LIM College seeks an experienced and highly successful enrollment leader to serve as Senior Vice President of Enrollment Services and Student Success. Founded in 1939 and located in midtown Manhattan, LIM College is focused on the global business of fashion and lifestyle. Offering master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree programs, LIM prepares students for career success via an immersive approach grounded in real-world experience and learning by doing required internships. LIM College’s commitment to excellence in business education ensures graduates are sought after by a wide range of employers nationwide.
The Opportunity
Reporting to President Ron Marshall, the Senior Vice President of Enrollment Services and Student Success (SVP) will serve as the chief enrollment strategist and a key member of both the President’s Cabinet and the President’s Leadership Team. This senior executive is responsible for leading and integrating a student-centered, data-informed approach to enrollment management and student success. The position oversees the Offices of Admissions, the Registrar, and Academic Advising, ensuring alignment across the full student lifecycle from initial inquiry and application through course registration, academic progression, and degree completion.
The Senior Vice President plays a critical leadership role in shaping LIM College’s enrollment vision and achieving sustainable growth in a competitive, brand-driven higher education environment. This includes the development and execution of a strategic enrollment plan and long-term initiatives that reflect LIM’s unique positioning in fashion, business, and lifestyle education, and that support the College’s strategic and academic objectives.
The Senior Vice President leads strategic planning and operational excellence across their portfolio, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. In partnership with key stakeholders across the College including Student Financial Services, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Institutional Research, and Marketing & Communications, the SVP ensures that enrollment strategies are tightly aligned with academic offerings, market demand, and student needs.
This role requires a forward-thinking, metrics-driven leader who can respond to evolving market conditions, leverage technology and analytics, and continuously improve the student experience. The SVP will be a visible and engaged leader on campus and in the higher education community, advocating for enrollment priorities and driving student-focused solutions that support LIM College’s long-term success.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
As a position of significant impact on the College, the Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success will perform the following essential functions and responsibilities:
Executive Leadership
- Serve as a senior member of the President’s Cabinet and contribute to strategic planning, institutional effectiveness, and accreditation efforts.
- Act as the senior advisor to the President, Senior Leadership and Cabinet on all matters related to enrollment, including student demand forecasting, pricing strategies, yield optimization, and retention.
- Use market intelligence, demographic data, and trend analysis to identify growth opportunities and emerging challenges across all student populations: undergraduate, graduate, transfer, online, and international.
- Communicate enrollment performance, projections, and outcomes to key stakeholders, including the Board of Directors and campus leadership.
- Partner with Institutional Research and Information Technology to ensure optimal use of student information systems, CRM tools, advising platforms, and degree audit systems.
- Ensure data integrity, interoperability between systems, and the ability to generate accurate reports for accreditation, compliance, and executive decision-making.
Enrollment Management
- Develop and execute a forward-thinking, multi-year strategic enrollment plan aligned with LIM College’s mission and institutional goals.
- Collaborate with Student Financial Services, Marketing & Communications, Academic Affairs, Institutional Research, and Student Affairs to ensure enrollment strategies align with institutional goals and student needs.
- Lead recruitment and admissions efforts across all modalities and student types, to support the strategic plan and are in alignment with academic offerings.
- Refine and implement strategies to improve conversion rates across the admissions funnel from inquiry to application to enrollment.
- Ensure seamless coordination between offices to support the full student lifecycle from recruitment and registration through academic progress and degree completion.
- Oversee the use of enrollment data, enrollment forecasting models, and performance dashboards to guide strategy and inform decision-making.
- Represent LIM College externally at recruitment events, high schools, community colleges, graduate fairs, and strategic partnership meetings.
- Develop articulation agreements, transfer pipelines, and school partnerships to support enrollment growth.
Retention and Student Success
- Collaborate with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to support initiatives that improve persistence, student engagement, and academic achievement.
- Provide leadership to the Advising Office, ensuring that academic advising is proactive, student-centered, and aligned with institutional retention and completion goals.
- Leverage advising and student success data to identify at-risk students, implement early interventions, and promote on-time degree completion.
- Supervise the Registrar’s Office, ensuring high standards for the accuracy, security, and accessibility of academic records and enrollment data.
