The University of Southern California (USC), one of the world’s leading private research universities and an institution revered for its entrepreneurial spirit, seeks its next vice president for enrollment management.

USC has always been a pioneering institution with discovery and exploration at its heart. Located in Los Angeles – a global metropolis renowned as a capital of creative industries and a rising hub of tech innovation – USC stands at the crossroads of cultural influence, cutting-edge research, and entrepreneurial energy. Since opening its doors in 1880, USC’s drive to break boundaries and transcend its own geography put it on an impressive trajectory. USC has established itself as a leading institution in the academy, unique in its ability to blend the autonomy for exploration emblematic of a private institution with its size and resources, which resemble the breadth and scale of a public university.

At the heart of the university are its students. USC stands among the most sought-after private universities in the nation, evidenced by over 83,500 first-year applications for the class entering in fall 2025. The number of undergraduate students enrolling at USC who are the first in their families to attend college is over 20%, and – like the population of Southern California – over 40% are students of color. With one of the most abundant financial aid programs in the country, USC manages more than $900 million in scholarships and aid to undergraduates. The USC Affordability Initiative makes it possible for financial aid eligible students who start at USC as first-year students and whose families earn $80,000 or less each year to attend tuition-free.

USC seeks an enrollment leader who will embrace the diverse complexity of an institution that today enrolls over 47,000 students (21,000 undergraduate and 26,000 graduate) across the rich spectrum of the liberal arts and sciences, in talent-based programs across six conservatory quality arts schools, and in outstanding professional schools that are among the best in the world. The new leader will understand the unique challenges faced by today’s students who are pursuing careers in the sciences, policymaking, engineering, communications, education, research, performance, creative industries, law and medicine; excelling in highly competitive athletics programs; and improving the human condition through service.

The new enrollment leader will lead the mission to open the world of higher education to students who will thrive at USC. Specifically, the vice president will have oversight for undergraduate admission, financial aid, registration, and new student orientation. Reporting to Provost Andrew T. Guzman, the vice president will be a visionary professional who sees the role of enrollment management through the broader lens of higher education’s mission to serve the public good as well as this university’s unique calling to serve students, the scholarly community, Los Angeles, and the world.

The ideal candidate will bring a sophisticated, strategic, analytical, and deeply collaborative approach to enrollment management, with a strong understanding of data and technology and the ability to ask the right questions to uncover necessary insights. Additionally, the vice president must have the skill to navigate a complex, decentralized institution and a dynamic higher education environment, with the political acumen, tact, fortitude, and diplomacy to address these issues. The successful vice president will be a respected and influential leader across campus, capable of facilitating discussions with faculty, staff, and administration about curriculum matters and actively participating in decision-making processes. The vice president will ensure all voices are heard and bring valuable experience to engage effectively with all areas of 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 profile available at WittKieffer.com.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University of Southern California reasonably expects to pay for the Vice President for Enrollment Management is $400,000 to $525,000. This range takes into account a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by July 7, 2025.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search.

Robin Mamlet, Amy Crutchfield, and Randi Miller

USCVPEM@wittkieffer.com

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.