Montclair State University seeks a visionary Chief Enrollment Management Officer and Vice Provost to drive a bold, data-informed enrollment strategy.
At Montclair State University (Montclair), education is a catalyst for opportunity, community strength, and positive change—hallmarks of its mission and purpose. As New Jersey’s second largest and one of its most diverse institutions, Montclair is redefining what it means to be a university with a public purpose, creating transformational opportunities for students and partnering with communities to make a difference. Amid historic growth and unmatched momentum, this is an opportunity to shape the future of a university on the rise.
Montclair State University is a nationally recognized Research Doctoral University that empowers students, faculty, and researchers to exceed expectations and drive innovation. Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated, and diverse academic environment. Building on 118 years of distinguished history, Montclair today has 14 colleges and schools serving more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s, and baccalaureate degree programs. On July 1, 2023, Bloomfield College officially became part of Montclair State University as Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, providing an affordable, high-quality, and transformative liberal arts educational experience in a small, supportive setting with the resources of a doctoral research university.
Montclair ranks #9 among national universities for social mobility and #11 in graduation rate performance—the rate at which students outperform the anticipated graduation rate of those with similar backgrounds at other schools. Montclair is a designated R2 Doctoral Research Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), one of only two in New Jersey, the largest HSI in the state, and the largest HSI north of Florida and east of Chicago. Situated just 12 miles from New York City, on a beautiful 252-acre suburban campus, the University welcomes a diverse student population representing 42 U.S. states and territories and 75 countries. As an HSI, Montclair State University is a majority-minority-serving institution, with over 50% of the freshman class identifying as such. More than 40% of incoming freshmen are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and over 55% are Pell eligible. Montclair ranks in the top 13% of 4,500 postsecondary institutions in the U.S. for return on investment, and the University received the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification.
Reporting dually to the President and Provost and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, this visionary leader will align enrollment goals with Montclair’s mission of access, academic excellence, and public impact. The Chief Enrollment Management Officer (CEMO) will drive innovation in enrollment strategies, embrace emerging technologies, and foster collaboration to develop new programs, reach underserved populations, and strengthen partnerships with local, regional, and global communities. In doing so, the CEMO will provide strategic leadership and vision for a capable and effective team in Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions, Student Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, Global Engagement, Red Hawk Central (the University’s integrated student services hub), Early College Programs, and Enrollment Management data and technology systems.
The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, collaborative leader, and persuasive communicator—capable of leveraging data and insight to shape the University’s future. They will bring intellectual agility, energy, and passion for public higher education and will embody Montclair State University’s values of inclusion, innovation, and service to the public good. They will demonstrate innovative and original ideas to sustain Montclair’s enrollment in the current challenging environment. They will demonstrate curiosity and familiarity with the most current innovations including the use of AI, automated services, and data-driven analytics to achieve better results for students and the University.
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 Montclair State University in this search. The review of applications has begun and will continue until an appointment is made.
Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to:
Amy Crutchfield, Shelley Arakawa, J.D, and Natalie Song
Montclair-EM@wittkieffer.com
A pay range of $280,000 – $350,000 per year reflects what Montclair State University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level.
Montclair State University is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse campus community that is representative of the State of New Jersey through inclusive excellence and equal opportunity. Montclair State University’s commitment to access and equity is designed to prepare each graduate to thrive as a global citizen. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution we are working to support a campus-wide agenda to foster a community that both values and promotes the varied voices of our students, faculty, and staff. The University encourages candidates to apply who will contribute to the cultural tapestry of Montclair State University.
