Associate of Recruitment & Enrollment

About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments where students develop critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

About the Role

Ascend seeks an Associate of Recruitment & Enrollment who will play a key role in advancing our student recruitment and enrollment goals through strong community-based outreach and relationship building. Reporting to the Senior Director of Enrollment and Student Recruitment, the Associate of Recruitment & Enrollment will serve as an ambassador for Ascend in neighborhoods across Brooklyn, helping families and community partners understand our schools, values, and application process.

This role sits on the Enrollment and Student Recruitment team and is critical to expanding Ascend’s visibility, deepening community connections, and driving student application growth. The Associate of Recruitment & Enrollment will lead outreach efforts in the field, build and maintain strategic partnerships, and use data to inform recruitment strategy and improve results. This is a highly field-based role, with approximately 80% of time spent in the community and 20% of time spent in the office for planning, coordination, and administrative work.

Key Responsibilities

Community Outreach & Partnership Development

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with daycare centers, community-based organizations, local businesses, and neighborhood partners across Brooklyn.
• Represent Ascend at community events, fairs, tabling opportunities, and information sessions to increase awareness of our schools and enrollment opportunities.
• Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities that expand Ascend’s presence in target communities.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and welcoming point of contact for families and community members interested in Ascend schools.

Recruitment Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute strategic outreach plans aligned to annual student recruitment and enrollment goals.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Enrollment and Student Recruitment to prioritize outreach efforts based on application trends, school needs, and community demand.
• Support the planning and execution of recruitment events and family engagement opportunities designed to increase applications and enrollment conversion.
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging about Ascend’s schools, mission, and enrollment process across all community-facing interactions.

Data & Operations

• Track, analyze, and interpret recruitment and outreach data to inform decision-making and strengthen strategy.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, partnership engagement, event participation, and follow-up actions.
• Monitor progress toward outreach and application goals and adjust efforts as needed to improve outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align recruitment efforts, communications, and school-based enrollment priorities.

Staff and Reporting Relationships

The Associate of Recruitment & Enrollment reports to the Senior Director of Recruitment & Enrollment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Two to three years of professional experience, preferably in student recruitment, enrollment, family engagement, or community outreach
• Experience working in charter schools, public education, or community-based organizations strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of the New York City education landscape
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse community stakeholders
• Experience using data to inform strategy, planning, and decision-making
• Bilingual skills preferred

Skills and Traits

• Strong relationship-building skills and a demonstrated ability to engage families and community partners effectively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Superb organizational, project management, and self-management skills
• Highly proactive and able to work independently in a fast-paced, field-based environment
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to analyze data and translate insights into action
• Comfort representing Ascend publicly and serving as a visible ambassador for the organization
• Passion and commitment to educational equity and expanding access to high-quality schools
• Alignment with the educational philosophy and core beliefs of Ascend

Compensation

The salary for this position begins at $66,500. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.

Location & Work Arrangement

• Based in our Brooklyn, NY office
• Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence at least three days per week

In-person work expectations include network office time, stakeholder meetings, school visits, curriculum planning sessions, and cross-functional collaboration.

Benefits

This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits