Director of Admissions and Student Services

Director of  Admissions and Student Services

2026 - 2027 School Year Start

Date: July 2026

Job Summary:

Cove is looking for a unique individual who will support the mission by providing empathetic connection, meticulous assessment of student needs (IEPs/evaluations), and strategic recruitment to ensure a “best-fit” placement for both the student and the school. The Director of Admissions and Student Services guides prospective families through the entire admissions lifecycle, ensuring that the school's specialized, mission-aligned services meet the unique educational, emotional, and physical needs of each student. They act as a primary liaison between families, outside professionals, and the school’s clinical and educational staff. 

Pay & Benefits:

*  Salary starting at $100,000: (salary is commensurate with education, licensure and experience)

* Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

* Short and Long Term Disability and Life Insurance

* Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programs

* 10 sick, 4 personal days, 20 vacation days

* Tuition Reimbursement for continuing education

* Professional Development Opportunities

Schedule:

* Full-time (12 Month Employee)

* Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Requirements:

Minimum:

• Experience: 2-3 years of experience in admissions, student recruitment, or special education settings.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in special education, psychology, communications, or a related field; Master’s preferred.
• Previous experience in a private/independent special education school preferred.
• Strong understanding of special education procedures, IEPs, and various disabilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse families and professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to work with families experiencing stress or navigating complex educational decisions, 
• Illinois Professional Educator License with a School Psychologist or Special Education Director endorsement preferred
• Familiarity with specific therapeutic models (e.g. ABA, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy)

Duties & Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary point of contact, providing empathetic support, information, and counseling to parents/guardians, guiding them through the evaluation and admission process.
• Field and track all incoming inquiries.
• Provide tours and shadow/trial days to potential students or care providers who are interested in learning more about the school.
• Review applications and evaluate student needs and work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary admissions team.
• Plan and host Open Houses to educate potential families, care providers, districts and the larger community about the school’s strong program and layers of support provided to each student.
• Utilize strategic thinking and strong data fluency to analyze Admissions trends.
• Develop relationships with external stakeholders, including educational consultants, therapists , and referring school districts to generate leads.
• Serve as lead or liaison in specific IEP meetings
• Communicate with parents and home districts to ensure a smooth continuum of service delivery. 
• Remains available for crisis intervention as the need arises.
• Attends all scheduled team meetings.
• Implements philosophy and objectives of the program.
• Continued professional development
• Performs other related duties, as required.

• Reports to the Executive Director.

About Us:

The Cove School is a non-public therapeutic day school for students with learning disabilities located in Northbrook, IL. Cove students come from 60 nearby different public schools and families can also choose to fund tuition privately. Classes are kept small. Teaching is flexible and varies according to the individual student’s learning style. A team of onsite specialists work collaboratively to provide students intensive, integrated related services

Salary : $100,000