Leadership Search for Education and Social Impact

Since 1991 Spelman Johnson has identified and recruited talented leaders across education, advocacy associations, and nonprofit organizations through an inclusive and equitable search process.

Get to Know Us

Our success is driven by the relationships and leadership pipeline we have developed for over three decades.

We view every engagement as a long-term partnership. We consistently deliver exceptional results, helping organizations find outstanding talent that aligns with their mission, vision, and strategic priorities. Our track record of successful placements speaks for itself, instilling confidence in our clients that we will deliver the same level of excellence with each engagement.

Spelman Johnson Understands Industry Trends and Imperatives

Clients choose Spelman Johnson for their search needs because we offer proven results, excel in identifying top talent, provide a personalized approach, prioritize diversity, and possess a deep understanding of industry trends and requirements. We are attuned to the changing demands and expectations for executive and senior-level leaders. This knowledge equips us to offer valuable guidance and support in defining roles and responsibilities, ultimately paving the way for effective hiring practices.

Top 5 leadership trends in enrollment management 2023

  • Enrollment managers must understand the broader enrollment trends (e.g., the demographic cliff), and also be skilled in segmentation.
  • Enrollment managers are increasingly expected to clearly articulate institutional and program-level value and ROI (post-completion outcomes).
  • Enrollment managers must integrate Gen-P’s expectations and college search behaviors into institutional strategic enrollment plans.
  • Enrollment managers must balance tuition discount and net tuition revenue pressures with tuition pricing sustainability.
  • Enrollment managers must meaningfully integrate retention strategy into the broader enrollment strategy.

How we do it

Our Steps for a Successful Search

Applying for a Leadership Role

Steps to Becoming a Successful Applicant

Landing the next leadership role requires a plan for assessing opportunities and a strategy for managing the search process.

Our Commitment to Excellence is Inseparable From Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Spelman Johnson understands that organizational excellence is the result of a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and we unambiguously embrace diversity as a fundamental value. We believe that each leadership search we undertake presents an opportunity to advance leaders who will bring passion, extraordinary talent, and diverse experiences and perspectives to their roles. 

48%
of Spelman Johnson searches in 2023 resulted in the hiring of women
40%
of Spelman Johnson searches in 2023 resulted in the hiring of a person of color
43%
of all Spelman Johnson searches resulted in the hiring of women
32%
of all Spelman Johnson searches resulted in the hiring of a person of color

Our Impact

Spelman Johnson has left an indelible mark on the world of executive search, and our impact continues to reverberate. With over three decades of experience, our innovative and personalized approach to executive search has resulted in the placement of countless visionary leaders who have shaped the landscape of higher education, independent schools, athletics, advocacy associations, and nonprofit organizations.

Recent Placements

Spelman Johnson’s recent placements stand as a testament to our dedication to positioning accomplished leaders who share a genuine passion for making positive impacts within their new roles. These leaders exhibit a remarkable blend of strategic vision, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit, all of which are instrumental in driving organizations forward.

Anna Brookes

Associate Vice President of Campus Safety and Security
Colby College

Sheri Neshiem

Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Shelly Perdomo-Ahmed

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life
University of Massachusetts Amherst

View More Recent Placements