Director of Enrollment Management

SUMMARY

Located on a 38-acre campus in Līhu‘e, Island School enrolls 488 students in grades PK-12 and offers a traditional well-rounded private school structure while providing an unrivaled, yet unpretentious college-preparatory educational experience for families on the island of Kaua‘i. The student body represents communities from across the island, from as far north as Hā‘ena to as far west as Kekaha. They work hard for their academic achievement and to fulfill their promise. In accordance with our mission, we strive to guide our students with an education that is not only rich in academic content, skill development, the arts, athletics and wellness, but also deeply rooted in place, as well as the Hawaiian values of ho‘ihi (respect), kūlia i ka nu‘u (striving for the summit), kuleana (personal responsibility), ‘ike loa (learning and wisdom), pa’ahana (hardworking), lōkahi (teamwork and collaboration), ho‘omau (perseverance), and mālama (stewardship).

Island School seeks a director of enrollment management (DEM) to oversee the strategic and operational components of the school’s enrollment, re-enrollment, student recruitment, and financial aid. Building upon the existing strengths of the admission office, the DEM facilitates an enrollment management mindset among school leadership and conducts research to ensure the school achieves enrollment goals established by the board of directors and head of school. The DEM is also a strategic partner to the CFO and board of directors’ finance committee, and participates in tuition setting and financial aid strategy. Ideal candidates will be attentive to the unique demographics of Kaua’i, eager to expand the footprint of Island School’s market position, and a warm and engaging spokesperson for the school. The DEM reports directly to the head of school and serves as a member of the senior leadership team. Island School looks forward to welcoming the director to start later this summer.

12M & Ed Tech Recruiting is running the search on behalf of Island School. Applications received by May 10th will receive priority review. For application instructions and the full job opportunity statement, please visit:

                  www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/IS/DEM

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Priority Deadline: May 10, 2025, Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and position will remain open until filled

On-site Final Round: Late May - Early June

Decision Announced: June 2025

Start Date: Flexible, July 1 - September 1, 2025

Reports To: Head of School

Salary Range: $85,000 - $115,000, depending on experience

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Enrollment Management Strategy 

Provide leadership in enrollment management, which includes admission, marketing, and recruitment and direct the process of attracting, enrolling, and retaining students at Island School.

Set annual enrollment and admission goals, in accordance with the school’s mission to promote gender economic, racial, and ethnic diversity in the student body, based on enrollment goals set by the head of school and board of directors.

Formulate an annual admission and enrollment action plan, with specific goals and objectives outlining tactics, which includes an active marketing and recruitment strategy.

Attend board of directors’ meetings when appropriate, participate in strategic planning and keep the Board fully apprised of the school’s enrollment management endeavors.

Use data analysis and demographic insights to track trends, guide decision-making, and ensure enrollment targets are met.

Build and maintain relationships with Kaua’i schools, community partners, educational organizations, counselors, and consultants.

 

Admissions Operations

Maintain statistical and trend data related to admission and enrollment, and present to the senior leadership team, board of directors, and faculty on at least an annual basis.

Organize and administer the school’s financial aid program and budget in collaboration with the CFO and head of school, including ensuring all formal documentation is completed by all applicants in a timely manner.

Manage new student enrollment and the reenrollment of current students in close connection with the business office and assist the division directors with retention efforts.

Organize admission committee input on all applicants with division directors, including clear and consistent communication about deadlines and notification expectations.

Direct the entire application review process, and assign reading and committee assignments to admission staff and faculty representatives.

Oversee all on-campus visitation programs-including interviews and spring accepted student programs.

 

General Leadership & Administration

In conjunction with the head of school and director of communications, develop and implement strategic marketing ideas and oversee the management of admission marketing materials, including the admission’s section of Island School’s website and social media and all applications material aligning with current “style guide” expectations.

Supervise one employee in the admission office, providing professional growth opportunities and day-to-day guidance.

Represent the admission office and school at public events, on and off campus.

Manage the admissions budget and provide regular reports on enrollment trends, financial aid, and recruitment outcomes.

Report directly to the head of school and participate as an active member of the senior leadership team.

Participate actively in the daily community life of the school and perform other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES

Professional Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred

Experience in admissions or enrollment management in PK-12 setting preferred

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and coordinate the work of a team

Experience working in Hawa’i and/or Kaua’i, and/or familiarity with local independent school enrollment trends and market dynamics preferred

 

Leadership and Personal Qualities

Exceptional communication skills, both written and public speaking, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences

Organized and detail-oriented, with robust analytical and problem-solving skills to manage multiple priorities effectively

The ability to calmly and empathetically address a wide range of constituents including current and prospective students, families, faculty, staff, and community members

A collaborative and strategic mindset with the ability to foster interdepartmental communication and authentic relationships

Good judgment and discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive information with tact and confidentiality

An eagerness to actively participate in the full life of an independent school, including admissions, development, and community events that may occur outside of standard working hours

 

TO APPLY

For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.

                  www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/IS/DEM