- Oversee course registration processes, academic calendars, grading policies, transcript issuance, and compliance with FERPA and accreditation requirements.
- Align Registrar functions with enrollment goals and student service priorities, including course availability, academic scheduling, and timely graduation audits.
Supervision and Mentorship
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the following areas: Admissions, Registrar, and Advising.
- Lead annual goal setting and performance evaluations for enrollment-related units to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
- Cultivate a high-performing team culture centered on collaboration, accountability, innovation, and service to students.
- Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and staff development plans across all supervised departments.
Performance Measures
The performance of the Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success will be measured by the SVP’s achievement of the following:
- Demonstrates consistent progress toward institutional enrollment targets across all student populations (undergraduate, graduate, transfer, online).
- Effectively manages the admissions funnel to improve inquiry, application, admission, and yield outcomes.
- Supports initiatives that expand student pipelines, including partnerships and articulation agreements.
- Contributes to increased student retention and on-time degree completion through effective collaboration with advising and academic units.
- Implements and supports strategies that improve the student experience and promote long-term academic success.
- Ensures advising practices are proactive, student-centered, and aligned with retention goals.
- Maintains high standards in registration, records management, academic scheduling, and graduation processing.
- Ensures compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies (e.g., FERPA).
- Leads efforts to improve operational efficiency and the student service experience in Registrar and Advising offices.
- Aligns enrollment strategies with institutional goals and market demand.
- Supports continuous improvement through assessment and reporting of enrollment and student success metrics.
- Builds and maintains high-performing teams across Admissions, Registrar, and Advising.
- Fosters a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.
- Encourages staff growth and development through coaching, feedback, and professional learning opportunities.
- Works effectively with senior leadership, academic departments, and other key stakeholders to advance institutional priorities.
- Communicates enrollment strategies, updates, and outcomes clearly and consistently to internal audiences.
- Represents LIM College professionally in external engagements related to enrollment and student success.
Qualification, Skills, and Characteristics
It is expected that the Senior Vice President of Enrollment Services and Student Success will hold a bachelor's degree and possess at least 7 years of demonstrated leadership success as an innovator in enrollment management. In addition, the successful candidate will also possess many of the following abilities and characteristics:
- Knowledge of current best practices and trends in enrollment management, student retention, and student success across modalities and student populations;
- Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills, and the ability to draw conclusions, develop recommendations, and clearly communicate orally and in written form;
- Data-informed decision-maker with experience using analytics to drive strategy and measure outcomes;
- Ability to use data and statistics to create predictive models of enrollment trends and results, strong analytical skills with the ability to utilize data to inform decision making;
- A gifted story teller with the ability to articulate the distinctive features of LIM College’s academic, co-, and extracurricular programming in a compelling manner to students, families and community members;
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic enrollment plans that drive growth and improve student outcomes;
- Proven experience managing and integrating functions such as Admissions, Registrar, or Academic Advising;
- Track record of effective team leadership, staff development, and cross-departmental collaboration;
- Familiarity with enrollment and retention related systems (e.g., SIS, CRM, advising platforms, degree audit tools) and the ability to align systems, processes and procedures to support efficiency, accuracy, student satisfaction and student engagement;
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to lead in a fast-paced, student-centered environment
- An individual with the highest ethical standards;
- A confident leader with ability to navigate and lead in an evolving organization and changing marketplace; and
- An unwavering commitment to the ideals and values of LIM College.
LIM College
LIM College is focused on the business of fashion and lifestyle. As a leader and innovator in this space since 1939, the campus location in midtown Manhattan is the perfect setting for its immersive "learn by doing" approach. An LIM education blends real-life experience with academic study, equipping students with specialized knowledge and skills and giving them numerous opportunities to apply them outside the classroom. Students find out firsthand what it's like to have a career in the fashion business, applying what they’ve learned in their courses and making invaluable career connections along the way. This means LIM graduates are prepared for life after college. In fact, within six months of graduation, 95% of the Class of 2024 were working in the business of fashion and lifestyle or continuing their education. Alumni excel throughout all areas of fashion and lifestyle and have gone on to work for companies such as Chanel, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Ross Stores, The Financial Times, Ulta Beauty, Google, Saks Fifth Avenue, Cannabis Creative, and The National Football League.
