Garden School is eager to identify its new Director of Admissions to help build upon the exciting growth we have experienced in the last few years. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious leader to join our exciting school at a truly exciting time as we enter our Centennial year.
We are a school on the move. Garden is mid-way through an inspiring strategic plan, with multiple capital projects and program developments under way. Enrollment is up 20% in three years with the plan to grow further in the next three and we are building dynamic community partnerships each day. There is a lot to market in our school and this is a great opportunity for a dedicated leader to secure an exceptional legacy while innovating as we look to our future.
Garden is a Nursery-12, co-ed independent day school priced for middle-class families in Queens, NY. We enroll 260 students in the most diverse zip code on earth and welcome domestic and international students. We offer a child-centered education balancing outstanding academics within a warm and nurturing community through a full complement of dynamic programs delivered by a seasoned staff. In addition, through a unique partnership with the DOE, we also host 200 three and four-year-olds in an affiliated PreK.
The mix of partnerships, modest tuition, and creative funding models mean we are a different kind of independent school - down to earth, with deep ties to the community, and a real sense of purpose for the greater good. For this position, we are seeking an innovative individual with a growth-mindset and demonstrated skills in leadership, advancement, and strategic thinking.
The Director of Admissions and Financial Aid serves as a strategic thought partner and will report to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement. The Dir. of Admissions & Financial Aid is the chief strategist on enrollment management and financial aid, will serve on the Broad Leadership Team, and will closely collaborate with the Senior Leadership.
Working with division heads, key academic leaders, and the Director of Finance, the Director of Admissions is charged with attracting, enrolling, and retaining bright, motivated students who also reflect cultural, religious, racial, and socioeconomic diversity and have the potential to thrive in a challenging, balanced curriculum within a warm, welcoming community.
This position is open because the current Admissions Director has been promoted to Assistant Head of School for Advancement. This is because we are the kind of environment that believes in meeting professional goals with new opportunities. As a result, this is a special chance to have the former Admissions Director on hand for support and mentorship and to collaborate with someone who understands the distinct challenges and opportunities that come with enrollment management here.
In addition to overseeing the admissions and assessment processes for applicants to all the divisions, the Director cultivates important partnerships with nursery school directors, feeder programs, and access organizations. The Director reports regularly to the Board of Trustees and the Head of School, manages parent volunteers and student ambassadors, and is responsible for timely communication and marketing to families and key partners.
The person best suited for this job is someone looking to roll up their sleeves, have big ideas and build a department focused on recruiting and retaining excellent students from the five boroughs, near suburbs and countries around the world. The heart of the position is a passion for relationships, data, and collaboration. Garden seeks someone who wants to be more than just an administrator, but rather someone who wants to become invested and involved in the lives of the students and families they recruit and retain.
This is a 12-month, full time position with excellent benefits.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as chief strategist on enrollment management and financial aid
Work with division heads, key academic leaders, and Director of Finance, to attract and enroll bright, motivated students who reflect cultural, religious, racial, and socioeconomic diversity and have the potential to thrive in our community.
Oversee admissions and assessment for applicants to all divisions.
Manage Admissions and Financial Aid budgets
Develop and cultivate partnerships with nursery school directors, feeder schools, and access organizations to ensure they are cognizant of current program developments and of the status of applicants from their schools
Gather, compile, and share data relevant to admissions and enrollment management
Collaborate with Head of School, Assistant Head for Advancement, and the Board.
Manage student, parent, and alumni volunteers
Manage communication and marketing to families and key partners
Identify and analyze the overall enrollment goals annually
Interview applicants and parents to evaluate applicant and parental fit for mission
Evaluate applications having sufficient documentation to permit the Admissions committee to make an informed and timely decision
Organize and Guide tours of the Upper and Lower Division ensuring that all volunteer tour guides are properly trained
Notify parents of applicants of admissions decisions within ISAAGNY deadlines
Work with the development and communications team to design and update marketing materials, advertising, merchandise and website information as needed.
Represent the School in local organizations designed to assist prospective parents and students in the admissions process
Work with the Registrar and the Director of Technology to ensure Blackbaud databases are updated annually so the school has all necessary information on enrollment
Maintain records and provide statistics on applicants and on new and returning students in terms of class, gender, affiliation, citizenship, region, native language, zip code, etc. so new student numbers and attrition can be predicted with reasonable accuracy
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Head for Advancement
Specific Qualifications and Skills
Successful history leading an admissions team through an admission season year over year achieving annual enrollment goals
Capacity to organize and implement multiple projects with overlapping deadlines
Statistical background with budgeting knowledge
Demonstrated history of responsiveness with families
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of NYC Independent, Public and Parochial Schools, especially in Queens
Ability to work with leadership across the board, employees, and the larger community
Knowledge of independent school culture
Must have a strong work ethic, sense of humor, and capacity to work well with others
Must have excellent interpersonal, managerial, and organizational abilities
