| As the field of enrollment management has developed and changed, so has the role of the chief enrollment officer. This position is often considered among the most critical in senior level university administration today. Thomas Huddleston stated that "an enrollment manager's efforts are intended to shape and influence particular units that have significant impact on a student's decision to enroll, persist and graduate" (2000, p.65). These units most commonly include admission and financial aid, but often also involve responsibility for marketing and retention. A chief enrollment officer must be strategic, data-driven, possess strong communication skills, collaborate effectively with internal and external constituencies, be a strong leader and mentor for their staff members, and understand the mission of the institution, among other skills and competencies.;The purpose of this study is to better understand the qualifications, experiences, skills and competencies required of a chief enrollment officer in private colleges and universities and to contribute to what is currently a limited amount of literature available on this role within higher education. The primary lens through which this position has been examined is the hiring and selection processes, and what can be learned from those processes that enhance the understanding of the role. The findings suggest that there are a number of important steps to be taken to ensure the maintenance of a productive enrollment management model, including better aligning the definition of enrollment management from the literature with that which is practiced. Establishing a professional organization specific to enrollment management may also provide better training and educational pathways for enrollment professionals, both to ensure the development of an appropriate skill set and provide ongoing professional resources for chief enrollment officers. The challenges that chief enrollment officers will face in the coming years are many, and the need to effectively prepare future leaders to address these issues is of critical importance as many private institutions rely heavily on successful enrollment outcomes for financial sustainability. |
