Program Associate II - Admissions Specialist

Job Title

Position Title: Program Associate II - Admissions Specialist

Location: Central Office

Salary: $47,748 - $80,111

Reports to: Senior Director, Selective Admissions

Bargaining Unit: OSAS

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility: Eligible for telecommuting up to 20% (one day per week)

In accordance with the agreement between the Organization of School Administrators (O.S.A.S.) and the Board of Education of the School District of the City of Detroit, the following vacancy is announced.

Position Summary:

The Admissions Specialist plays an important role in managing multiple public-facing aspects of the admissions processes for the District's selective admissions schools, including parent application support, admissions testing, and application scoring. This position is responsible for developing and implementing guidance and procedures to help district staff and families, both internal and external, navigate the admissions process efficiently and equitably.

The Admissions Specialist works collaboratively with Central Office departments and school leaders to ensure families have the resources they need to successfully apply to the District's Exam High Schools, Application High Schools, K-8 Exam Schools, Montessori Schools, and other selective programs. With over 7,500 families applying annually, the Specialist is tasked with delivering the highest level of customer service and technical support, promoting equitable access to premier educational opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university.

• 3-5 years of administrative experience, including roles requiring project management and cross-departmental collaboration.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional project management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines and drive results.

• Strong technical proficiency and adaptability to new technologies.

• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills to coordinate efforts across departments and schools.

• High attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive student information.

• Flexibility to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with PowerSchool or similar student information systems.

• Experience managing standardized testing and implementing accommodations.

Essential Functions:

Admissions Management and Coordination

• Oversee all logistics for admissions testing, including in-district and out-of-district High School Placement Tests (HSPT), K-8 admissions tests, and application scoring for selective schools.

• Coordinate with departments, including Assessments, Exceptional Student Education, and Multi-Lingual Education, to ensure testing accommodations and other supports are implemented effectively.

• Manage essay scoring for Exam High Schools, including developing and delivering training materials for scoring teams.

• Lead the petition process for Exam High Schools and K-8 Exam Schools, ensuring timely decisions and tracking outcomes.

Parent and Family Support

• Develop an annual calendar for parent support, including staffing and scheduling virtual and in-person appointments to assist families with completing applications.

• Recruit, train, and manage a seasonal support team, ensuring they are equipped to provide clear and consistent guidance to families.

• Manage three high-traffic email accounts, coordinating with departmental staff to ensure timely and professional responses during peak seasons.

Communication and Guidance Development

• Maintain updated selective admissions websites and online resources, ensuring families and staff have access to current information.

• Develop guidance documents and provide professional development for school staff on admissions processes and protocols.

• Deliver presentations and training to stakeholders on selective admissions policies and systems.

Administrative and Data Management

• Process and review applications, including calculating grade point averages, verifying waivers, and coordinating reviews for out-of-district IEPs and 504 Plans.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure all aspects of the admissions process comply with District policies and timelines.

• Track and report on key metrics from admissions cycles to identify areas for improvement and guide future planning.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Partner with departments and school leaders to align selective admissions processes with the District's strategic goals.

• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience for families and staff.

• Actively participate in team discussions to identify and share best practices for selective admissions.

• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director, Selective Admissions.

Security Clearance:

Internal Applicants

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method of Application:

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at recruitment@detroitk12.org or phone at (313) 873-6897.

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, citizenship, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions opportunities. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or detroitk12.org/compliance.