Director of Admissions, K-8

Reports To: Head of School

Position Type:  Full-Time; Exempt

Bentley School is a K-12 co-educational, independent day school located on two campuses in Oakland (K-8) and Lafayette (9-12), California. Founded in 1920, Bentley School's legacy of excellence in teaching and learning maximizes student success in college and throughout their lives. Bentley is an inclusive community that shares a vision of academic achievement, balance, and the cultivation of character.

The Director of Admissions, K–8 plays a vital role in advancing the Bentley Promise by leading recruitment and enrollment efforts for the Oakland campus (grades K–8). Reporting directly to the Head of School, this individual serves as the primary point of contact for prospective families, guiding them through the admissions process with professionalism and care.

Based on the Oakland campus, the Director of Admissions, K–8, also supports cross-campus activities in collaboration with the admissions team at the Lafayette campus (grades 9–12). This role requires a flexible, team-oriented leader who thrives in a public-facing environment and brings direct experience in admissions or related roles—ideally within an independent school setting. The Director provides strategic and operational leadership in admissions, helping shape the school’s enrollment strategy and ensuring a welcoming, mission-aligned admissions experience. 

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Providing oversight and leadership for the K-8 admissions team and all student recruitment and retention efforts for the Lower and Middle School.
• Serves as a member of the Senior Administrative Team, reporting directly to the Head of School.
• Defining an enrollment and retention strategy, conducting research, and providing the data analysis necessary to make recommendations regarding new recruitment approaches. 
• Overseeing the management of the prospective student database (Ravenna Solutions) for applicants in grades K-8.
• Collaborating with the Director of Admissions, 9-12, and the Director of Communications to develop and execute a targeted and effective communications and marketing plan that is part of the recruitment and admissions effort, including but not limited to the viewbook, electronic and print publications, website, and promotional materials. 

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• Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with appropriate personnel at local area feeder and preschools.
• Working closely with the Business Office to assist in the administration of Bentley’s financial aid program.
• Leading and facilitating all Lower and Middle School admissions events, including but not limited to tours for prospective families, open houses, interviews, and student visits.
• Overseeing the preparation and management of the admissions budget.
• Collaborating with the Advancement Office on the stewardship of new family prospects.
• Training all current parent volunteers, faculty, staff, and Middle School student ambassadors on relevant talking points and ensuring consistent messaging.
• Working closely with the Registrar’s Office and other key offices to ensure a smooth process of onboarding for new families. 
• Coordinating the re-enrollment process with the Business Office and tracking attrition and retention.
• Maintaining statistics with regard to enrollment and producing reports for school administrators, Head of School, and Board of Trustees.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years experience in independent school admissions preferred
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and manage teams
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Demonstrated research skills, specifically in the area of data collection and analysis
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Effective organizational and planning skills, attention to detail
• Determined, dedicated, strong work ethic, and sense of humor

Pay Range:

Bentley uses a competitive salary scale, which takes into account experience, education, and skill level. The salary for this position ranges from $130,000 - $150,000

How to Apply:

Please submit a letter of interest, and a CV/resume. No phone calls, please.

Qualified, interested candidates may apply for the position through online application at https://bentleyschool.bamboohr.com/careers/244

Bentley School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks rich diversity among faculty and administration. Bentley School offers equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, race, color, caste, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, citizenship, medical leave or other types of protected leave, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  An applicant who does not meet the minimum qualifications of the position(s) for which the applicant applies will not be considered for employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview for the position, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.