Director of Admissions and Community Engagement

Director of Admissions and Community Engagement

The Contra Costa Jewish Day School is a K-8 independent school with approximately 170 students, accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.  We welcome students of all backgrounds, from throughout the East Bay.  We are committed to providing them with extraordinary teachers, individualized learning, and a vibrant, supportive environment where they develop into critical thinkers and effective communicators.  Our academic and social-emotional curricula integrate the core Jewish values of kindness, service, justice and respect for others, preparing our students to make the world a better place.  We are seeking a dynamic Director of Admissions and Community Engagement to join our team.

Position Summary:

The Director of Admissions and Community Engagement is responsible for attracting, enrolling and retaining mission-appropriate students in Kindergarten-8th grade. The Director of Admissions and Community Engagement reports directly to the Head of School and works closely with the school’s senior administrative team. This is a full-time, exempt, 12-month position. Some evening and weekend work is required. 

Major Responsibilities:

Marketing - Demonstrate a proactive approach to finding students and identifying new recruitment pipelines locally and beyond. Develop and implement a strategic marketing plan to raise the visibility of CCJDS in the community, connect with mission-appropriate families, and increase the number of families who consider CCJDS for their students. Build relationships with community partners such as preschools and organizations serving potential families.  Create and effectively target marketing materials (digital and print, including school website, videos and social media) that are compelling and consistent with the mission and values of the school.

Admissions - Manage the admission process from early identification of prospective applicants, through the application process, to final decisions about acceptances and onboarding of new students. This includes identifying and reaching out proactively to prospective families; promptly responding to inquiries; planning and hosting tours and open houses; coordinating parent interviews and student assessments; assuring that admission files are complete; training and managing admissions ambassadors (student and parent volunteers); and coordinating and assisting with the decision-making process. Plan and coordinate onboarding of new students/families, including buddy assignments, welcome events, communications, and coordination with front office staff.

Enrollment Management - Monitor attrition and retention throughout the year, working with the administration and faculty to organize specific retention efforts at key grade levels and with individual students and families as appropriate. Assist the Business Manager in the yearly re-enrollment and financial assistance process.

Community Engagement -  Establish a strong Admissions presence as part of school life and an outreach program that widens the school’s network and reputation in our East Bay community. Participate actively in CCJDS events and as a CCJDS representative at community events. Build relationships with current and prospective students, families, and community members. Develop a strong understanding of our mission and program in order to communicate clearly and enthusiastically to prospective families and the broader community.

Desired Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher
• Three of more years of professional experience in admissions or a relevant marketing and customer service role. Classroom teaching experience may be considered as fulfilling some of this requirement
• Effective time management, strong organizational ability, and excellent follow-through.
• Excellent relationship building skills 
• Demonstrated leadership and facilitative skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• A friendly and professional personality, good listening skills, and the ability to connect with a diverse group of parents, students and colleagues
• The ability to be welcoming and inclusive of all, and to treat all current and prospective community members with respect.
• The ability to treat all information relating to prospective and current families with the utmost of confidence.
• A strong commitment to the mission of CCJDS, including our whole-child educational philosophy and our commitment to building an inclusive, diverse Jewish community.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about our diverse Jewish community and the Jewish traditions and values that are a part of the CCJDS experience
• A commitment to developing professionally and supporting the development of others

Compensation:

1.    Annual Salary: $60,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience and credentials

2.    100% Health and Dental insurance for a full-time employee

3.    School contribution to TIAA-CREF 403B Retirement Plan

4.    Support for Professional Growth

5.    Generous tuition remission for employee with student(s) enrolled at CCJDS.

The Contra Costa Jewish Day School welcomes qualified applicants with a variety of talents, interests, backgrounds and perspectives. CCJDS does not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical disability in the admission of students or the employment of staff, nor does it tolerate sexual harassment.

To apply, send cover letter and résumé to:

Head of School Eden Allswang Bruner (eden@ccjds.org)