Director of Enrollment

BLUE OAK SCHOOL•Napa, CA

7d•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Enrollment is an integral member of Blue Oak School’s administrative team, responsible for leading the school’s efforts to attract, enroll, and retain a diverse and dynamic student body. This highly relational role builds lasting connections with prospective and current students and families while ensuring that the admissions experience reflects Blue Oak’s mission, values, and distinctive educational program. A genuine love of learning and school - and an appreciation for the unique and sometimes unpredictable paths students take - will be essential to thriving in this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Three to five years of admissions experience, preferably as a Director or Associate Director in a TK–8 independent school
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community members
Strong critical, strategic, and creative, thinking skills
Collaboratively leadership style and the ability to facilitate productive conversations and decision-making
Understanding of progressive education and strong commitment to Blue Oak School’s mission and values
Knowledge of the developmental needs of students from transitional kindergarten through middle school
Understanding of parent and family development including common parenting concerns and challenges
Ability to partner effectively with parents in support of students
Flexibility, sound judgment, and a willingness to contribute as a collaborative member of the school community
Commitment to fulfilling the professional responsibilities outlined in the Employee Handbook and Employment Agreement
A sense of humor, which is essential when working with students of all ages
Work in a fast-paced environment with varied responsibilities, deadlines, and interactions with a broad range of community members
Work at a desk and computer for extended periods
Occasionally lift and carry up to 30 lbs
Work primarily in a climate-controlled office environment
Occasionally work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat and cold

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Develop a deep understanding of Blue Oak School’s mission, culture, program, and position within the broader educational landscape
Advance the school’s mission by recruiting, enrolling, and retaining students who will benefit from and contribute to Blue Oak’s distinctive community
Develop and implement a strategic, forward-looking enrollment management plan designed to meet enrollment goals and reach targeted audiences
Establish effective systems and best practices for inquiry management, applicant tracking, family engagement, campus visits, admissions events, and enrollment reporting (ie, with a system like TADS or Ravenna)
Collect and analyze enrollment, retention, demographic, and market data to inform strategy and support the long-term health of the student body and alumni community
Coordinate with external consultants as needed
Oversee the admissions and enrollment budgets
Manage the admissions process from initial inquiry through enrollment and transition into the school community
Communicate Blue Oak’s mission and program clearly, warmly, and enthusiastically to prospective families, students, faculty, and staff
Plan and host engaging admissions activities, including tours, campus visits, student assessments, parent coffees, alumni panels, new-family welcomes, and other community events
Create and evaluate meaningful family touchpoints, including communications and surveys, throughout the inquiry, application, enrollment, and onboarding process
Maintain accurate applicant and student records, including the collection of cumulative files for incoming students
Use the school’s enrollment management platform effectively to track inquiries, applications, communications, enrollment activity, and reporting
Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, confidentiality, and respect throughout the admissions process
Remain attentive to the economic, cultural, and other factors involved in enrolling and supporting a diverse student body
Lead the tuition assistance process from family application through award determination and communication
Serve as the primary point of contact for families, providing clear, timely, and sensitive communication throughout the application and award process
Review application information and collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer and Head of School to determine award amounts consistent with the school’s policies, priorities, and available resources
Communicate award decisions to families and support follow-up conversations as needed
Maintain accurate and confidential tuition assistance records, track awards and deadlines, and ensure the process is administered equitably and consistently
Monitor tuition assistance data and trends to support enrollment, retention, and financial planning
Develop systems for monitoring student retention and collaborate with faculty, advisors, administrators, and families to identify and address retention concerns
Build strong partnerships with current families and identify, prepare, and support parent ambassadors for admissions and community events
Recruit and support student and alumni ambassadors for tours, panels, and other admissions activities
Maintain an active outreach program that expands the school’s visibility, relationships, and reputation throughout Napa and the broader Bay Area
Attend and support admissions, enrollment, alumni, and relevant school community events.
Represent Blue Oak School at Bay Area admissions meetings and other professional gatherings
Report to the Head of School and provide enrollment information and presentations to the Board of Trustees as appropriate
Work closely with the Head of School and Chief Financial Officer throughout the admissions, enrollment, and tuition assistance processes
Partner with faculty and staff to keep the school community informed about enrollment priorities, processes, and events
Embody a warm, positive, collaborative, and engaging presence within the school community
Collaborate with the Director of Advancement to develop and implement targeted enrollment marketing campaigns.
Help produce compelling digital and print materials that communicate the school’s mission, program, and community
Maintain accurate, current, and engaging admissions information on the school’s website.
Collaborate with the school’s social media staff to promote admissions events and highlight school life
Cultivate and maintain positive parent, student, and alumni reviews on relevant online platforms and community networks