Director of Admissions and Outreach - New York, United States - The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine

Description

Founded in 1901, The Cathedral School is committed to academic excellence in a curriculum that integrates critical thinking, the arts, athletics, and leadership development. The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, or sexual orientation enhance the individual's sense of identity and broaden respect for others. Through curriculum and informal school experiences, students at The Cathedral School come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do. The School's mission is brought to life on the idyllic 11-acre campus of The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Manhattan's Upper West Side through seven Core Values: Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Passion for Learning, Respect, and Responsibility.

As an independent K - 8 day school rooted in the Episcopal tradition, The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine educates students to become articulate, confident, and responsible citizens of the world through rigorous academics, innovative approaches to learning, and the nurturing of their aspirations in a diverse community of all religious and non-religious affiliations.

The Cathedral School is currently seeking a creative, compelling, and collaborative Director of Admissions and Outreach . This position is responsible for leading the admissions and outreach work by expanding awareness of our K - 8 school community, attracting prospective families, and closely guiding applicants through the admissions process. The Director of Admissions and Outreach generates and executes marketing initiatives that will produce robust, diverse, and successful incoming student classes. In addition to managing two direct reports (Admissions Coordinator and Enrollment Coordinator), the person in this role will work closely with the Head of School, administrators, faculty, staff, and community volunteers in order to advance the mission and goals of the School.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the history of independent schools and the shifting landscape for admissions, be a passionate advocate for a K - 8 school setting, and think creatively and collectively about the admissions process to grow the School's legacy as Cathedral approaches its 125th year. The Director of Admissions and Outreach reports directly to the Head of School and serves as an actively engaged member of the School's senior administration team.

Job Responsibilities

Admissions

• Gracefully, knowledgeably, and actively guide families through the admissions process, from inquiry to application to enrollment
• Evaluate all K - 8 applicant families, ensuring that selected students will thrive academically, socially, and emotionally
• Allocate and manage the annual financial aid budget in close partnership with the CFO
• Supervise the work of the Admissions Coordinator and the Enrollment Coordinator to ensure an exceptional experience for prospective and current families
• Routinely collaborate with school administrators and faculty members to ensure that school details shared in tours and presentations are accurate, timely, and compelling
• Engage first-hand in the life of the School through participation in daily duties, school events, and programs to best showcase our joyful, engaging, and cross-disciplinary academic program

Outreach

• Effectively and enthusiastically communicate the School's mission, values, and programs with special focus on Cathedral's commitment to equity and inclusion, which is integral to our traditional practice as an Episcopal school where all are welcome
• Establish and nurture positive and receptive relationships with a broad range of nursery school directors, key personnel at school placement agencies, and relevant education-based community organizations
• Shape and lead in-person campus visits and Admissions events in partnership with the Admissions Coordinator and Enrollment Coordinator
• Represent the School in a manner that is unfailingly professional, poised, and positive
• Attend professional events relevant to admissions and its intersection with equity and engagement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High-level proficiency in admissions software such as FinalSite, Clarity, FACTS, TADS, or similar systems
• Familiarity with strategic communications and compelling digital marketing techniques
• Willingness to routinely invest necessary time and energy to reliably produce innovative ideas and strategic practices
• Demonstrated fluency in addressing the roles of race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, disability, and family structure in the admissions and enrollment process
• Experience generating tailored written content directed toward multiple audiences
• Attention to detail, especially as it pertains to communications and event coordination
• Ability to work collaboratively, efficiently, and successfully on a remote basis as needed
• A strong history and priority of maintaining confidentiality
• A passion for and natural inclination toward relationship-building with varying constituents

The salary range for the Director of Admissions and Outreach is $160,000 - $175,000. This is a 12-month in-person position (which will include some evenings and weekends), beginning July 2024.