As the oldest continuously operated coeducational day school in New York City, Friends Seminary has prepared students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 for life-long learning since 1786. A Friends School rooted in Quaker values, Friends Seminary is inspired by testimonies of integrity, equality, simplicity, community, service and peaceful conflict resolution. Friends Seminary embraces curiosity and imagination through a program of study that emphasizes learning in the classrooms, on the fields and stages, in the community, and throughout the world. As quoted by Bo Lauder, Head of Friends Seminary since 2002, the values of a Quaker education are, “better caught than taught.”
In addition to an overarching mission, Friends Seminary is guided by both a Community Service Statement as well as Diversity Statement. Economic diversity is also held as an imperative of the School. A vibrant
Strategic Plan attests to the School’s commitment to growth and advancement. It is no surprise that the leading verb of that plan is “reimagining.”
The Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management reports directly to the Head of School and serves as a member of the administrative leadership team. The five-person office runs a well-oiled machine charged with identifying, recruiting and retaining the most talented and diverse student body. As a center of the School, both outward and inward facing, the admission office articulates the vision and mission every day and in every way. It is the home of access, belonging and the School’s abiding belief in Quaker values.
What is needed here is a leader who will successfully follow a long-term Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management who has imbued the admissions process with warmth and clarity around Friends Seminary’s commitment to scholarship, belonging, community and character. Building on that tradition, the next leader will further define what kind of community best serves the future of Friends Seminary while understanding the complexity of independent school life and the competitive and fast paced nature of admissions in New York City. With innovation, imagination and experience, this next leader will focus on team-building, systems and the full K-12 admissions experience from application to graduation.
THE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
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Is the face of the School, the ambassador for all its constituencies
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Understands and articulates the mission of the School and its Quaker values
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Manages the multiple and diverse elements of the admission process
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Has an engaging and welcoming presence
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Is a strong communicator, both on paper and in person
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Develops strategic initiatives to achieve ambitious enrollment goals
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Supervises the daily operations of the Admission Office
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Builds structures to enhance targeted outreach
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Oversees student enrollment from start to finish, including recruitment, retention and financial aid
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Develops marketing and branding strategies
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Collaborates with senior administrators, faculty and staff as stakeholders in the admission process
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Reports regularly to the Board of Trustees
Salary Range: $200,000-250,000 based upon experience.
OPPORTUNITIES
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Furthering the analysis of data, including inquiries, admission testing and attrition
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Developing strong marketing initiatives to highlight more clearly the academic side of Friends to stand in tandem with the strong character values
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Understand current demographic shifts in NYC and design enrollment strategies appropriately
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Deepen strategies for a more diverse candidate pool, especially for Black and Brown students and families
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Designing and streamlining operational structures and tech platforms for efficiency
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Strengthening transitions and matriculations between grades and divisions with an eye towards retention
FRIENDS SEMINARY BY THE NUMBERS
Founded: | 1786 |
Total Enrollment: Lower School: Middle School: Upper School: | 793 267 223 303 |
Applications: | 1,030 |
New Students Enrolled: | 125 |
Students of Color: | 39% |
Students Receiving Financial Aid: | 20% |
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply through the candidate portal on the RG175
website. We require a:
Candidates are urged to apply early in order to be interviewed. This process will move with expediency. We look forward to hearing from you.
To access the full position statement, please click
here.