Manhattanville University, a thriving, private institution providing a transformative education grounded in the liberal arts, announces a search for a successful, visionary leader to serve as their next Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategy. Reporting to the President, Frank Sánchez, and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPEMS will lead the Manhattanville community in developing and executing strategic enrollment and marketing plans, initiatives, and tactics to support enrollment growth across populations and programs. The Vice President will foster a culture of engagement in the enrollment and retention of Manhattanville’s "Valiant" students and building trust and camaraderie among constituents. Building upon the solid foundation and investments of the Manhattanville community, the Vice President will enhance divisional and institutional efforts through a sophisticated, strategic approach, and leadership.
Working closely with the Provost, Vice Presidents and Deans of the institution, the VPEMS will identify, explore, evaluate, and coordinate campus-wide efforts to maximize net-tuition revenue while increasing the quality and diversity of the undergraduate student body. The Vice President will partner with an engaged faculty and committed colleagues in responding to the evolving needs of students and families and in the development and marketing of academic and co-curricular programs.
The Position
The Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategy has the primary responsibility for providing the vision, leadership, management, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for enhancing enrollment services and marketing at the university and will bring direct experience in successfully managing strategic partnerships on campus and with third party suppliers of enrollment and recruiting services. The VPEMS will work closely with a forward thinking and collaborative senior leadership team to ensure Manhattanville University continues to increase its competitive advantage while communicating the value proposition of a Manhattanville University education to prospective students, parents, and educational partners. The VPEMS will collaborate with the Senior Communication Officer to ensure alignment and consistency of branding and timeliness of communication campaigns, and work across the institution in elevating the reputation and awareness of Manhattanville’s profile, programs and community. In partnership with the University Provost, the VPEMS will amplify a broad, institutional focus on retention, student success, and student satisfaction.
The Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategy oversees a team of twenty-three across Undergraduate Admission, Graduate Admission, Student Financial Services, and the University's One Stop. In partnership with the strong enrollment management leadership team, the VPEMS will offer vision, support, and leadership to further enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of a capable and well-respected division.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
University Leadership
- Provide innovative and strategic leadership in identifying and achieving overall enrollment goals and shaping the direction of Manhattanville’s admissions culture and landscape;
- Offer visible and approachable leadership on campus offering a positive presence to the campus community and creating opportunities for dialogue, partnership, and the exchange of information to support institutional objectives, enrollment goals, and marketing efforts;
- Lead the Manhattanville community in developing and implementing a strategic enrollment plan, while executing and evaluating innovative initiatives reflecting the University’s strategic plan;
- Serve as a college leader and energetically inspire others to support enrollment and marketing strategies;
- Participate and engage in institutional strategic planning efforts offering insight, passion, and leadership in the development of a forward-thinking institutional planning process;
- Provide information, understanding, and analysis to senior level colleagues, the president and trustees to inform strategic decisions and long-term planning for the long-term health and reputation of Manhattanville University;
- Assure systems, process, and use of technology support the student experience, anticipate future expectations, capture and transfer of data and information, and maximize effectiveness and efficiency;
- Demonstrate fiscal responsibility in the oversight of a $2.5 million dollar operating budget; evaluating and maximizing the impact of institutional resources; and
- Possess a commitment to building an inclusive and equitable living, learning, and working environment; oversee initiatives to enhance diversity and a sense of belonging among the staff and student body.
Strategic Enrollment Management
- Oversee all college admissions including undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education/lifelong learning;
- Create strategies, initiatives, and policies that enhance student engagement, commitment, and opportunity at each stage of the enrollment cycle across unique student groups and academic programs;
- Ensure the consistent delivery of quality programs and enrollment services through effective assessment, responsiveness to feedback, and knowledge of changing expectations;
- Partner with the Department of Finance and other senior leadership in establishing achievable enrollment goals and balancing institutional priorities across net tuition, discount rate, headcount and profile goals;
- Lead the institution in the application of financial aid leveraging, scholarships, and discounts in a manner which positively impacts enrollment, retention, and net tuition revenue;
- In partnership with other senior leaders, establish annual rates for tuition and fees; and design strategic financial aid packaging of talent-based awards and need-based financial aid in order to maximize enrollment and net tuition revenue goals at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
- Collaborate with University Advancement to create scholarship programs that will be supported by fundraising to help meet enrollment goals and maximize net revenue; and
- Provide mentorship, motivation, and inspiration to twenty-three professional staff, fostering a team oriented culture of collaboration, stability, professional development, trust, and accountability.
