Director of Enrollment Management & Admission

Position Description:

The Director of Enrollment Management & Admission is responsible for leading and managing the strategic enrollment process at Epiphany School to ensure the school meets its enrollment goals while maintaining a diverse and inclusive student body. This role focuses on the recruitment, admission, and retention of students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade by marketing the school to prospective and current families as well as maintaining the school’s strong reputation within the local independent school community. Managing all elements of the admission process, from point of inquiry through enrollment, the Director of Enrollment Management & Admission works closely with the Head of School, the Director of Marketing & Communications and the Director of Development as part of the larger Advancement team, and manages two direct reports. This role serves as one of eight members of the school’s leadership team.

The individual who will be successful in this role will demonstrate a commitment to Epiphany School values, has previously served in a leadership capacity, brings strong relationship and community building skills, communications prowess, a strong commitment to our mission and understanding of our programs, has an ability to pivot from strategic to tactical thinking, is well-versed in enrollment management and admissions platforms, and delights in working with elementary-aged children. Previous experience in a school setting is preferred but not required.

This is a full-time, exempt, year-round position, reporting to the Head of School.

Location:

The person in this role must work in-person on the school campus in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Epiphany School does not cover or reimburse relocation costs and/or expenses.

Standard work hours are typically Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm. Staff meetings may run through 5:00pm on Wednesdays (dates will be communicated ahead of time).

This position will require occasional evening and weekend work, including traveling locally, for recruitment events and meetings.

Working from home is permitted occasionally after the 90-day probationary period.

Primary Director of Enrollment Management & Admission Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Collaborate with the Head of School, faculty, and other administrators to develop, implement, and align enrollment strategies with the school’s overall objectives.
• Conduct market research to understand trends and demographics to inform enrollment strategies.
• Continually evaluate and redesign all aspects of the admissions and marketing program with the goal of maintaining a capacity enrollment of qualified students and a wait-list of qualified applicants.
• Build and maintain relationships with feeder schools, educational consultants, and community organizations.
• Plan and execute recruitment events such as open houses, school tours, and information sessions.
• Develop and manage outreach programs to attract prospective families that align with the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Oversee the entire admission process, from inquiry through enrollment, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for families.
• Evaluate applications, conduct interviews, and make admission decisions in collaboration with the admission committee.
• Work with faculty and administration to develop programs and initiatives to retain current students
• Monitor and analyze student retention rates YOY and develop strategies to address areas of concern.
• Engage with current families to understand their needs and enhance their satisfaction with the school experience.
• Collect and analyze enrollment data to inform decision-making and strategy adjustments.
• Prepare regular reports for the Head of School and Board of Trustees on enrollment trends, outplacement trends, and progress toward goals.
• Utilize data to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Serve as a brand ambassador, representing the school at various gatherings and conferences and engage in networking.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in the field.

Team Oversight & Management

• Provide clear direction, support, guidance, and mentorship to enrollment management and admission team to achieve department goals while fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate objectives, share updates, and address any concerns.
• Set performance expectations and conduct regular performance reviews, providing kind and timely constructive feedback and identifying areas for development.
• Encourage a continuous learning environment by supporting professional growth and development for employees, identifying training needs and coordinate relevant learning opportunities.
• Recognize and reward high performers, while addressing performance issues and/or team conflicts promptly and effectively.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.
• Maintain open and transparent communication channels within the team and across departments.
• Manage team resources effectively, ensuring that projects are staffed appropriately and deadlines are met.
• Monitor workload distribution and adjust assignments as necessary to balance team capacity.
• Oversee budget and resource allocation for team projects.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Enrollment Management & Admission to ensure appropriate counseling of fifth grade families regarding middle school selection, application, and admission procedures, including overseeing the faculty writing of requested recommendations for students applying out.
• In collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Communications, develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications plan to promote the school’s mission and values, manage the school’s website, social media, and other communication channels to ensure consistent and effective messaging, and create promotional materials, including brochures, newsletters, and advertisements.
• In collaboration with the Registrar & Admissions Assistant, manage the re-enrollment of current students for the succeeding year, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of all prospective and current students and families.
• Direct and guide the work of the admission committee.

