Director of Admissions and Development

Position Overview

Discover the opportunity to join Yellow Wood Academy, an accredited independent school in Bellevue. As a nonprofit institution, we specialize in personalized one-on-one and small group education for all learners. At Yellow Wood Academy, our mission revolves around the student. We're a passionate team of educators committed to igniting growth and achieving academic and social-emotional goals. We craft tailored educational programs that address the whole child, equipping them with the tools and encouragement needed to thrive.

Our programs maintain academic rigor while accommodating individual learning styles, pacing, and interests.

The Director of Admissions and Development operates as a strategic leader and key advisor to the Head of School. They lead the admissions process, communication to prospective families and the community, and fundraising efforts.

• Reports to:
  
  Head of School
• Works closely with:
  Learning Specialist, Business Office and Administration Team

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all admissions inquiries and prospective families
• Lead the admissions process from initial inquiry through enrollment
• Give tours to prospective families
• Coordinate with the Learning Specialist on all district-funded student placements
• Track, analyze, and report admissions data and trends
• Evaluate and continuously improve the admissions process in collaboration with the Head of School

• Develop and execute a communications plan for prospective families, current families, donors, and community partners
• Manage digital and print communications, including website, social media, newsletters, and direct mail
• Plan and coordinate events for prospective families and donors
• Maintain and update the school website (Squarespace)
• Build relationships with referral sources, including feeder schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations

• Set and meet fundraising goals in collaboration with Head of School and Board of Trustees
• Cultivate relationships with alumni and donor bases
• Act as the strategic leader for fundraising, including identifying potential grant opportunities

The Director of Admissions and Development must be a strategist, leader, and organizer. As a member of the Yellow Wood Academy administration, you must be collaborative, flexible, and adaptable with a growth mindset. Successful candidates must be a detail-oriented self-starter, able to engage and inspire students, staff, parents, and alumni around the future of our program. The Director of Admissions and Development must possess:

• Experience planning and leading strategic marketing and communications efforts to support institutional, program, event, and fundraising goals.
• An understanding of how to use different communication channels effectively for maximum reach and impact.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, including evaluating current programs, developing new strategies, and handling complex or sensitive issues.
• the ability to analyze data to guide donor strategy and improve processes.
• Familiarity with modern data management practices, including experience with databases and project management systems.

• Enrollment targets met or exceeded
• Increased inquiry-to-enrollment conversion rate
• Fundraising goals achieved annually
• Growth in donor engagement and community partnerships
• Consistent communication cadence with families and stakeholders

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, or a related field preferred.
• Professional certifications in fundraising, such as Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or Certified Fundraising Professional (CFP), desirable but not required.
• Ongoing professional development in fundraising, nonprofit management, and related fields through workshops, conferences, and continuing education programs.

• This is a highly collaborative administrative role requiring regular interaction with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Occasional evening or weekend events may be required for admissions or fundraising activities.
• The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Yellow Wood Academy does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.