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Director of Admissions

Organizational Background

The Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs is a leading organization in private school admissions counseling and placement. It was founded by its member schools for the purpose of placing underrepresented students of color at the elementary and secondary levels of independent schools. Since 1985, we have provided access, opportunity, and support to thousands of students across Southern California. Our students become exemplary members of their independent school communities, and very often, our member schools comment that their campuses are better places because of the presence of the Independent School Alliance students. 

 

The mission of the Independent School Alliance is to empower children of exceptional talent and potential from racially underrepresented and economically underserved communities in order to transform independent schools and society.

Position Summary

The Independent School Alliance is seeking a team-oriented, dynamic, creative, and organized Director of Admissions to support the growth of a mission-driven nonprofit and the team within. We seek to REACH our families through our core values: We aim to be Reliable, Ethical, Evidence-Based, Ambitious, Competent, Hospitable & Helpful.

 

In concert with the Executive Director, this senior-level leadership position will take an active role in the core function of the organization, assuring that projects stay on schedule and achieve mission goals. This includes the planning and managing of program budgets, the organizational Memorandum of Understanding, and data reporting to funders. The Director of Admissions plays a critical role in promoting the organization’s strategic plan and improving the quality of the services offered. The Director of Admissions will be responsible for directing the processing and evaluation of all student applications. Additionally, the Director of Admissions is responsible for developing and directing a support services program that promotes student development, engagement, and learning for all Independent School Alliance students. Finally, the Director of Admissions is responsible for the development, delivery, and evaluation of support programming for Independent School Alliance member schools. The Director of Admissions provides leadership and management by supervising staff, providing recurring training and professional development for staff, and creating and maintaining admissions and programming policies and procedures.

 

The Independent School Alliance is in a period of growth and the new Director of Admissions will immediately have the opportunity to support that growth by working with senior leadership in the hiring of new members of the admissions team.

Outreach and Admissions Access

Reporting to and in collaboration with the Executive Director, the Director of Admissions will successfully manage the outreach and admission process (from initial family contact to school enrollment) each year to ensure all families are treated with dignity and respect and that all applications are processed properly, adhering to all Independent School Alliance policies and procedures. 

 

The Director of Admissions is responsible for: 

  • Setting the work priorities for the Programs function and ensuring successful delivery of Admissions timeline; 

  • Representing the Independent School Alliance and disseminating information about the viability of an independent school education to prospective families and other interested parties;

  • Selecting admissible candidates for the Independent School Alliance’s annual Cohort and the subsequent placement at our member independent schools.

  • Clearly communicating with team members on all Admissions priorities and policy changes. 

  • Utilizing and preparing Admissions queries and reports, forecasting and data analysis. 

  • Supporting the development of internal and external Admissions/Programs communications with partners, families, and relevant constituents.

Student Support Programming and Member School Relationship Management

The Director of Admissions will successfully preserve and nurture relationships with the Independent School Alliance community and all member school partners. 

 

The Director of Admissions is responsible for

  • Designing, implementing, and evaluating a program that incorporates best practices in providing guidance and support to Independent School Alliance scholars.

  • Managing and assessing all current partnership programming with our member schools

  • Recommending and overseeing the creation of innovative resources to meet the needs of students and families ranging from kindergarten - 12th  grade. 

  • Managing and Implementing  the enrollment verification process, tracking, for Independent School Alliance Scholars enrolled in member schools.

Required Education and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in related field and 5 to 7 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and independent school experience. 

  • Minimum of 3 to 5 years of enrollment management experience.

  • Ability to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of various cultural backgrounds (emotionally intelligent and culturally competent)

  • Familiarity with Blackbaud or other customer relationship management (CRM) software that is used to manage large online admissions processes.

  • Experience successfully working with underrepresented and underresourced students (primarily African-American and Latinx)

  • Working knowledge of independent school educational philosophies  

  • Familiarity with member school regions as well as Los Angeles & Greater Los Angeles Community Based Organizations (CBOs). 

  • Spanish fluency in speaking, reading, and writing is a plus.

Pay and Benefits

The Independent School Alliance strongly believes in selecting the best candidates to work with our students, families, and member schools. Our salaries are commensurate with education and experience. As a part of your offer you can expect to receive the following benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits (percentage employer-sponsored)

  • 403B/Retirement Plan (with an employer-matching component)

  • Transportation Benefit Plan

  • Flexible Schedule (including vacation & holidays)

Application Instructions

Qualified applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references in a single PDF or MS Word file to operations@independentschoolalliance.org with the Subject line: Director of Admissions.

 

The Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.

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