Director of Admissions & Enrollment

Montessori De Terra Linda School•San Rafael, CA

5d•$90,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

Montessori de Terra Linda seeks a relationship-driven, highly organized Director of Admissions & Enrollment to lead all aspects of student recruitment, admissions, re-enrollment, and enrollment management. This is a senior administrative leadership role and a highly visible ambassadorial position within the school community. The Director of Admissions serves as the primary guide for prospective families from first inquiry through enrollment, while also partnering closely with the Head of School and administrative team. In alignment with MdTL’s mission, the Director of Admissions plays an important role in fostering an inclusive and welcoming admissions process that reflects the school’s commitment to belonging, respect, and partnership with families from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Unlike larger independent schools with multi-person admissions offices, MdTL’s Director of Admissions operates as a one-person department, overseeing admissions strategy, systems, communications, and data management, while collaborating closely with the Head of School and the Director of Development & Parent Engagement on enrollment sustainability, marketing, and community engagement. This role requires warmth, discernment, exceptional follow-through, and comfort holding both big-picture enrollment strategy and day-to-day execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
Demonstrated success in admissions, enrollment management, education, nonprofit leadership, client relations, or a related field
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment
Strong comfort with technology, databases, and CRM systems
Commitment to confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism

Nice To Haves

Montessori experience (classroom, administrative, or parent-community experience)
Experience in an independent school or mission-driven organization
Familiarity with enrollment management systems (Finalsite Enrollment, Ravenna, Blackbaud, or similar)
Experience using data to inform decision-making and strategy
Master’s degree in education or a related field

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for all prospective families, guiding them through the admissions process with clarity, professionalism, and care
Ensure that admissions policies and practices are aligned with the school’s commitment to access, inclusion, and belonging
Manage the full admissions cycle, including inquiries, tours, child visits, applications, interviews, offers, enrollment agreements, and onboarding
Develop and execute an annual admissions and enrollment plan aligned with the school’s mission, capacity, and financial sustainability
Partner with the Head of School on enrollment forecasting, retention planning, and long-range enrollment strategy
Serve on the Tuition Assistance Committee and support mission-aligned enrollment decisions
Create a warm, responsive, and highly personalized admissions experience reflective of MdTL’s values and close-knit community
Cultivate relationships with families from a wide range of backgrounds and ensure a welcoming, respectful experience for all applicants
Support current families through re-enrollment, transitions, and questions related to enrollment
Coordinate new family onboarding and integration, including welcome communications and buddy programs
Represent MdTL at admissions events, open houses, tours, and community gatherings
Manage and maintain the school’s Admissions (Finalsite Enrollment) & Enrollment CRM (Clarity), ensuring data integrity and efficiency
Track enrollment metrics, trends, yield, and retention data; prepare reports for the Head of School and Board of Trustees
Present quarterly admissions and enrollment reports to the Board
Maintain accurate enrollment records, and coordinate and oversee registrar-style functions related to admissions and enrollment
Collaborate with the Head of School and Director of Development & Parent Engagement on admissions messaging, outreach, and enrollment communications
Review and update admissions materials annually, including print and digital content
Maintain and refresh the Admissions section of the school website
Coordinate admissions-related social media and outreach campaigns in partnership with the communications team
Engage in ongoing professional development related to admissions, enrollment management, and independent school best practices
Participate in staff development days and required trainings
Uphold Montessori principles, MdTL’s mission, and all professional and ethical standards, including mandated reporter responsibilities
Actively participate in membership with Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (ISSFBA) Bay Area Directors of Admissions (BADA), and liaise with peer schools’ admissions counterparts