What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Upper School and Boarding Enrollment position at BOLLES SCHOOL?
Job Details
Director of Upper School and Boarding Enrollment
The Bolles School, a Northeast Florida independent college preparatory day and boarding school founded in 1933, has long been recognized as one of the top educational institutions in the country. This prominence is rooted in an enduring All Things Possible™ mindset that encourages students to discover their strengths and excel throughout their Bolles experience. The Bolles School motto is pursuing excellence through integrity, courage, and compassion.
Bolles proudly employs more than 400 full-time, part-time, and seasonal faculty, staff, coaches, and administrators. Serving over 1,700 students across four campuses in grades Pre-K through 12, Bolles has a rich tradition of achievement and professionalism that is widely respected in the independent school community.
With a college-like atmosphere, the Bolles San Jose Campus brings All Things Possible™ to life and prepares students for the next step in their academic journey. Bolles boarding students benefit from close friendships formed in a small, tight-knit residential community while also enjoying the broad offerings in athletics, arts, clubs, and academics as part of a larger school environment. Upper School students explore their interests and pursue their goals with more freedom and flexibility, honing time management skills, developing leadership, and gaining a deeper sense of self.
Position Purpose: The Director of Upper School & Boarding Enrollment supports all aspects of the admission and enrollment process, with a focus on Upper School day and boarding students. This role is responsible for implementing strategies to recruit, engage, and enroll mission-aligned students and families.
Essential Functions
• Manages the recruitment and enrollment process for prospective Upper School day and boarding students, including responding to inquiries, conducting interviews, leading tours, and preparing applicant files for committee review.
• Serves as the lead for Upper School admission, working closely with the Head of Upper School and chairing the division’s admission committee.
• Plans and oversees all aspects of Upper School and boarding recruitment events, tours, and student visits.
• Develops and implements an annual travel and recruitment plan, including domestic and international outreach.
• Maintains and analyzes enrollment data and trends to support strategic decision-making.
• Builds and maintains relationships with feeder schools, educational consultants, and global enrollment partners.
• Serves as a collaborative member of the Admission Team, attending events across all campuses and supporting a unified enrollment strategy.
• Partners with the Dean of Enrollment to establish and execute a strategic enrollment plan for Upper School and boarding admissions.
• Stays current on national and international admission and enrollment trends; applies best practices as outlined by NAIS and other professional organizations.
• Provides guidance to prospective students and families regarding the application process, financial aid, and general school information.
• Fosters diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of the admission process.
• Collaborates across divisions with Lower and Middle School Directors of Enrollment and Campus Heads.
• Utilizes systems such as Veracross, Finalsite SchoolAdmin, Clarity, SSAT, ISEE, Duolingo, and standard office applications.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and pursues professional development to ensure an evolving and effective admission process.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in independent school admission strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of boarding school environments is essential.
• Experience in educational leadership or Upper School admissions is a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and listening skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High ethical standards and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel frequently both domestically and internationally.
General Requirements
• Demonstrates and enthusiastically supports the School’s mission.
• Maintains a professional and positive presence within the school community.
• Engages effectively with families, faculty, and colleagues.
• Participates in school events, meetings, and other duties as assigned.
• Acts as a collaborative team player with a positive outlook and a sense of humor — teamwork makes the dream work!
Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to move around campus and travel as needed.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with varying demands.
• Availability to work 4–7 Saturdays per year and occasional evenings
