Polaris Recruitment Communications

Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management The Ohio State University Columbus, OH Position Overview The Ohio State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management (VPSEM). The next VPSEM should be a bold yet thoughtful leader who is respected, strategic, collaborative, and ready to lead in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. They will value institutional history while embracing innovation, and be committed to long-term impact, alignment, and staff support. The VPSEM will work across all campuses and with each of the 15 colleges within the university to establish comprehensive strategic initiatives that will contribute to fulfillment of the overall strategic plan. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Provost, the VPSEM will be an innovative and creative leader with a deep understanding of the complexities facing higher education enrollment and retention, particularly within a dynamic environment shaped by the institution's dual identity as a land-grant and R1 university. The VPSEM will support strategic planning and operational excellence that will ensure success in recruitment, enrollment, transition, retention, and graduation, now and in the future. Prioritizing both academic excellence and access, the VPSEM will establish systems and procedures that strengthen Ohio State's position to attract and support students from varied backgrounds and experiences, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Employing a data-informed and collaborative approach, the VPSEM will plan, develop, and implement a variety of strategic enrollment initiatives that include a focus on both recruitment and retention; align with institutional strategic initiatives; and ensure a strong link between student need, institution-wide priorities, and financial planning across all campuses of the university. These initiatives will be supported by analysis and ongoing assessment, allowing university leadership to gauge progress, impact, and success as determined by fulfillment of enrollment goals in the overall strategic plan for Ohio State. The VPSEM will also oversee accurate predictive modeling and reporting of strategic enrollment and financial aid data. The VPSEM will promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, with an emphasis on bringing multiple perspectives into the process of developing future strategic enrollment initiatives. In collaboration with other university leaders and stakeholders, the VPSEM will coordinate with constituencies across the University to lead the development of strategic enrollment goals for incoming class size and academic profile, net revenue, transfers from in-state and out-of-state, and student financial assistance to support excellence and access. With a strong foundation of success and a world-class undergraduate experience, Ohio State is continually expanding its reach. The Vice Provost will play a critical role in elevating international recruitment as a strategic priority, ensuring Buckeye excellence resonates across continents. The VPSEM will develop and execute strategies to increase admissions and improve yields from non-resident domestic and international students. This will include working closely with high schools and community colleges statewide while also accounting for local, national, and international factors that impact enrollment success. The VPSEM will collaborate with the communications and marketing teams in the Office of Academic Affairs and across the university to design a communication and marketing strategy to attract and enroll a high-performing student body and elevate the university's academic brand and reputation. The ideal candidate will bring a deep commitment to student success and institutional excellence, paired with a proven ability to foster a strong, supportive and collaborative team culture. We are looking for a leader who values and elevates the unique contributions of each team member, leads with empathy and integrity, and actively cultivates a culture of care, trust, and mutual respect. This individual will play a critical role in advancing Ohio State's mission by aligning enrollment strategies with academic priorities, access goals, and long-term institutional planning-while creating an environment where people thrive and collaboration flourishes. Setting an overall vision for the units under their leadership, in addition to oversight of a $20 million annual operating budget and the admission systems, the VPSEM will oversee: Undergraduate Admissions Graduate and Professional Admissions Reporting and Analysis Student Financial Aid The Registrar Buckeye Link Desired Qualifications and Characteristics The ideal candidate should possess: A proven record of forward-looking, proactive, strategic, and innovative leadership; Knowledge of current recruitment trends locally, nationally, and internationally, including the latest research, and best practices in recruitment and retention of traditional and other student populations (non-traditional, transfer, international, online), student success, strategic enrollment management, financial aid administration, and scholarship leveraging; A clear track record of collaboration, communication, and engaging deeply across unit lines to build consensus across campuses and colleges; Significant management experience and a track record of successful enrollment management for undergraduate and graduate students within a highly complex university setting with integrated admissions and financial aid operations; Advanced capabilities in data analysis, timely evidenced-based interventions, and assessment to inform strategy and investments in modern infrastructure; Demonstrated success with comprehensive international recruitment and a strong understanding of global policy challenges; Demonstrated experience leveraging technology (e.g., artificial intelligence) and predictive analytics to inform strategic enrollment planning, enhance student engagement, and optimize recruitment, retention outcomes and student financial aid; Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues to align enrollment strategies with a comprehensive plan for retention and student success; Demonstrated success recruiting, managing, developing, empowering, motivating, and leading a large, multifaceted staff; Demonstrated ability to be operationally adept, innovative, and strategically minded; A record of fostering cultures of collegiality and cooperation and building relationships; and Strong communication and interpersonal skills. How to Apply Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. For full consideration, applicant materials should be received by November 24, 2025. Applicants should submit the following: Letter of Interest: Include a 1-2-page summary of your background and why you are interested in this opportunity. Leadership Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed overview of your experience. Please direct all application materials to Allison Thomas, Talent Acquisition Consultant, The Ohio State University Executive Search team, at with the Subject Line "Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management." To be considered, please submit your application electronically via or search R138916. The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.