Marketing
- Partner with the Office of Communications to highlight Manhattanville’s unique educational brand, utilizing best practices and evolving technology to disseminate information for student recruitment and retention purposes;
- Oversee the creation of comprehensive enrollment marketing plans based on trends, target markets, data, and analytics to meet undergraduate, transfer, continuing, and graduate objectives;
- Work closely with consultants to develop integrated competitive marketing approaches to attract applicants regionally, nationally, and internationally and design and implement a strategic enrollment marketing plan, including recruiting materials and communications for various market segments;
- Effectively communicate the mission and vision of Manhattanville University in an inspiring and compelling manner; guide others in articulating the value and benefits of a Manhattanville education in an authentic and influential manner;
- Liaise with the senior communications officer for consistency of message and branding between enrollment and the institution; and
- Identify opportunities to enhance marketing outreach to specific audiences, measuring outcome and refining outreach strategies based on results.
Qualifications, Skills, and Characteristics
The successful candidate must have a bachelor’s degree (an advanced degree is strongly preferred), a minimum of eight years of progressive experience in enrollment management in higher education, and significant experience in enrollment leadership and managerial role. In addition, the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategy should demonstrate the following qualifications, skills, and abilities:
- A history of success in achieving goals and objectives, particularly meeting student enrollment targets;
- Comprehensive knowledge of enrollment trends, student behaviors, higher education issues & strategies, and innovative marketing initiatives; ability to anticipate market shifts, illustrate the impact on Manhattanville, and respond nimbly and strategically to unforeseen challenges;
- Success in developing and communicating a positive, compelling vision and motivating teams in executing actionable, cutting edge, and creative initiatives;
- Experience engaging a campus community in the development, adoption, and implementation of institutional strategic enrollment and marketing plans;
- Advanced knowledge of and experience with modern and evolving technologies and platforms for recruiting undergraduate and graduate students;
- Personal record of leadership and service demonstrating integrity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility;
- Ability to press boundaries through strategic calculated risks; a change agent who is adept at discerning when change is needed and careful consideration on how to proceed;
- Direct experience in the successful recruitment of a variety of students including undergraduate, graduate, adult, transfer, underrepresented, first generation and international students;
- Significant experience in financial aid leveraging with a sophisticated understanding of financial aid as a recruitment and retention tool;
- A comprehensive understanding of student retention and the impact of recruitment and onboarding practices, institutional policies, financial aid, and outreach on individual populations within a diverse student body;
- Ability to articulate a compelling case to students and their families, illustrating the powerful impact and outcomes of a Manhattanville education;
- An advanced level of familiarity with integrated media approaches to reaching audiences including web-based admissions and digital marketing tools;
- A confident leader with the ability to listen deeply and acknowledge the expertise, experience and contributions of others;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated success in building relationships and fostering collaboration across divisions and departments;
- Communicative, transparent, and educative with strong interpersonal and customer service skills;
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines;
- Data savvy, strategically deft, with the ability to analyze, interpret, and articulate information in a manner that educates, informs, and engages others and purposefully grows the analytical skills of team members;
- Even-keeled and level headed with an institutional view of challenges, opportunities, resources, and problem solving and the ability to invoke change quickly when necessary;
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate;
- Understanding of NCAA regulations for Division III athletics and the ability to build partnerships with coaches and athletic administrators to facilitate the strategic recruitment and retention of student athletes; and
- Demonstrates fiscal responsibility for the planning, allocation, and tracking of budgets and strong practical experience in pricing and discounting strategies.
Manhattanville University
Manhattanville University (formerly Manhattanville College) is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social justice. Founded in New York City in 1841, and relocated to Purchase, NY in 1952, Manhattanville became a university in 2024. Manhattanville began as a women’s boarding school in 1841 and became one of the first Catholic colleges for women, later becoming a non-denominational, coeducational institution. In 1938, it boldly admitted African American students, exemplifying its commitment to social justice during a time of segregation. Today, Manhattanville honors its legacy of inclusion, empowering students from all backgrounds to lead ethically, think critically, and create a more equitable world. The university community shares a commitment to ensuring the intellectual, ethical, and social development of each student, and supports each student’s development as an independent and creative thinker.
The ability to learn in a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing environment enables graduates to achieve social mobility and lead lives of service and leadership. For three years in a row, “U.S. News and World Report” has ranked Manhattanville the number one private, non-profit institution in New York among Top Performers of Social Mobility in Regional Universities North.
