Director of Admissions

About us

As a Catholic, independent school for students in grades Pre-School to 12, Sacred Hearts Academy provides an outstanding college-preparatory education for young girls. Caring teachers, small classes, a rich and varied curriculum, and lively, enthusiastic students make the Academy unique. Along with its quality academic program, the Academy focuses on character and values, cooperation, mutual respect and service. Our school is a place where young women learn to listen, question, challenge, probe and gain the knowledge and confidence that will allow them to think for themselves and make good decisions. We believe that excellence in education enables students to value themselves as individuals, while at the same time preparing them to participate with confidence in a complex and changing society.

The Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) and the Hawai'i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS). It is a given that the girls at Sacred Hearts will receive an outstanding academic education, but most important, the faculty, staff, alumnae and families value the fact that the students are surrounded by people who care about them and care about one another.

JOB SUMMARY:

Sacred Hearts Academy, an all-girls Catholic school serving students from age 3 through Grade 12 for 116 years on the island of ‘Oahu, seeks an experienced and visionary leader to guide the Academy’s admissions and enrollment strategy. The Director of Admissions will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of all aspects of enrollment management, including student recruitment and retention, meaningful family engagement from inquiry to enrollment, and data-informed decision making.

As a member of the President’s Administrative Team, the Director will collaborate closely with the President and other school leaders to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, data-driven enrollment management strategic plan that supports the Academy’s long-term sustainability and growth.

In collaboration with the President and the Director of Development, the Director of Admissions serves as a key storyteller and ambassador of the Academy—sharing the mission, spirit, and impact of an all-girls Catholic education. This leader actively represents the school in the community- attending events, participating in outreach opportunities, and solidifying partnerships that strengthen visibility and promote enrollment growth.

Sacred Hearts Academy, located in the historic town of Kaimukī, is home to nearly 500 students and is deeply committed to academic excellence, the Catholic faith, and the development of girls and young women as compassionate leaders who will serve their communities and the world. The Director of Admissions will play a pivotal role in advancing this mission, ensuring that the Academy continues to thrive for generations to come.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, business, or a related field;
• Knowledge and understanding of admissions, enrollment, scholarships, and financial aid processes;
• 3–5 years of successful experience in school leadership;
• Demonstrated success managing a team;
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to travel independently to and from school and community events, as well as out of state for professional development, workshops, conferences, and recruitment efforts;
• Willingness to report to work obligations outside of normal business hours- nights and weekends- to support Admissions;
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint);
• Technology-savvy and adaptable to new systems;
• Must meet all training and background check qualifications and comply with Virtus/Safe Environment policy;
• Personal and professional alignment with the mission of Sacred Hearts Academy and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church;
• Must be able to understand, read, and write in English to follow instructions and take direction from supervisors.
• Must reside on O‘ahu.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Supervisory and leadership experience in a school’s admissions operations for 3–5 years;
• Established success with program development and implementation, branding, strategic visioning, marketing, and evaluation;
• Experience developing and executing strategic enrollment plans that align practices with mission-driven outcomes;
• Prior experience in Catholic or independent school settings.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with students and families from diverse backgrounds, in multi-aged school environments;
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to effectively train others;
• Demonstrated ability to protect and maintain confidential information;
• Proven ability to innovate and adapt within a dynamic local and national admissions landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Admissions (35%)

• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive enrollment management plan with defined targets, benchmarks, and metrics, incorporating both new student recruitment and current student retention strategies to grow enrollment;
• Manages all aspects of the admissions process, including application review, interviews, student testing, observations, communication with prospective families, and coordination of final admissions decisions;
• Ensures that all applicants and families are supported with clear, timely communication and meaningful, mission-centered experiences that reflect the values of Sacred Hearts Academy;
• Leads and manages the re-enrollment process for current students to ensure strong retention and continuity of the school community;
• Stays current in latest trends and research regarding enrollment, retention, family engagement, girls’ schools, Catholic schools, youth organizations, and parent groups to inform strategic planning and decision-making;
• Plans, executes, and evaluates all Open House events and related admissions programs and activities;
• Works with partner Catholic schools to coordinate campus visits, “Lancer for a Day” experiences, and other on-campus and outreach events that promote Sacred Hearts Academy;
• Prepares statistical reports for the President and the Board of Directors and shares as requested to various constituencies;
• Serves on the Scholarship and Financial Aid Committee;
• Oversees the Admissions Office budget, mailings, and marketing as well as manages and evaluates admissions staff.

2. Recruitment (30%)

• Maintains a detailed and up-to-date database of information on prospects and families;
• Builds and sustains strong relationships with key partners in the recruitment process, including Catholic school principals, pastors, Directors of Religious Education, parish staff, local preschools, community organizations, etc.;
• Develops and nurtures partnerships with other admissions directors through networking and participating in local and national professional associations;
• Develops, oversees, and assesses the Parent Ambassador Program to engage in prospective family outreach and community engagement;
• Increases the school’s visibility by representing the Academy at extracurricular and school events in the community by connecting with prospective families and distributing marketing materials;

3. Retention (20%)

• Leads and manages the re-enrollment process for current students, including timely communication and follow-up to ensure a smooth and efficient process;
• Partners with the Business Office to manage re-enrollment logistics, including contract distribution, payment tracking, and resolution of financial questions;
• Chairs and coordinates the Admissions Committee—comprising of Principals, Counselors, the President, and the Chief Operating Officer—to implement the comprehensive enrollment management plan with a focus on re-enrollment strategies and processes;
• Collaborates with Principals and Counselors to support student retention, proactively addresses concerns, and ensures a positive, supportive experience for families;
• Analyzes enrollment and retention data to inform strategies, identify trends, and improve family satisfaction.

4. Marketing/ Communications (10%)

• Oversees the creation, distribution, and maintenance of all enrollment and re-enrollment materials, including applications, brochures, pamphlets, and other print and digital resources, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with the school’s mission and branding;
• Leverages marketing and sales principles to strategically identify, engage, and cultivate prospective students and families within targeted communities and geographic regions;
• Coordinates digital marketing initiatives, including website updates, social media engagement, and email communications targeting prospective families.
• Partners with faculty, staff, and parents to highlight student achievements, school programs, and the overall school experience to strengthen the school’s public image;
• Analyzes marketing effectiveness and enrollment trends to inform strategies and adjust outreach efforts.

5. Performs other related duties as assigned (5%)

• Actively participates as an effective member of the President’s Administrative Team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments;
• Assists with activities and events within other departments and divisions as requested (e.g., Fundraising events such as Uncorked, school events and activities such as Christmas Sharing and May Day).

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $95,000