Case Western Reserve University, one of the nation's leading research universities, seeks an experienced, forward-thinking, solution-oriented, and collaborative leader to serve as Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM).

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is among the country’s leading independent private research institutions and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) since 1969. In the fall of 2025, the university enrolled 6,534 undergraduate students and 5,854 graduate and professional students. CWRU's 267-acre campus is in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle, one of the nation’s top arts districts and within walking distance of three major hospitals. Under the leadership of CWRU President Eric W. Kaler, the university is guided by three institutional priorities: to elevate academic excellence, expand the research enterprise and enhance community engagement and impact.

Case Western Reserve University is ranked among the most prestigious institutions in the world for its academic, research, and commercial success. The university is ranked #27 out of 500 in TIME Magazine’s World’s Top Universities of 2026, which examines how universities shape graduates’ trajectories in innovation, leadership, earnings and public contribution over time, and is #17 in the United States. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges, CWRU is #51 among national universities in the United States, #33 for first-year experiences, #33 for undergraduate research/creative projects, #56 in Best Value Schools, and #28 in Best Colleges for Veterans.

Case Western Reserve University is a force in higher education. With programs spanning the arts and sciences, engineering, health sciences, law, management, and social work, CWRU’s research and educational opportunities allow students, faculty, staff, and alumni to tackle today’s toughest problems—and transform the future. Applications for undergraduate admissions have grown by 18% since fall 2021, and undergraduate enrollment has increased 13% during the same period. With research expenditures increasing by more than 52% in recent years, CWRU has become the fastest-growing university in the AAU. As the university celebrates its bicentennial in 2026, it will mark the occasion with the opening of a new $300 million Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building, intended to foster greater collaboration across disciplines to improve the world.

The Vice President of Enrollment Management is a respected and integral campus leader who will report to the provost and executive vice president, serve on the President’s Council, and have substantial contact and communication with the president and members of the Board of Trustees, in addition to working closely with administrators, deans, and faculty members. CWRU seeks a new VPEM to accelerate the university's momentum. In particular, the VPEM will be asked to develop and implement an enrollment strategy that advances CWRU's aspirations, engages university partners, elevates the CWRU brand, empowers and develops a talented and committed team, enhances partnerships that expand access, and leverages technology to strengthen enrollment strategy and outcomes.

The successful candidate will be an experienced, well-networked enrollment management professional who can identify emerging opportunities, challenges, and threats and connect them to enrollment strategies that enable an institution to achieve its aspirations. The VPEM will have a demonstrated track record in balancing the mix of student disciplinary interests, net tuition revenue goals, and discount rate expectations. Assets for this role include experience in leading enrollment efforts at a highly selective, tuition-driven institution; an appreciation of CWRU’s profile as a leading national research university, interdisciplinary spirit, academic rigor, and student-centered culture; and knowledge of marketing practices to elevate an institution’s brand and positively impact enrollment. The VPEM will be a superb communicator who can effectively represent the institution to a wide array of constituents, facilitate information sharing with colleagues, and actively engage in open and honest dialogue. Experience with data analysis and predictive modeling to guide enrollment strategy and the ability to harness technology, including AI, will be essential for success. The VPEM will also be an exceptional collaborator – a relationship builder and team player who is open to and values the work and contribution of colleagues. As the leader of over 40 staff in the Enrollment Management Division, the VPEM will need to be adept at identifying talent, empowering a team to be strategic, data-oriented, and forward-thinking, and fostering opportunities for professional growth and development.

WittKieffer is assisting Case Western Reserve University in this search. 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.  Candidates will be considered until an appointment has been made. For fullest consideration, candidates are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible.

Please submit all applications, nominations, and inquiries to the search team through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal by clicking here. New users should select “Register Here” to create an account before proceeding. After logging in, navigate to “Open Positions” and locate the role by entering the institution’s name and clicking on the search wheel.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Jim King III, Shelley Arakawa, J.D., and Ashlee Musser

CWRU-VPEM@wittkieffer.com

The annual starting base salary range for this position is from $350,000-$380,000. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and paid time off.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 or by email at equity@case.edu to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.