Director of Recruitment and Enrollment

Gestalt Community Schools (GCS) seeks a strategic, results-driven Director of Recruitment and Enrollment to lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive enrollment strategy across the network. This leader will ensure all schools meet or exceed enrollment targets while cultivating strong, authentic relationships with families and the communities we serve. The Director will oversee the full enrollment lifecycle, from awareness and recruitment through application, lottery, registration, and retention, while building systems, leading teams, and leveraging data to drive decision-making.

This role requires a dynamic leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is passionate about expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities.

• Develop and execute a network-wide strategic plan to achieve annual enrollment targets (4,000+ students).
• Lead the full enrollment lifecycle: recruitment, application, lottery, registration, onboarding, and retention.
• Monitor enrollment pipelines and proactively address gaps to ensure 100% enrollment across all schools.
• Design and implement innovative recruitment campaigns to increase awareness and demand.
• Oversee compliance with state and local enrollment and lottery requirements.

• Build, manage, and develop a high-performing recruitment and enrollment team, including school-based staff and recruiters.
• Provide coaching, accountability, and professional development to ensure strong performance across all sites.
• Lead collaboration across operations, marketing, academics, and school leadership teams.
• Foster a culture of urgency, results, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Own and manage enrollment data systems, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
• Track key performance indicators across the enrollment funnel (leads, applications, offers, retention).
• Analyze data trends to inform strategic decisions and improve outcomes.
• Provide weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

• Partner with consultants to develop and implement impactful campaigns across digital and in-person channels.
• Oversee creation of marketing materials, messaging, and outreach strategies targeted to diverse communities.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, early childhood centers, and local partners.
• Represent GCS at recruitment fairs, community events, and school-based engagement opportunities.

• Ensure families receive responsive, personalized communication throughout the enrollment process.
• Improve family experience from first touchpoint through enrollment and beyond.
• Develop and implement re-enrollment and student retention strategies to sustain strong school communities.

• Identify and pilot innovative recruitment and enrollment practices to expand reach and impact.
• Support cross-functional initiatives that enhance scholar experience and community engagement.
• Lead process improvement efforts to streamline workflows and maximize efficiency across the network.

• Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing or related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in enrollment, admissions, recruitment, or marketing (K-12 education preferred).
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding enrollment or growth targets.
• Experience leading teams and managing cross-functional projects.
• Strong data analysis, reporting, and systems management skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Experience leading geographically dispersed or multi-site teams.
• Familiarity with enrollment platforms.
• Knowledge of marketing strategy, digital campaigns, and community-based outreach.
• Bilingual (Spanish or other languages spoken in GCS communities).

• Strategic Thinking & Execution
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Relationship Building & Community Engagement
• Team Leadership & Talent Development
• Innovation & Problem Solving
• Operational Excellence & Attention to Detail
• Self-Directed
• Resourceful
• Customer-Focused

Based primarily in Memphis, TN (75%).

Regular travel to Jackson, TN (25%) for scholar recruitment, community engagement and school support.

Frequent evening and weekend events required during peak recruitment periods.