Director of Admissions at Aurora School in Oakland, California

Job Description:

Admissions Director & Parent Relations

Position Title: Admissions Director

Reports To: Head of School

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Aurora School, 40 Dulwich Road, Oakland, CA 94618

Position Type: Full-time, Year-round

Salary Range: $80,000-$140,000

Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities.

Start Date: June or July 1, 2025

About Aurora School

Aurora School is an independent, progressive K-8 school that fosters its students' intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Our nurturing and inclusive community encourages creativity, critical thinking, and academic exploration while preparing students to become responsible global citizens. Aurora School is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Position Overview

The Admissions Director is a senior leadership position responsible for managing the entire admission process, including financial assistance and parent relations. This role focuses on recruiting new families and retaining current families, ensuring that Aurora fulfills its mission, increasing enrollment to full capacity, and then maintaining 100% enrollment annually. Additionally, the Admissions Director plays a key role in strategic marketing, enhancing the school's visibility in the community, and supporting the academic and social development of the school. This position also includes oversight of administrative/board and parent committees.

Key Responsibilities Admission Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute an annual admissions strategy in alignment with the school's goals, priorities, and diversity initiatives.
• Manage the entire admissions cycle: outreach, applications, interviews, assessments, and decision-making.
• Lead enrollment efforts to achieve a balanced and diverse student body.
• Build and maintain relationships with local communities, feeder schools, and educational organizations.
• Monitor and analyze enrollment metrics, adjusting strategy as needed to meet enrollment goals.
• Provide regular reports to the Head of School and Board of Trustees on enrollment trends and challenges.

Recruitment & Marketing

• Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing Director to develop marketing materials (brochures, view books, and digital content).
• Attend educational fairs, conferences, and events to represent the school and build relationships with prospective families.
• Coordinate outreach activities such as open houses, school tours, preschool visits, and parent education nights.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local preschools and feeder schools, and foster relationships with surrounding independent schools.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective families throughout the admissions process.
• Lead campus tours and information sessions, providing insight into the school's academic and social culture.
• Create and maintain effective communication with prospective families, ensuring transparency throughout the admission process.
• Ensure clear communication with current families regarding re-enrollment and any changes in policies or procedures related to enrollment.

Parent Relations & Community Building

• Manage parent relations, including outreach, event planning, and fostering a strong school community.
• Supervise parent committees/volunteers for non-fundraising events and oversee the Traffic Safety Committee.
• Orchestrate Middle School orientation for new families and regularly check in with families throughout the year.
• Coordinate with room parents, provide family correspondence, and address any concerns from families.
• Support school fundraisers and contribute to the weekly "Tuesday Tell All" communication.

Re-enrollment & Retention
• Promote retention

• Oversee the re-enrollment process for existing families, ensuring timely distribution and return of contracts.
• Conduct exit interviews with families not returning to Aurora to assess reasons for departure.
• Work with the Flexible Tuition Committee to manage financial assistance and tuition policies.
• Organize and communicate moving-up tours for families transitioning between grade levels.
• Address concerns of families applying to other schools to ensure retention.

Outplacement

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local independent high schools for student outplacement.
• Meet with families of 8th-grade students to discuss high school options and guide them through the application process.
• Ensure all 8th-grade students are enrolled at a high school and assist with application materials.

School Events & Alumni Relations

• Attend and contribute to school events like Tinker Faire and Friends and Family Day.
• Support alumni events and initiatives to foster long-term relationships with the school community.
• Co-host and attend Parent Education events to support ongoing parent engagement.

Qualifications Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in an independent school or higher education
• admissions role.
• Proven track record of successful enrollment management and strategy
• development.

Skills & Abilities
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the admissions process.
• Experience with database management systems (e.g., Ravenna, Clarity) and
• other relevant tools for admissions and record-keeping.
• Comfort with public speaking and presenting to groups of varying sizes.

Personal Attributes

• Warm, approachable, and student-centered, with a passion for supporting families in their search for the right educational fit.
• A self-starter, creative, results-driven, and strategic.
• Deep commitment to Aurora's mission and values and a desire to share those
• with others.
• Highly ethical and professional, with a strong sense of integrity and
• confidentiality.

Application Process

• Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of at least three professional references to abbie@auroraschool.org by February 1, 2025.
• Aurora School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students.

Apply Now