Expectations For All at Epiphany School: 

• Contribute to a learning environment based on Epiphany School’s three Rs and three Cs: respect, resourcefulness, responsibility, curiosity, confidence, and courage.
• Use Responsive Classroom approach as a social-emotional learning framework for working with students.
• Provide recess supervision, arrival, dismissal, and/or front desk coverage as scheduled
• Participate in the school community, including professional development/learning, service learning, and community events.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor.

Typical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in education, business administration or related field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience required (Master’s degree preferred)
• A minimum of 7+ years of experience in enrollment management, admission, or a related field, preferably in an independent school setting.
• A minimum of 3+ years of experience leading teams with proven success
• Proven experience in strategic planning and execution of enrollment management and/or admission initiatives.
• Strong writing and copy-editing skills in the English language with a high level of attention to detail required.
• Excellent and clear communication skills in the English language in all forms (i.e., oral, written, and presentational).
• Demonstrated project management skills and an ability to work against competing priorities and deadlines.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to pivot quickly to handle changing circumstances and work collaboratively with a diverse group of people is required.
• Proficiency in data analysis and using enrollment management and admission software.
• Must possess a professional attitude and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft environment required.
• Commitment to model and promote school values required.
• Proven ability to prepare and manage budgets required.
• Valid CPR/First Aid certification (not required at time of application – new hires will have time to complete if needed).

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this role is between $130,000 - $145,000 based on years of experience, education, skill, and internal equity in line with our school’s Administrator pay scale. When determining an initial offer, we carefully consider these factors.

Alongside salary, Epiphany School offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Benefits stipend to put towards employee benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, voluntary employee, spousal, and child life and critical illness insurance, accident insurance, voluntary short-term disability, and flexible health savings accounts 
• Employer-paid monthly premiums for employee assistance program and long-term disability coverage 
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution  
• 12 paid holidays 
• 6 weeks of paid vacation and 2 weeks of sick leave
• Paid supplemental parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Professional development funding

How to Apply:

We have partnered with Tracy Bennett and Evan Hundley at Educators Collaborative to support this search. Please review the application submission information here. The application deadline is November 8, 2024. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United Sates and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Final offers will be contingent on the successful completion of a background, education, and employment check. 

About Epiphany School:

Epiphany School is a non-parochial, independent elementary school serving grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school mission is to challenge and support all students to become confident, curious, and courageous learners through innovative teaching in a caring and inclusive environment. We strive to inspire every child to discover meaning and purpose in a life of learning and actively cultivate an awareness and respect for diversity in all forms. We aim to create a positive, joyful, and inclusive community by embracing the following values:

Respect: We encourage empathy through the strength of our differences, awareness of our global surroundings, and adherence to high standards of conduct.

Responsibility: We build integrity and trust by understanding our choices and owning our actions.

Resourcefulness: We foster resilience and expect all to search and find, to fail and learn, to risk and succeed in a changing world.

With over 260 students, Epiphany School is large enough to offer a broad spectrum of educational opportunities and small enough to maintain a close-knit community. The beautiful, historic campus is located in a quiet setting in central Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood.

Epiphany School Commitment to Diversity:

Epiphany School promotes and cultivates a diverse community as essential to academic success, social and emotional growth, and the development of good character. Engaging diverse perspectives stretches the mind and requires critical thinking, intellectual courage, and creativity. It takes careful listening and thoughtful expression and manifests itself in cultural competency. Thinking beyond oneself and seeing the world through the eyes of others is the foundation of fairness and empathy, and thus prepares our students to live respectfully and responsibly in our pluralistic democratic society. 

Epiphany School is committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the principle of equal access and opportunity in education and employment and full participation for persons with disabilities in all its programs and services.  

Epiphany School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee because of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political ideology, physical, mental, or sensory disability, military status, genetic information, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Epiphany School complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@epiphanyschool.org.