LIM College's on-campus undergraduate students hail from 42 U.S. states and 22 countries. The on-campus undergraduate student body is 95% female, with an average age of 20. Approximately 35% of students transfer in from other colleges and universities. While the student body is geographically and ethnically diverse, LIM students share a love of fashion and lifestyle, an aptitude for business, an appreciation of life in New York City, and a drive to succeed academically and professionally.
Academic Programs & Student Life
LIM’s faculty and staff form a community of professionals committed to providing a superior educational experience centered around the business of fashion and lifestyle. Degree programs may be available on campus, in a fully online format, or both. Courses are taught by industry professionals and students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are required to complete three industry internships.
At the undergraduate level, LIM offers the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Fashion Media, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Fashion Management & Leadership, Fashion Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Visual Studies, and The Business of Fashion, the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Fashion Merchandising, the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Fashion Merchandising & Management and the Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) in Fashion Merchandising
At the graduate level LIM offers the Master of Science (MS) in Consumer Analytics and Global Fashion Supply Chain Management, the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Fashion Marketing, Fashion Merchandising & Retail Management, and The Business of Fashion and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Luxury Brand Management.
Students make the most of their time at LIM by taking advantage of fun, rewarding, and unique co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities. Whether studying in person in NYC or learning online, LIM has clubs, organizations, and hands-on opportunities where students engage with peers and enrich their college experience. From student government and leadership to academic organizations and student affiliation groups, the college offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to engage outside of the classroom.
Enrollment
In fall 2025, LIM enrolled 1,494 total students including 1,211 undergraduates, of which 885 were on campus and 326 were online, and 283 graduate students, of which 174 were on campus and 102 were online. The average class size is 15 for undergraduates and 12 for graduates. Women make up 87% of enrolled students. International students make up 10% of undergraduate enrollments and 51% of graduate enrollments. LIM attracts a diverse student body: 33% White / 25% Black / 19% Hispanic / 10% Asian. The majority (76%) of students live off campus while 24% choose student housing at FOUND Study-Midtown East.
Leadership
Ron Marshall became President of LIM College in January of 2024, after serving since 2019 on the LIM College Board of Directors and acting as a consultant and senior advisor to the College on strategic, financial, and operational matters. President Marshall is a seasoned retail executive. Among many executive leadership roles throughout his career, President Marshall led the Nash-Finch Company, a $5 billion food distribution and retailing company, from 1998 to 2006 and served as Chief Executive Officer for Borders Group, Inc. and the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company. Most recently, President Marshall served as Chief Executive Officer of Claire’s Stores Inc. from 2016 to 2019.
Earlier in his career, President Marshall served in a series of positions of increasing responsibility with Pathmark Stores, Inc., Barnes & Noble Bookstores, Inc., and the Jack Eckerd Corporation. From 1976 to 1980 he was a Certified Public Accountant working for the international accounting and auditing firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers). He has also served as Director and Audit Committee Member on the Board of Directors of Claire’s Stores, Inc. and Linens & Things, Inc., and as an Executive Committee Member of the Wright State University Foundation.
President Marshall is joined by a team of four Executive Leaders (the College Provost, Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations, Chief Growth Officer, and the Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success) in guiding the Colleges immediate and long term planning efforts. The fourteen members of the President’s Cabinet serve in an advisory capacity to the President, making informed recommendations regarding the College’s strategic priorities, resource allocation, infrastructure, and organizational structure. The Cabinet aligns planning and operational processes and policies to fulfill College priorities, support the core values and mission, and fosters continuous improvement.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
Nearly 90 years ago, Maxwell F. Marcuse, an authority and pioneer in the fields of education and retail, was asked by leading retailers to create an educational institution for the business of fashion and merchandising. In 1939 Marcuse founded what was originally known as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM), which became LIM College in 2009. The College is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, was awarded academic program accreditation through ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs).
In December of 2025, ownership of LIM College transitioned to the Japan Educational Foundation (JEF) becoming part of JEF’s global higher education portfolio of colleges, universities, campuses, and fashion industry relationships around the world—including ESMOD, the prestigious French fashion school, founded in 1841, and the Professional Institute of International Fashion, the only university specializing in the business of fashion in Japan.
