leadership search for higher education

Spelman Johnson is a premier executive search firm exclusively committed to serving higher education.

Spelman Johnson is a premier executive search firm exclusively committed to serving higher education.

Recruiting talented leaders on behalf of the institutions we serve, our success is strengthened by our deep and diverse relationships and our investment in the development and engagement of a leadership pipeline. Since 1991, we’ve helped hundreds of higher education institutions identify outstanding professionals, pairing exceptional leaders with positions across all facets of the academy. Spelman Johnson is nationally recognized for our thought leadership on issues of equity and diversity and for our commitment to inclusion in higher education.

during our twenty-eight year history, Spelman Johnson has cultivated and supported a diverse, national network of professionals of color within higher education.

The relationships we establish in the course of our work

with multi-cultural professional groups and associations are part of an overall corporate commitment to the advancement of underrepresented professionals within higher education. Our placements show our strong commitment to the advancement of underrepresented persons within the field of higher education.

54%

of our searches have been completed with the hire of a woman

26%

of our positions hired have been persons of color

62%

of the women we have placed throughout our history remain in their positions or have been promoted to higher positions within the client institution

68%

of the persons of color remain in their positions or have been promoted within the client institution

News and Resources

Congratulations to our recent placements!

5/9/2019 | Ellen Heffernan

We are delighted to share with you the names of talented candidates who have recently advanced into key leadership positions with our partner institutions. Paz Oliverez Vice President for Student Affairs, California State University, San Bernardino Christopher Hanes Director, Student Counseling Services, Iowa State University Richard Gibson Assistant Vice President of Housing, Georgia Institute… Continue reading >

People, People, People

5/9/2019
Jill McCartney — Director of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation - Kenyon College

I am now past the halfway point of my first year as the Director of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation at Kenyon College. The opportunity presented by Kenyon has been a significant transition from my last position, despite its coming with the same job title. Whereas my previous position was a hands-on, in-the-trenches, lead-by-doing job, my… Continue reading >

Networking for Higher Education Professionals

4/18/2019 | Ellen Heffernan

Most higher education professionals understand the benefits of networking, such as professional development, advancement opportunities, and career guidance. However, many are unsure of how to go about it, and may be intimidated by the process. Here we offer some simple strategies for developing your professional network. Make Networking a Professional Goal Approach networking the way… Continue reading >