Manhattanville has also been recognized by “U.S. News and World Report” for Ethnic Diversity. The college has earned a designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. This has enabled the university to recruit more Latinx students. For the sixth consecutive year, Manhattanville has been named to the Colleges of Distinction list which recognizes institutions that excel in student engagement, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes. The university is also among those that have earned the Equity and Inclusion badge from Colleges of Distinction, while continuing to be recognized for excellence with Business, Education, and Career Development badges.
Manhattanville has a reputation for teaching excellence, commitment to student satisfaction, and service-learning opportunities. Manhattanville offers over 125 programs of study across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in addition to more than twenty professional certificates. The academic experience balances a classical liberal arts education with immersive practical experiences, with all undergraduate students participating in experiential learning opportunities before they graduate. The university’s academic offerings are hosted by three schools:
- School of Arts and Sciences: Home of a strong liberal arts curriculum that reflects the current needs of students, society, and the job market. Degree and certificate programs impart high-demand skills and encourage undergraduate exploration, graduate excellence, and community engagement.
- School of Education: Undergraduate and graduate degree programs prepare PreK-12 teachers and administrators, higher education and community leaders, and educational industry entrepreneurs. Having served the tri-state area for over five decades, the Manhattanville School of Education guides new generations of educators to become leaders in their field through unrivaled community-based field experiences in over 25 area schools and educational agencies. The graduate and doctoral programs offer a blended learning experience with online, in-person, and hybrid courses which provide students with the flexibility and resources they need to fulfill their educational goals.
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences: The school’s mission is to prepare students to become transformative healthcare professionals and offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice. Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals are given the tools to grow in Manhattanville’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.
Leadership & Organization
The Office of the President serves as the main steward of Manhattanville University’s mission to educate students to be ethical and socially responsible leaders in a global community. President Frank D. Sánchez, the Board of Trustees, and the leadership team work closely throughout the year to identify areas of growth, advocate for the institution’s best interests, and implement strategic approaches for a bright and bold future.
President Sánchez works in partnership with an interdisciplinary Cabinet which includes the provost & executive vice president, senior vice president for finance and operational innovation, associate vice president for athletics and recreation, senior communications officer, general council & chief of staff, chief information officer, and vice president for enrollment management and strategy. The President and university also receive support from the President’s Advisory Council, made up of community leaders and distinguished alumni in the arts, law, finance, government, and higher education who are committed to supporting Manhattanville University’s goals and vision. The President Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion recommends, supports, and helps implement DEI initiatives to ensure Manhattanville University is maintaining the social justice values it seeks to uphold. Members represent faculty, staff, and student perspectives.
As an educator, administrator, and lifelong advocate for higher education, I have always believed in the transformative power of learning. It is a tremendous privilege to be part of a community that shares this belief and fosters an environment where students are inspired to develop their strengths, talents, and passions, while engaging in complex and diverse perspectives, as they become compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
President Frank Sánchez, PhD
Frank D. Sánchez, PhD became the fifteenth president of Manhattanville in July of 2023. In his time at Manhattanville, Dr. Sánchez has led the institution through a rebrand including university seal and logo as the college became a university. He has made great strides raising the profile and reputation of the institution through broad outreach to alumni, and investments in grant development and partnerships with local and national organizations. He has also been appointed to the Boards of the Business Council of Westchester and the national board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
Prior to joining the Manhattanville community, Dr. Sánchez created an impressive track record as president of Rhode Island College, where he served from 2016–2022; was Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the City University of New York (CUNY), the nation’s largest urban public university, with 25 colleges and graduate schools; and served as the senior student affairs officer at both the University of Colorado Denver and Adams State University (formerly college). Dr. Sánchez has consulted, presented, and spoken at numerous national forums focusing on broad issues impacting higher education institutions. In March of 2024, Dr. Sánchez served as a moderator for the Westchester County Association (WCA) Fifth Regional Workforce Development Summit in White Plains, NY.
For nearly three decades, Dr. Sánchez has advanced higher education policy, programs, and services toward improving college completion rates and modernizing higher education systems. A native of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Sánchez holds a PhD in higher education administration with a concentration in learning, cognition and instruction from Indiana University Bloomington, and an MS in student affairs and higher education from Colorado State University. He also holds a BS in psychology with minors in communications and Chicano studies from the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
Mission & Strategic Planning
“To educate ethical and socially responsible leaders in a global community.”
