Employment

Westside School is a vibrant and forward-thinking independent school rooted in a deep commitment to progressive education, whole child development, and a strong sense of community. Since its founding, Westside has cultivated a warm, inclusive environment where students are known, valued, and inspired to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. The school brings together a diverse community of learners and families who are drawn to its child-centered philosophy, its emphasis on experiential learning, and its belief in the power of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

Located in the North Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, Westside’s campus reflects the school’s dynamic spirit - thoughtfully designed learning spaces, access to natural surroundings, and a culture that encourages exploration both inside and outside the classroom. The program integrates academic rigor with social-emotional learning, fostering confident, capable students who are prepared to engage thoughtfully with an ever-changing world. Through close relationships, innovative teaching, and a commitment to equity and belonging, Westside empowers students to develop a strong sense of self and a responsibility to their communities.

As Westside looks to the future, it seeks a strategic and relational leader to serve as its next Director of Enrollment Management. The Director of Enrollment Management is a senior leader responsible for admissions, enrollment strategy, and student retention. This role supports the growth of a vibrant, inclusive, and mission-aligned community. The Director serves as a key ambassador for Westside, guiding prospective families through the admissions process and partnering internally to align enrollment goals with program strengths and long-term sustainability.

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position. The annual salary range is $130,000 - $150,000 based on experience and education. Westside School offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees.

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Enrollment Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-year enrollment strategy aligned with the school’s mission
• Set, monitor, and achieve enrollment and retention goals (PreK–8)
• Analyze enrollment data, market trends, and demographics to inform decisions
• Partner with the Head of School on tuition strategy, financial aid, and long-term planning

Admissions & Recruitment

• Oversee the full admissions lifecycle, from inquiry through enrollment
• Design targeted recruitment strategies to attract mission-aligned families
• Serve as a primary contact for prospective families, ensuring a warm, responsive experience
• Lead admissions events, including open houses, tours, and outreach

Financial Aid & Access

• Collaborate with the Business Office to administer financial aid
• Support equitable, strategic allocation of tuition assistance
• Counsel families through the financial aid process

Retention & Family Experience

• Partner with division heads and faculty to support retention
• Monitor retention data and lead engagement initiatives
• Support onboarding and transition experiences for new families

Marketing & Communications

• Collaborate with Marketing/Communications on clear, consistent messaging
• Oversee admissions materials, digital presence, and storytelling
• Represent Westside at fairs, community events, and outreach opportunities

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise admissions staff and support team development
• Serve as a member of the leadership team
• Collaborate across departments to align enrollment with program priorities

Director of Enrollment Management Priorities

Westside’s strongest and most frequently cited asset is its community—students are known, supported, and valued. The school’s progressive, experiential academic model is also a key differentiator, emphasizing creativity, flexibility, independence, and student agency.

The next Director of Enrollment Management will lead five strategic priorities:

• Build a Comprehensive Enrollment Strategy: Develop multi-year projections, analyze attrition patterns, and align financial aid with enrollment goals.
• Define and articulate the Westside Academic Story: Collaborate with school leadership to clarify student outcomes, codify differentiators, and create consistent, school-wide messaging.
• Increase Market Visibility and Demand Generation: Strengthen community presence, implement digital marketing strategies, and expand outreach and events.
• Strengthen Retention and the Full Student Journey: Focus on key transition years, identify drivers of attrition, and communicate the long-term value of a Preschool–Grade 8 experience.
• Align Admissions, Advancement, and Finance: Integrate enrollment strategy with financial planning and fundraising, and engage alumni as ambassadors.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 5 years in admissions, enrollment management, or related leadership role (independent school experience preferred)
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, data analysis, and achieving enrollment goals
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Leadership Competencies

• Warm, visible, and approachable leadership style
• Collaborative decision-maker with clear, consistent communication
• Skilled in change management and organizational alignment
• Strategic thinker able to build systems and long-range plans
• Exceptional storyteller and communicator
• Data-driven decision maker
• Relationship builder across diverse stakeholders
• Deep understanding of the local school market

Application Process

Westside School has retained Resource Group 175 to support its search for a new Director of Enrollment Management. If you wish to submit your application, you may do so at: https://rg175.com/current-search/648

An application includes:

• Letter of interest (cover letter)
• Resume or CV
• A writing sample of choice
• Names of five current references and contact information for each (the references will not be contacted until the finalist stage of the process)

This opportunity begins in July 2026. Qualified applicants will hold at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably an advanced degree, and bring a minimum of five years of enrollment management experience and educational leadership experience.

The deadline for receipt of application materials is May 4, 2026. For any questions or further information about the position, please contact Joe Coleman at joe.coleman@rg175.com, 540409-1692.

Westside School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or disability.