Director of Admissions and Communications

Irving, TX, United States

Cistercian Preparatory School, located in Dallas, Texas, has announced its search for a Director of Admissions and Communications to begin as soon as the successful candidate is found. Blessed with a vibrant community of dedicated men and women (monks, faculty, coaches, and staff) working hand in hand with students and their parents, Cistercian forms and educates academically talented young men in grades 5-12 in the venerable 200-year Cistercian Tradition of its Hungarian founders. Part of this tradition is helping students to harness and direct their copious energy, potential, and excitement as individuals who know they are loved and who are being called to love in turn.

Reporting to the Headmaster, the Director of Admissions and Communications is responsible for representing and marketing the School to parents, prospective parents and the community at large to attract talented, motivated, and mission-aligned students. This includes managing the entire admissions process from initial inquiry to enrollment to integration into the School. The director is responsible for all admissions events and follow-up.

The Admissions and Communications Director leads and oversees all marketing material including print material, online advertisements, website, social media, and all school-wide communication, excluding communication directed just to the alumni community and the School’s bi-annual magazine, The Continuum.

The successful candidate will have experience in developing and implementing successful admissions and marketing programs, preferably in an independent school setting, and a strong understanding of enrollment management principles and best practices. Experience with digital marketing and social media is necessary.

Director of Admissions and Communications

The Admissions/Communications Director is responsible for representing and marketing the School to parents, prospective parents and the community at large in order to attract talented, motivated, and mission-aligned students. This includes managing the entire admissions process from initial inquiry to enrollment to integration into the School.

The Admissions/Communications Director is responsible for all admissions events and coordinating

event details including promotion, content, set up, refreshments, etc. The Admissions/Communications Director leads and oversees all marketing material including print

material, online advertisements, website, social media, and all school wide communication, excluding

communication directed just to the alumni community and the School’s bi-annual magazine, The

Continuum.

Education :

• Bachelor’s Degree or beyond

Personal Qualities:

• Understanding of and agreement with the mission, philosophy and pedagogy of the School

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to articulate effectively the

School’s mission and vision in a compelling way

• Creative, flexible, and strategic thinker with attention to detail for analyzing data, identifying

trends, and innovating admissions and retention efforts

• Able to keep sensitive information about applicants/families completely confidential

• Motivated by interacting with people and comfortable with initiating conversation

• Able to sustain high level of activity over extended periods

Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in admissions and marketing roles, preferably in an independent school

setting

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing marketing strategies in admissions

• Strong understanding of enrollment management principles and best practices

• Experience with digital marketing, social media management, and content creation

• Familiarity with enrollment management software (the School uses FACTS and Blackbaud)

Job Responsibilities and Details

Admissions Strategy

• Build network of relationships with key outside institutions or groups (e.g., schools, churches,

civic associations) throughout North Texas for promoting the School to attract mission-aligned

students

• Collaborate with School leadership to establish data-driven enrollment goals and develop

comprehensive and strategic plans to achieve them

• Oversee the development and implementation of appropriate admissions testing and decision-making processes

Admissions Management

Manage the admissions process from inquiry to enrollment, ensuring a seamless and positive

experience for prospective families by earning their respect and trust and providing a positive

influence in their decision-making process, including:

• Following up with inquiries and drawing applicants to visit the school

• Scheduling and conducting tours and open houses

• Coordinating and participating in recruitment and re-recruitment events

• Following up with visitors and encouraging them to apply

• Guiding families through the admissions process

• Coordinating admissions testing

• Securing and tracking necessary documentation for applications

• Communicating admissions decisions to applicants and encouraging them to enroll

• Working with new families to integrate them into the School community

• Coordinating and managing the re-enrollment process

• Data management regarding admissions, enrollment, withdrawals, inquiries, applicants, and

attrition; maintaining statistics on a daily basis

• Coordinating an annual creative process review for improvement

Marketing & Communications (with Advancement Director)

• Develop and implement marketing and family retention plan

• Research and initiate opportunities to attract new students through networking and marketing

• Develop and implement efforts toward public relations for Cistercian

• Oversee School’s website and social media presence

Applications are currently being accepted. Interested candidates should provide a résumé, cover letter highlighting their interest in and qualifications for the position, leadership philosophy and a list of five (5) professional references with contact information, all in PDF attachments. These materials should be sent to the consultants listed below.

Karen Drawz

214-535-7093

[email protected]

OR

Mary Beth Marchiony

785-840-4995

[email protected]

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