-The Manhattanville University Mission
Manhattanville University has a strong legacy of participatory strategic planning toward the fulfillment mission. In 2021, the Board of Trustees affirmed its current strategic plan “Valiant by Design: 2022 - 2027”. Under President Sanchez’ leadership, the university community will engage in a new strategic planning process beginning in 2026. The Vice President of Enrollment Management and Strategy will join President Sanchez and the members of Cabinet in guiding the existing plan and preparing for the next through the framework of four pillars: learning innovation, student experience, financial stewardship, and revenue generation and partnerships. More about Manhattanville's rich history and mission can be found here.
The Student Experience - We are Valiants!
To a Valiant Heart, Nothing is Impossible!” - Tim Cohane, Sr.
The inspiration for our sports teams' name which dates back to the 1970s when Tim Cohane, Sr., a renowned sports editor and father of then men's basketball coach, Tim Cohane, first referred to the quote and the "Valiants." The name has come to signify all members of our community, representing the spirit of bold bravery and the will to act with courage, conviction, and moral integrity, qualities we strive to live up to as a community. We are Valiants!
Manhattanville University serves almost 1,400 undergraduate students and almost 1,100 graduate students from more than 30 countries and 20 states. The University has experienced three consecutive years of undergraduate enrollment growth through strategic recruitment, retention and marking initiatives, partnerships, and new academic programs. Manhattanville University is poised for continued strategic growth, supported by a history of innovation, a strong commitment to social mobility, rising enrollment, and increased alumni engagement.
A diverse student body, low student-to-faculty ratio, and inclusive and competitive athletic programs combine to make Manhattanville an attractive educational setting. With 60 percent of first year students living on campus, Manhattanville has developed a culture of support, involvement and leadership for students, regardless of housing choice. Leadership centers, community events, student support, and an open atmosphere define the student experience. Additionally, Manhattanville students want to make the world a better place and the student body exhibits an incredible ethos for service. The undergraduate population produces more than 30 thousand community service hours.
Residential students have many housing options within the four residence halls, and food options take into consideration the needs of both residential and commuter students. Students also enjoy amenities like a campus market and store and comprehensive athletic facilities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, an ice rink, a baseball and softball field, and an indoor turf facility. Extracurricular offerings include more than 45 clubs and activities and 23 NCAA Division III teams, competing in the Skyline Conference and the United Collegiate Hockey Conference.
Location
Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of Westchester County, Manhattanville’s location enables easy access to entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its primarily residential and diverse student body. Manhattanville’s campus is a short car, train, or bus ride from New York City and the city’s main airports.
Westchester County is bordered by Long Island Sound to the east and the Hudson River to the west and offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures in hiking, biking, watersports or family activities. Recognized as one of the best places to live in New York, the area blends residences, educational institutions, and corporations, including Mastercard, Pepsi, Atlas Air, and Central National-Gottesman headquarters, and is known as a nexus for power brokers and celebrities. The County is a blend of six bustling cities, 20 quaint villages and 19 picturesque towns, as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. Westchester County is known for top-notch public schools and a high quality of life. The County is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world changing non-profits, and cutting-edge research centers.
Compensation and the Manhattanville Work Environment
Manhattanville offers a competitive salary based on the skills and experience of the selected candidate, and a comprehensive package of benefits including tuition remission. The range identified for this important role is $225,000 - $250,000. In this highly visible position the selected candidate will reside in proximity to Purchase, New York. The Manhattanville community enjoys a hybrid work environment at the discretion of university leadership.
Apply
NES, a higher education search firm specializing in enrollment management searches, is assisting Manhattan University in seeking the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategy. For more information, or to nominate someone for this position, contact Robin Reynders (robin.reynders@nessearches.com) or Catherine Capolupo (catherine.capolupo@nessearches.com). All conversations will remain confidential unless otherwise stated and agreed. Interested candidates should submit a résumé and a letter of interest describing their unique qualifications for this role. Candidates should also provide the names and contact information of at least five professional references. For confidentiality, references will not be contacted without permission.For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted electronically to mville@nessearches.com by March 11, 2025. This preferred start date for the new Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategy will be in the summer of 2025.
Manhattanville University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and is an equal-opportunity employer. The University does not discriminate against current or prospective students and employees based on race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are unable to complete this application process due to a disability, contact Manhattanville Human Resources at human.resources@mville.edu to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.