Job Description
Job Description Summary
Shawnee State University seeks dynamic, strategic, and innovative candidates for Chief Enrollment & Marketing Officer
Shawnee State University seeks a dynamic, strategic, and innovative leader as its Chief Enrollment & Marketing Officer. This high-impact position drives comprehensive enrollment management and marketing initiatives to elevate the university’s profile and attract a diverse student body. The ideal candidate is action-oriented and data-driven, adept at crafting and executing strategies that align with institutional goals and resonate with key audiences. This leader will inspire teams, leverage cutting-edge technology, and forge community partnerships to position SSU as a first-choice institution and fuel sustainable enrollment growth.
The Chief Enrollment & Marketing Officer at Shawnee State University will oversee the following key areas to drive cohesive strategies and ensure a seamless student experience:
- Admissions
- Bursar
- Registrar
- Student Business Center
- Financial Aid
- Marketing
This comprehensive structure supports a collaborative, integrated approach to the student experience emphasizing the critical partnership between these areas to achieve institutional success.
SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Shawnee State University (SSU), located in Portsmouth, Ohio, is an open access regional public institution known for its commitment to providing exceptional, student-focused education. Established in 1986, with historical roots dating to 1945, SSU serves as a vital educational and cultural center in the Appalachian region. The university primarily functions as a teaching institution with a strong emphasis on delivering personalized learning experiences that foster academic excellence, practical skill development tied to workforce needs, and lifelong learning.
SSU offers a comprehensive range of academics, with over 70 undergraduate programs and several graduate programs spanning key fields such as its nationally-ranked game design programs, business, health sciences, education, engineering technologies, advanced manufacturing, and the arts and sciences. The university’s dedication to creating an environment that nurtures student success is evident in its small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and meaningful student-faculty interactions.
Serving a student body of approximately 3,300, the majority of which are the first in their families to go to college, SSU includes both on-campus and online learners, catering to the needs of traditional, non-traditional, and distance education students. The university’s flexible learning options and targeted support services help ensure that students can pursue their academic goals regardless of their backgrounds or schedules. This commitment to inclusivity and accessibility contributes to the university’s role as a regional leader in educational advancement and community engagement. See the SSU Strategic Plan (Download PDF reader) (2021 – 2026).
The university’s picturesque 62-acre campus is situated along the scenic Ohio River, offering a serene backdrop conducive to both study and leisure. State-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories, modern classrooms, residence halls, and recreational spaces, enrich the student experience and support a well-rounded education. SSU also integrates technology throughout its curriculum to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a fast-changing global environment.
Shawnee State University’s partnerships with regional businesses and industries enhance its focus on practical, career-oriented education. The university emphasizes workforce development through collaborations that provide students with internships, experiential learning, and direct pathways to employment upon graduation.
EEO STATEMENT
Shawnee State University is committed to having an educational and working environment for students and employees that is without unlawful or prohibited discrimination and harassment.
Categories defined as protected classes include age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, and any other classes defined by law.
Many laws that prohibit discrimination also prohibit retaliation against individuals who assert their rights.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
Enrollment Management
- Strategically manage the entire enrollment lifecycle from prospect to matriculation.
- Utilize data analysis to optimize recruitment strategies and improve yield rates.
- Collaborate with academic and student service units to create seamless enrollment experiences.
- Lead initiatives to diversify and grow the student body through targeted recruitment campaigns.
Marketing Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and implement strategic marketing plans to enhance SSU’s brand and reputation.
- Lead data-driven marketing initiatives that align with enrollment goals and target key demographics.
- Drive digital marketing, public relations, and advertising efforts to broaden outreach.
- Foster innovation in marketing approaches to engage prospective students effectively.
Team & Partnership Development
- Build and inspire a high-performing team focused on achieving enrollment and marketing objectives.
- Cultivate partnerships with schools, community organizations, and stakeholders to expand recruitment channels.
- Enhance relationships with alumni and regional partners to support outreach efforts.
- Mentor staff, fostering professional growth and a culture of collaboration and excellence.
Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Strategic and innovative thinker, skilled in developing comprehensive marketing and enrollment plans.
- Strong analytical abilities with a data-driven approach to decision-making and problem-solving.
- Proven leadership in building and inspiring collaborative, high-achieving teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage diverse audiences and build relationships.
- Adept in digital marketing, advertising, and public relations, with a focus on brand enhancement.
- Ability to cultivate partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in higher education or related field.
- Minimum of 6 years’ experience in enrollment management or related fields (e.g., recruitment, admissions, financial aid, etc.).
APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS
CBIZ EFL Associates ( an executive search firm, is assisting
Shawnee State University with its search for this important leadership position. All calls and inquiries should be made through the search firm. Nominations and applications will be held in strict confidence and candidates will remain confidential until the final stage of the search, at which time the express permission of finalists will be obtained before their candidacy is made public.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- STEP 1 : Complete a brief online application (2-3 minutes):
- Click here to apply or
- Copy/paste the URL into browser:
- STEP 2 : Send us your cover letter and résumé or curriculum vitae:
- Send in PDF format
- Send to ApplyHigherEd@eflassociates.com
- Email subject line should read: SSU E&M Application
KEY DATES
- Application deadline is January 17, 2025 .
- Semi-Finalist video Interviews are scheduled for February 19th and 21st, 2025.
- On-Campus Interviews are scheduled for week of March 24, 2025.
- The desired start date is negotiable
CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRIES
Steve Waldron, JD
VP & Managing Director, Higher Education Practice
816-945-5423, swaldron@eflassociates.com
NOMINATIONS & APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Edith Ketay
Project Manager, Higher Education Practice
816-841-4001, edith.ketay@eflassociates.com
Job Tags
Full time, Internship, Flexible hours,