Admissions Manager-Westcliff Early Learning Academy

Westcliff University•Irvine, CA

21h•$55,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Admissions Manager at WELA Preschool is a vital role responsible for enrollment management functions as they pertain to preschool admissions programs, including the recruitment and retention of students, coordination of admissions, and data compilation. This position reports directly to the Campus Director, while working closely with leadership at Westcliff University to align on admissions scripts, tour strategies, and departmental performance standards. As a primary brand ambassador, the Admissions Manager focuses heavily on managing inquiries, executing tours, organizing events, processing applications, and maintaining the CRM to meet organizational enrollment goals. Rather than managing personnel, this position is designed for an individual contributor who manages the critical admissions pipelines, processes, and prospective family communications from the point of initial inquiry through enrollment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in admissions, customer relationship management (CRM), or enrollment recruitment.
At least 2 years of experience in an educational environment.
Solid understanding of student recruitment and retention strategies and techniques.
Highly proficient in CRM databases, data tracking, and standard office software (such as MS PowerPoint, Excel, and Word).
Exceptional public speaking, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills characterized by tact, patience, and courtesy.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret report data and manage conversion workflows effectively.
Excellent work organization principles; ability to make independent decisions, manage multiple administrative projects, and work well in a collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working within preschools or early childhood centers that offer specialized curricula, specifically Dual Language, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and/or STEAM programs.
Deep understanding of the enrollment and developmental lifecycle for children ranging from infancy to school age.

Responsibilities

Maintain, update, and manage the admissions CRM database to ensure data integrity and accurate recordkeeping.
Monitor, track, and analyze prospect/applicant activity, response times, and communication frequencies.
Evaluate prospective student and family engagement strategies and determine appropriate communication approaches based on individual circumstances and institutional priorities.
Retrieve and compile reports with various metrics (e.g., conversion rates, capacity levels, retention tracking) for higher management.
Support leadership in analyzing daily prospect/applicant reports, setting conversion goals, and monitoring overall progress.
Exercise discretion in identifying operational challenges, resolving complex admissions matters, and implementing process improvements.
Lead personalized campus tours and informational interviews for prospective families, utilizing university-aligned admissions scripts and frameworks to effectively present the school’s mission.
Coordinate, execute, and participate in recruitment activities, open houses, and on/off-campus informational events.
Travel to various local off-campus community events, outreach programs, and fairs to actively market the school and connect with prospective families.
Act as the primary point of contact to efficiently diffuse and resolve complex or sensitive admissions-related situations with prospective parents.
Direct the entire admissions process systematically from the initial point of inquiry through finalized registration.
Oversee quality control of day-to-day admissions operations, including auditing and finalizing student files toward final acceptance, denial, or registration decisions.
Secure necessary documents to ensure efficient handling of applications.
Develop and deliver professional, timely, and communication to prospects, applicants, and registered families.
Partner with Westcliff University leadership to refine enrollment processes, utilize approved communication scripts, and review performance metrics against targets.
Develop and implement outreach and enrollment engagement practices that align with institutional standards, ethical recruitment principles, and best practices related to school representation, marketing, and admissions operations.
Attend departmental meetings and other university or preschool events as required to foster a professional and respectful learning environment.