DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS - JUNIOR SCHOOL

Shady Side Academy seeks a Director of Admissions, Junior School—a relationship-driven strategist and compelling communicator who will guide families through one of the most important decisions they will make. This integral member of the Enrollment Management team ensures that prospective families feel known, informed, and confident from their first inquiry through their first day of school.

Shady Side provides an education that fosters meaningful relationships, promotes a well-rounded worldview, and emphasizes real-world learning experiences. Accordingly, the Director of Admissions, Junior School cultivates a dynamic and personalized admissions process for families entering pre-kindergarten through grade 5. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of how families make decisions, applying an inbound, data-informed approach to build trust, strengthen engagement, and drive enrollment outcomes.

This role reports to the Chief Enrollment Officer, collaborates closely with colleagues across the Advancement Team and the Academy, and is a full-time, in-person position with meaningful opportunity to shape the experience and trajectory of the Junior School community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Enrollment Strategy & Stewardship

• Develop and execute a comprehensive recruiting strategy for the Junior School, including both in-person and virtual engagement opportunities.
• Guide prospective families through each stage of the admissions journey with clarity, responsiveness, and care, ensuring a high-touch, individualized experience.
• Apply inbound, user-centric enrollment practices to meet families where they are and support thoughtful, confident decision-making.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to strengthen conversion and enrollment outcomes.

Community Engagement & Experience

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and current families to bring the Junior School experience to life through authentic and differentiated campus visit experiences.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with prospective families, serving as a trusted advisor throughout the admissions process.
• Partner with school leadership and colleagues to design onboarding and retention strategies that support long-term student success and family engagement.

Evaluation & Decision-Making

• Conduct developmentally appropriate assessments of candidates for pre-kindergarten through grade 5 using observational and standardized screening tools.
• Review applications and lead Admissions Committee discussions with sound judgment, consistency, and integrity.
• Assess prospective students and contribute to final admissions decisions in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Maintain confidentiality while navigating complex and nuanced family conversations with professionalism and empathy.

Data, Systems & Operations

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive admissions records and student data.
• Leverage data and insights to inform strategy, track progress, and continuously improve admissions outcomes.
• Engage in professional development and participate in regional consortium work and national professional organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS & QUALITIES

Bachelor’s degree and five-to-ten years of work experience required.
Experience in independent school enrollment management strongly preferred.
Experience with student information systems such as Veracross, Finalsite, etc. preferred.

Experience with project management software such as Asana, Trello, etc. preferred. 

Mission-driven, student-centered, and deeply relational
A persuasive storyteller and confident communicator
Strategic and data-informed, with strong attention to detail and follow-through
Comfortable navigating complex conversations with sound judgment and confidentiality
Collaborative, adaptable, and energized by working across teams
Creative, proactive, and intrinsically motivated
Personally and professionally committed to practices that support community and belonging