Director of Middle & Upper School Admission - 2026-27

Porter-Gaud School • Charleston, SC

21d

About The Position

Director of Middle & Upper School Admission (Grades 5-12) Porter-Gaud School is an Episcopal, independent, coeducational day school serving students in preschool through grade 12. The School is seeking a sophisticated, high-energy leader to serve as our Director of Middle & Upper School Admission to begin July 1, 2026 for the 2026-27 school year. This individual will serve as the primary architect of the Middle and Upper School (Grades 5-12) enrollment experience. This position is a 12 month, exempt position with a contract year running July through June. This is a premier opportunity for a professional who understands that recruitment to an immersive academic and co-curricular community requires a blend of high-touch relationship management and rigorous, data-informed strategy. The successful candidate will not only manage a funnel but will also serve as a lead ambassador for Porter-Gaud's core values, ensuring that every family's journey reflects a thoughtful, equitable, and mission-aligned experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• A proven track record with a minimum of 3-5 years in admission or enrollment management, preferably within a selective independent school, collegiate environment, or related field
• Exceptional public speaking skills and a "refined" writing style that mirrors the Porter-Gaud brand. You must have the confidence to represent the school in a boardroom and the empathy to put a nervous 10-year-old at ease.
• Advanced proficiency in CRM and enrollment software is essential. We are looking for a candidate who uses data to tell a story.
• The ability to navigate complex family dynamics with grace and deliver difficult admission decisions with total confidentiality and professional integrity.
• A collaborative team player with a "competitive spirit" for excellence and a deep commitment to our Episcopal identity.
• The ability to serve as a lead ambassador for the school, standing as a peer to faculty and a trusted advisor to parents.
• A self-starter who brings creativity to recruitment and isn't afraid to propose new ways to share the Porter-Gaud story.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Recruitment & Outreach Direct the full recruitment lifecycle for Grades 5-12. This includes managing the critical entry-point transition for 5th grade and overseeing the competitive Upper School landscape. Cultivate and sustain deep institutional relationships with feeder schools, community partners, and local organizations. Design and execute personalized outreach and high-impact yield programming to convert admitted candidates into enrolled families.
• The Admission Lifecycle Guide families through the nuances of the application process with a personalized level of service, professional warmth, and prompt communication. Facilitate Admission Committee deliberations for Middle and Upper School, providing expert, authoritative insight into candidate fit, academic potential, and character. Partner with the Assistant Head of Enrollment Management to ensure division-specific enrollment goals align with the school's tuition and financial aid objectives.
• Operations & Systems Mastery Expertly leverage Finalsite and Blackbaud systems to ensure precision in candidate tracking, reporting, and predictive enrollment modeling. Continuously audit and refine admission workflows to increase internal efficiency and enhance the prospective family digital experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director