Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

Childpeace Montessori School•Portland, OR

15h•$65,000 - $100,000

About The Position

As a full-time, 12-month employee, the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid leads Childpeace’s initiatives in admissions, recruitment, parent and community relationships, retention, and market analysis. The Director of Admissions and Financial Aid is a key part of the school’s leadership team and will work closely with colleagues to strengthen the school’s enrollment while furthering the school’s mission of intentional inclusivity and commitment to excellence. This individual is responsible for maintaining admissions and enrollment data as well as providing information and support to families throughout the admissions, decision, and enrollment process. The Director of Admissions and Financial Aid is the school’s primary storyteller and promoter and must have a deep understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as the school’s Montessori mission.

Requirements

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred
3-5 years' experience with independent school admissions
Self-aware, goal-oriented, flexible, and optimistic
Exceptional written and oral communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Experience managing data
Experience working with children and parents in a school setting
Experience relating to families of diverse backgrounds
Models integrity, curiosity, responsibility, flexibility, and respect for all persons as well as an appreciation for racial, religious, cultural, and gender diversity and by committing to personal and professional growth in equity and justice in education
Experience in Montessori education or willingness to learn
Wants to be part of changing the world for the better
Ability to pass all required background checks
Background Check/Enrollment in the Central Background Registry
CPR/First Aid
Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect

Nice To Haves

Master’s preferred
Experience in Montessori education

Responsibilities

Recruitment
Conveys the school’s mission to prospective families and the wider community through in-person tours and meetings, direct communications, and social media.
Is familiar with the academic and extra-curricular programs of the school to communicate accurately with prospective families.
Plans and executes a strategic recruitment plan to reach populations of focus, demonstrating sensitivity to economic, cultural, and social barriers to enrolling in an independent school.
Assists prospective families in all aspects of the admissions process from inquiry through enrollment with the goal of enrolling students who will thrive in Childpeace.
Acts as liaison between prospective parents and Childpeace faculty and leadership team throughout the admissions process.
Collaborates with Program Directors, Financial Aid committee, and Admissions Committee to efficiently and effectively review and make admissions decisions for all candidates.
Enrollment
Communicates important dates including re-enrollment deadlines to internal and external communities in a timely manner.
Articulates admission standards clearly to all constituents.
Coordinates all aspects of admissions—visits, evaluation, selection, enrollment, and communicating decisions to families and faculty.
Oversees new student enrollment and connects new families to current families throughout the process and assists with the reenrollment of current students in close connection with Program Directors, Business Manager, and Head of School.
Outreach and Engagement
Partners with faculty, leadership, and alumni to create informative and engaging admissions events (virtual and in person) and uses feedback to improve them.
Cultivates relationships with area feeder schools, high schools, community groups, and other entities and individuals who play a role in recruitment and exposure for the school.
Attends area admissions events and expos to expand recruitment.
Engages current parents to assist in retention and recruitment goals.
Maintains with the school’s Communication Manager, the school’s social media and presence on listservs; works in conjunction with internal IT and freelance web designers to update website as needed.
Works with graphic designer to produce for-print and electronic ads and school marketing materials that accurately represent different aspects of school mission, program, and culture.
Manages outreach efforts to wider community
Data Analysis and Budgeting
Monitors and reports on admission and enrollment trends to the Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
Maintains admissions budget.