Director of Admissions

About our School

Founded in 1980, MCS is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Our beautifully planned, 13 acre, wooded campus is located between Durham and Chapel Hill. MCS features sunny, spacious classrooms, a fine arts building for music, art, and ceramics, a sports field, track, numerous playgrounds, and a gymnasium.

Job Summary

This position reports to the Head of School and serves on the school’s administrative team. The Director of Admissions is responsible for managing and implementing an enrollment and admissions process that effectively models the school?s mission, values, and culture for all prospective families and students. A demonstrated commitment to access and inclusion, an ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, and an obvious enthusiasm for the admission profession are key to this role. The ideal candidate will also have an affinity for a Montessori school community and an obvious joy in working with children.

Job Details

Admissions

• Efficiently and accurately manage the admissions funnel from inquiry to enrollment including application review, interviews, and admissions decisions.
• Design and execute compelling events to promote the school and attract prospective families, including annual open house events, information sessions, and campus visits.
• Provide exceptional customer service to current and prospective families, addressing inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner. Facilitate the transition of new students to the school and work toward retention of current students.
• Maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with the Head of School and other leadership staff to continually align on admissions process, student assessment, application review, events, and how to represent programs for prospective families.
• With the support of the Director of Communications and the Director of Community Engagement, develop and implement compelling admissions marketing across multiple channels (print, online, video, and social media) to promote the school and engage with the community.
• Work with the Finance and Business Office to manage admissions and the billing software platform. Oversee the enrollment/re-enrollment processes in partnership with the Business Office to optimize billing, prospect management, program registrations, and applicant communication and review.
• Attend Board meetings and presentations as necessary.

Enrollment

• Set enrollment goals in partnership with the head of school and senior leadership team.
• Develop, implement, assess, and refine enrollment strategies in partnership with administrators and faculty across campus.
• Assist Board of Directors in setting tuition and provide accurate information to families on tuition and support families with timely reminders and guidance in navigating the school?s process.
• Utilize admissions and enrollment statistics and data to track progress to goals, identify trends, and inform planning and decision making.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in enrollment management, independent school education, and Montessori education to continuously improve recruitment and retention efforts.
• Develop and execute comprehensive enrollment strategies to meet annual enrollment targets.
• Partner with and support the school’s family volunteer organization to enhance recruitment and retention efforts.

Leadership

• Demonstrated skills in leadership, organization, strategic planning, and management, along with outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Ability to model and to lead effectively in fostering a positive and diverse work environment.
• Is a team player with an ability to balance a pursuit of academic and institutional excellence with compassion and caring for each individual.
• Exhibits reflective thinking and ability to both receive and provide honest and constructive feedback.

About You

• Bachelors degree required.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible enrollment experience in selective admissions; supervisory experience; independent school or college/university experience preferred.
• Current and extensive knowledge of best practices around recruitment and enrollment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to multitask and meet deadlines; ability to work independently and as a member of a large, diverse team of professionals.
• Integrity, confidentiality, and strong work ethic.
• Proven track record of advising at the highest level and participating in major strategic decisions that have profound long-term implications for an organization.
• Be available to work evening and weekend special events.