What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Admissions position at Cristo Rey New York High School?
ABOUT CRISTO REY NEW YORK HIGH SCHOOL
Cristo Rey New York High School (CRNYHS), a member of the national Cristo Rey Network, is a coeducational, independent Catholic high school in East Harlem. Our mission is to serve promising students with limited financial resources who demonstrate an enthusiastic desire to make more of themselves.
Students take rigorous, college-prep courses, and participate in the school's Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), working one day a week throughout all four years — earning a meaningful portion of their tuition while building the professional skills and networks that open doors to college and career success. CRNYHS students achieve their aspirations for postsecondary success at rates significantly exceeding their peers.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Admissions leads the recruitment, selection, and enrollment of every incoming student at CRNYHS. This is a mission-critical role: the first face many families associate with our school, the relationship builder who earns the trust of school and community leaders, and the strategist who ensures we meet our enrollment goals year after year.
The Director of Admissions serves as a member of the school's leadership team, reporting directly to the President. The ideal candidate brings deep community roots and a data-informed approach to recruitment, combining genuine warmth with the organizational discipline to run a rigorous, equitable admissions process.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Community Outreach & Relationship Building
• Build and sustain relationships with principals, teachers, counselors, and religious education directors at Catholic, public, charter, and independent elementary and middle schools throughout New York City.
• Represent CRNYHS at school fairs, Open Houses, church services, and community events — often with student and parent ambassadors.
• Engage community organizations, nonprofits, and leaders who serve the families we seek to reach.
Admissions & Enrollment Management
• Develop and execute a year-long recruitment and enrollment plan with clear milestones, in partnership with the President and Leadership Team.
• Oversee the full admissions cycle: outreach, application, assessment, interview, candidate review, financial aid, registration, and orientation.
• Ensure timely, warm, and culturally responsive communication with prospective students and families in both English and Spanish.
• Guide families through the financial aid and income verification processes with patience and genuine care.
Team Leadership & Reporting
• Supervise and mentor the Admissions Officer; conduct regular one-on-ones and team meetings.
• Prepare comprehensive, data-driven enrollment reports for the President, Board of Trustees, and the Cristo Rey Network.
• Manage the admissions budget and ensure accurate database records.
• Participate actively in Cristo Rey Network professional development and collaborate with Admissions peers across the network.
• Some evenings and weekend availability required during peak recruitment season.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred.
• At least four years of experience in admissions, student recruitment, community outreach, nonprofit management, or a closely related field.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
• Excellent communicator — written, verbal, and in front of a room.
• Energized by a fast-paced, mission-driven environment; flexible and entrepreneurial.
• Proven record of building trust-based relationships with diverse community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead, and work collegially with faculty and staff.
• Detail oriented, able to multi-task and remain flexible to the changing needs of the school.
• Ability to manage multiple, complex priorities with demanding deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze enrollment data and translate insights into strategy.
• Deep knowledge of and connections within the communities CRNYHS serves.
• Committed to serving racially diverse students/families of limited financial means with respect.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite; experience with Power School or other student information systems.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required. Background check required.
COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000
New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on education, qualifications, years of experience, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.
CRNYHS offers a generous benefits package including medical coverage with a Health Reimbursement Account, dental and vision coverage, and a retirement plan with a matching contribution.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and a resume by email to Daniel Dougherty at employment@cristoreyny.org.
For more information about Cristo Rey New York High School, visit www.cristoreyny.org
This school ministry is endorsed by the American Province of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, the District of Eastern North America of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus.
Cristo Rey New York High School does not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
Salary : $75,000 - $85,000