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

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 >

Athlete Development: A Career Pathway for Women Interested in a Career in Sports

3/28/2019
Janice L. Hilliard, Ph.D. — President & CEO of Hilliard Creative Education & Development Solutions, LLC (Hilliard Solutions)

From the time I was a scholarship basketball student-athlete at the University of Houston, I have been coached, mentored and developed by outstanding women and men leaders who shaped my amazing career in sports. My background and experiences as a lifelong educator and sports administrator have provided me with a unique perspective on the sports… Continue reading >

Attend Spelman Johnson's sessions at NASPA

3/4/2019 | Ellen Heffernan

Spelman Johnson looks forward to attending the 2019 NASPA Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA from March 9-12, 2019. You'll find the Spelman Johnson team in the exhibit hall at Booth #312 - we hope you'll stop by! Join one of our sessions! Getting to AVP: Developing your Portfolio for Success As student affairs educators,… Continue reading >