Current Openings:
Northeastern University

Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation
Boston, Massachusetts

This search has been re-opened. A brief summary of the position is given below. Click here to see a more-detailed position profile.

Northeastern University in Boston is looking for a Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation who will thrive in a fast-paced environment, embrace complexity, and who has a strong understanding of contemporary enrollment management. The ideal candidate for the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation will be a charismatic, achievement-oriented, idea-generating leader who can mentor and guide a talented staff. Because the Dean of Admissions is also an educator—in the office, in the University, and in the wider higher education community–he/she must be knowledgeable and inspirational, and recognize the value of effective communication.  Other desirable qualities include high energy, imagination, resilience, intellectual agility and responsiveness.

The University:  Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a global, experiential, research-based university located in the heart of Boston. Grounded in its signature co-op program, Northeastern is the leader in experiential learning—the integration of academics and real-world experience—providing unprecedented opportunities for study and practice around the world. The division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs is well-respected at Northeastern University and has been enormously successful in recruiting and retaining high-caliber students.  Increasingly selective and competitive, Northeastern admitted 31 percent of the record 44,200 applications for the Fall 2012 freshman class. Total full-time enrollment at the University is 20,500 and includes 16,000 undergraduates, 4,000 graduate students, and 640 law students. For more information about Northeastern University, visit http://northeastern.edu.

The Position: The Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation provides leadership, strategic direction, management, and oversight for the undergraduate recruitment, admission and orientation programs for the University’s seven colleges. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment, the Dean will oversee a staff of 44 in the offices of Admissions, Orientation and the Visitor Center.  He/she will develop and implement innovative and sophisticated strategies and programs to meet enrollment objectives for incoming freshmen and transfer students consistent with the University’s goals. The Dean will be a key player on the Enrollment Strategy Team.

The Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation will work collaboratively with the College Deans and Associate Deans; the Directors of Student Financial Services; Enrollment Research; Enrollment Marketing & Communications; International Recruitment and Strategic Enrollment Initiatives; Alumni Association; the University Honors Program; and the Director of Residential Life, Athletics and other colleagues.  The Dean will travel on behalf of the University and will represent the institution at regional, national and international professional meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualities:  Candidates should have substantial leadership experience in admissions marketing and recruiting, and a proven understanding of the dynamics of a complex, global, and ethnically diverse university community.  An advanced degree is preferred. The position requires superb interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills as well as strong planning and analytical abilities, and a passion for incorporating new technologies into strategies and tactics. Candidates should know how to set clear objectives, yet be flexible when plans change. The ability to monitor progress and results, coupled with wise use of human and financial resources, is expected.  A commitment to developing staff is highly valued.

To Apply:  Lahti Search Consultants (www.lahtisearch.com) is assisting Northeastern University with this search, which has been re-opened as of April 2, 2012. All inquiries, nominations and conversations about this opportunity are welcome and will remain confidential. For more information, please contact either Terry Lahti (terry@lahtisearch.com) or Mary Napier (mary.napier@lahtisearch.com). Resumes will be reviewed until the position is filled, although priority consideration will be given to resumes submitted before May 7.  Salaries and benefits for this position are competitive.  Expected start date is August 2012. If you wish to apply, please send a resume and cover letter by email to

 Barb Friedhoff
Lahti Search Consultants
barb@lahtisearch.com