead AU into its next chapter of growth and impact.
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 leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting American University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 8, 2026.
All nominations and inquiries may be submitted to Randi Miller at [email protected]. Application materials should be submitted through WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons above or below.
The salary range for this position is $375,000 to $450,000. The President and Board of Trustees reserve
the final determination of the selected candidate’s actual pay, considering their experience and
qualifications for the role.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The University prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) against any AU community member on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy) age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information, or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases").