Director of Lower and Middle School Admission

School Description

Santa Catalina School is a vibrant, independent, Catholic school offering student-centered co-education to PreK through grade 8 and an all-girls’ boarding and day college preparatory upper school serving grades 9 through 12. Santa Catalina exists to develop in each student a striving for excellence, a maturing awareness of moral and spiritual values, a sense of responsible purpose, and a determination to serve the world with courage, grace, and compassion. With the cornerstones of excellence, spirituality, service, and responsibility, the school is committed to providing a supportive learning community for each student to grow in their intellectual, personal, and spiritual life, making Santa Catalina a transformational educational experience for its students.

Position Summary

Santa Catalina School, a nationally recognized PreK–12 independent Catholic school in Monterey, California, is seeking a full-time Director of Lower and Middle School Admission. The Director of Lower and Middle School Admission is charged with the responsibility of supporting the school’s commitment to admitting and enrolling qualified and capable students in PreK through grade 8. The Director of Lower and Middle School Admission will oversee all aspects of the admission process from inquiry to enrollment. This position requires dedication to the school and a strong belief in its mission and educational program. The Director must be diligent on behalf of the school to meet annual enrollment targets. This position requires superior communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Important attributes include leadership skills for a results-oriented admission office, a collaborative work style, and a welcoming attitude. The Director of Lower and Middle School Admission, along with the admission team, directs efforts toward student recruitment, the application process, and enrollment. The position supports the school, its values, and its leadership.

Description

The Director of Lower and Middle School Admission works closely with the Head of Lower and Middle School. In addition, this position works with the communications office, the business office, and all teachers and staff in the Lower and Middle School. The Director of Lower and Middle School Admission is a member of the Lower School Administrative Team.

Santa Catalina School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to its success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

Essential Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of Lower and Middle School admission
• Respond to all inquiries with the goal of converting to completed applications, including responsibility for all communication, interviews, parent visits, student visit days, recommendation processes, tours, open houses, etc.
• Plan and help organize kindergarten screening and admission testing
• Partner closely with the communications office regarding admission materials and marketing ideas and provide assistance when necessary
• Proof, and share with the Head of Lower and Middle School for approval, all promotional materials provided by the communications office or outside vendors
• Train goodwill ambassadors for open houses
• Plan and host Revisit Day
• Partner with colleagues to execute Buddy Barbeque, New Parent Reception, and Grandparents and Grandfriends Day
• Prepare materials and assist with Grade 8 Admission Information Night
• Send monthly enrollment reports to designated school personnel
• Present admission information at faculty meetings
• Present admission reports at Lower School Education Committee meetings
• Prepare and present admission statistics for all Board of Trustee meetings
• Prepare statistics for the National Association of Independent Schools and the California Association of Independent Schools
• Meet regularly with the Head of Lower and Middle School
• Serve on the Lower School Administrative Team and attend weekly meetings

Other Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with master’s degree preferred
• Direct experience and success in independent school admissions
• Management and supervisory experience, including assembling, maintaining, and building teams
• A commitment to the mission and identity of Santa Catalina School
• A desire to participate fully in the Santa Catalina community
• Successful completion of a LiveScan criminal background check as required by law

Competencies

• Understanding and appreciation for the importance of an excellent student experience in PreK–8 schooling
• Outstanding interpersonal skills; approachable and welcoming demeanor
• Knowledge of educational institutions, specifically independent schools
• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community
• Strong interpersonal skills, including good listening, humor, tact, intuition, and confidentiality
• Understanding of current challenges, trends, and issues facing independent schools and their enrollment goals
• Excellent writing, communication, and verbal skills
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills and digital literacy
• Understanding of the dynamics of a school community
• Ability to assess and respond to the needs of the school and act as a representative of the school
• Commitment to professional growth and education
• Ability to function well under stress

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None directly
• Organize parent volunteers and student ambassadors

Working Conditions and Compensation

• Be able to sit and meet with students for extended periods of time each day
• Work at a desk and computer screen for extended periods of time each day
• Ability to work in various positions, including, but not limited to, standing, bending over, crouching, sitting, reaching, driving (a cart) for extended periods of time, and needing to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work in a school environment with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and people
• Santa Catalina School offers competitive insurance and retirement benefits
• Salary Range: $65,000–$85,000 depending on experience

Equal Employment Opportunity

Santa Catalina School is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment at Santa Catalina School is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position, without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by the law.

To Apply

Interested candidates should visit our website to complete and submit an application, resume, and cover letter:

https://www.santacatalina.org/upper-school/who-we-are/employment

Electronic submission of candidate papers in .pdf format is preferred.

Santa Catalina provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities. Applicants who need accommodations to participate in the application process should contact employment@santacatalina.org.