Assistant/Associate Director of Admissions

Assistant/Associate Director of Admissions

Position Summary:

The Assistant/Associate Director of Admissions is a benefits-eligible, full-time 12-month position that reports directly to the Director of Admissions (and collaborates with the Head of School as needed). This position supports the overall management of the Admissions Department and plays an integral role in guiding prospective families through the admissions process—from initial inquiry to final enrollment. The Assistant/Associate Director of Admissions is responsible for providing efficient and friendly responses to inquiries, coordinating campus tours and assessments, managing applicant files, and assisting in the administration of tuition assistance applications. In addition, this role supports the planning and execution of admissions events, recruitment initiatives, new family onboarding, and middle school counseling all while promoting the school’s mission and maintaining‑ an inclusive, welcoming environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Admissions Process Management:
  • Support the Director of Admissions in overseeing the complete admissions process for Primary School to Fifth Grade, ensuring a timely, organized, and welcoming experience for all prospective families.
  • Manage inquiries and maintain applicant records, following up with families to guide them through each stage of the process.
  • Assist in arranging interviews, assessments, and campus tours that effectively communicate the benefits and unique aspects of The Fay School experience.
• Recruitment and Outreach:
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of innovative recruitment strategies and outreach initiatives aimed at meeting and exceeding enrollment goals.
  • Help establish and nurture relationships with feeder schools, community organizations, and other external partners (e.g., consulates, libraries, civic associations, real estate agencies) to raise awareness of the school.
  • Represent the school at off-campus events and community gatherings to promote its programs and values.
• Data Management and Reporting:
  • Utilize Blackbaud (or a similar CRM) to accurately record, track, and report on recruitment, enrollment, and application statistics.
  • Prepare regular reports on admissions trends, geographic distribution of applicants, and retention/attrition data for the Director of Admissions and Leadership Team.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Assist in developing clear and compelling promotional materials, in partnership with the Director of Communications, that highlight The Fay School’s value proposition, vision, mission and educational excellence.
  • Coordinate with internal departments to ensure the admissions website and digital marketing materials remain current and engaging.
  • Support the creation and maintenance of a network of Admission Ambassadors—including current and former parents, alumni, and students—to enhance community engagement in the admissions process.
• Family Onboarding, Retention, and Middle School Counseling:
  • Help manage re-enrollment efforts, ensuring that current families feel supported and informed.
  • Assist in coordinating comprehensive onboarding for new families and students to facilitate a smooth transition to school life.
  • Middle School Counseling: Support fifth grade families in navigating the middle school application process by providing guidance, coordinating with external advisors, and ensuring access to necessary resources for a successful transition.
  • Continuously evaluate and refine admissions programming to sustain a high level of capacity with mission-aligned students.
• Leadership and Professional Development:
  • Serve as a key member of the Admissions team by sharing ideas, feedback, and best practices with colleagues.
  • Represent the school at relevant local, regional, and national conferences or professional development events.
  • Provide support to the Director of Admissions during campus events and, when needed, act as the on-site lead.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  • Routinely use a personal smartphone to access school apps for communication and collaboration.
  • Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned by the Director of Admissions or Head of School.

Competency Profile:

• Inclusive and Collaborative:
  • Celebrates diversity and fosters an environment that welcomes all racial, cultural, socio-economic, religious, and gender groups.
  • Demonstrates strong self-awareness, accountability, and a commitment to the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Effective Communicator:
  • Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Embraces feedback and continuously seeks ways to improve personal and departmental performance.
• Team-Oriented:
  • Builds trust and maintains open, respectful communication with colleagues, families, and external partners.
  • Supports a collegial culture that values transparency, reliability, and mutual growth.

Qualifications:

• Leadership Style:
  • Approachable, relational, empathetic, and inclusive with a growth mindset.
• Education & Experience:
  • Advanced degree preferred.
  • Documented experience in admissions or related educational roles, with a strong record of collaborative success.
  • Familiarity with NAIS best practices in admissions is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in Blackbaud (or similar CRM), Microsoft Teams, Google Docs, Zoom, and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
  • Exceptional organizational, time management, and database management skills.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong judgment, discretion with confidential information, and a positive, optimistic outlook.
  • A good sense of humor and the capacity to thrive in a dynamic school environment.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Work Conditions:
  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varied weather conditions (rain, cold, heat).
  • Capacity to navigate different surfaces (grass, dirt, trails, decking, pavement, and concrete) and perform tasks such as standing, walking, and using stairs.
• Physical Demands:
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
  • Adept at monitoring children and the environment and communicating effectively in active or noisy settings.