Position Overview

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and relational leader and will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive enrollment management program for a early childhood–8 school. This role oversees all aspects of the admissions process, from inquiry through enrollment, with a focus on attracting, enrolling, and retaining mission-aligned students and families.

The Director of Admissions serves as a primary ambassador of the school, cultivating strong relationships with prospective families and representing the school within the broader community.

The Children's School, an independent school located in La Jolla, California, inspires children from toddlers through grade eight with a rich academic and unique social curriculum. The school seeks to inspire each child’s unique potential and desire for life-long learning. The Children's School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. To learn more about The Children’s School, please visit www.tcslj.org.

Key Responsibilities

Admissions Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a strategic admissions and enrollment management plan aligned with the school’s mission and goals
• Analyze enrollment trends, demographics, and market data to inform recruitment strategies
• Work with the Head of School to set and monitor enrollment targets and yield rates

Recruitment & Outreach

• Lead all recruitment efforts, including open houses, tours, and community events
• Build relationships with feeder schools, community organizations, and relocation networks
• Identify and expand outreach to diverse and mission-appropriate applicant pools

Admissions Process Management

• Oversee the full admissions cycle: inquiry, application, assessment, decision, and enrollment
• Ensure a warm, responsive, and personalized experience for all prospective families
• Coordinate with faculty and staff on student assessments, classroom visits, and admissions events

Financial Aid Collaboration

• Partner with the Director of Finance and Head of School on financial aid strategy and allocation
• Support equitable access by effectively communicating financial aid opportunities

Data & Systems Management

• Work with the Associate Director of Admissions to maintain accurate records of prospective and enrolled families in the admissions database
• Generate reports and dashboards to track admissions funnel metrics and trends

Marketing & Communications

• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communications to align messaging and branding
• Contribute to the development of admissions materials, website content, and digital campaigns

Family Engagement & Retention

• Work closely with school leadership to support student retention and family satisfaction
• Serve as a point of contact for prospective and newly enrolled families

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 5+ years of experience in admissions, enrollment management, or related field (independent school experience strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated success in meeting enrollment goals and managing admissions pipelines
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Data-driven mindset with experience using admissions or SIS systems
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in enrollment practices

Personal Attributes

• Warm, welcoming, and relationship-oriented
• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
• High level of discretion and professionalism
• Collaborative team player with a proactive mindset
• Passion for education and child development

• 5+ years of experience in admissions, enrollment management, or related field (independent school experience strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated success in meeting enrollment goals and managing admissions pipelines
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Data-driven mindset with experience using admissions or SIS systems
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in enrollment practices

About The Children's School

The Children's School, located in La Jolla, California, inspires children from toddlers through grade eight with a rich academic program and engaging social curriculum. The school seeks to inspire each child’s unique potential and desire for life-long learning.

Connections working at The Children's School