Today, LIM College continues to operate independently, retaining the LIM College name and campus facilities. All academic and administrative operations continue as usual, and there have been no changes for students with respect to enrollment status, tuition structure, or financial aid programs. LIM’s educational and degree programs continue uninterrupted, without anticipated changes to LIM faculty or administration as a result of this ownership transition. Students can expect enhanced opportunities as a result of added intellectual capital and global industry connections, advancing the vision for LIM as the global leader in higher education for fashion and lifestyle.
Strategic Planning
The Senior Vice President of Enrollment and Student Success will join the LIM College community in ushering in a new strategic planning process, and will play an active role in providing leadership, as well as expert knowledge and analysis of the evolving marketplace. Guided by the institution's mission, vision, and core values, the new strategic plan will include opportunities for new academic programs and partnerships.
Mission, Vision & Core Values
LIM College’s deep commitment to students and legacy of experiential education come to life through learning and working, in-person and virtually, in New York City and around the world. LIM continuously reimagines the student experience, in and out of the classroom, by being relevant, adaptable, and inclusive. LIM’s close-knit community connects students with alumni, industry partners, and professional networks, preparing them for lifelong success in the dynamic business of fashion and lifestyle.
LIM College is the global leader in education for the business of fashion and lifestyle, delivering superior results for students, alumni, and the industry.
LIM College is guided by five core values:
- Collaborative Spirit: Foster a culture of shared understanding, trust, and belonging.
- Academic Engagement: Empower students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
- Respectful Community: Champion Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability.
- Ethical Mindset: Act with honesty, integrity, and accountability.
- Student Focus: Keep students at the heart of everything LIM does.
New York City
Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, LIM is the ideal launchpad for students who want to be on the cutting edge putting students in the world’s fashion, business, and cultural capital. The College strives to match students’ drive, ignite their creative energy, and push them to reach their full potential. LIM has two academic buildings located in midtown Manhattan.
Maxwell Hall, located at 216 East 45th Street includes a wide range of student services, including the Office of Student Life, Career and Internship Services, Counseling, Academic Advising, Admissions, Student Financial Services, The Lexington Line office, and more. Maxwell Hall is also home to classrooms, the Adrian G. Marcuse Library, the Academic Resource Center, and multiple student lounges.
Fifth Avenue, located at 545 on NYC's most famous thoroughfare, is home to classrooms, lounges, a photo studio, the Color & Materials Research Lab, and visual studies, fashion merchandising, and fashion design studios.
Student housing is at FOUND Study - Midtown East located at 569 Lexington Avenue. FOUND Study offers an unbeatable location and plentiful amenities to make the most of NYC life, including a fabulous rooftop lounge and a large fitness center. FOUND Study is also just steps away from a subway station.
Embedded in the city both physically and ideologically, the city fosters creativity and passion, while offering the career opportunities that reflect the style and talents of a diverse student body.
Compensation
Compensation for the position will be competitive and based on the skills and experience of the selected candidate; the range identified for this role is $200,000 - $220,000. The successful candidate will have an active on-campus presence, with the flexibility to work remotely one day a week. Additionally, LIM College offers a comprehensive package of benefits including tuition remission and exchange, six weeks of paid holidays, three to five weeks of paid time off, as well as health and retirement benefits. In addition the college maintains the tradition of closing on Fridays during the summer months.
To Apply
NES, a higher education search firm specializing in enrollment management searches, is assisting LIM College in identifying Senior Vice President of Enrollment Services and Student Success. For more information, or to nominate someone for this position, contact Catherine Capolupo (catherine.capolupo@nessearches.com), or Laura Robinson (laura.robinson@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 the Senior Vice President of Enrollment Services and Student Success position at LIM College. 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 LIM@nessearches.com. The priority deadline for consideration will be January 16th, 2026. All candidates are asked to submit their materials no later than January 30, 2026. The preferred start date is Spring, 2026.
Fostering a culture of professionalism, communication, and teamwork, LIM College strives to provide a friendly and comfortable working environment characterized by trust, diversity, and respect. LIM College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College does not discriminate in its employment decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, unemployment status, or any other status protected by law.

