Director of Enrollment Management

POSITION DESCRIPTION

North Cross School seeks a dynamic, strategic, and experienced Director of Enrollment Management to lead our admissions, financial aid, and marketing operations into an exciting next chapter. This individual will report to the Head of School.

The position is open immediately with a negotiable start date up to July 2027.

• Lead Recruitment & Retention:
  Formulate, execute, and evaluate a comprehensive enrollment management plan for both day (PreK-12) and boarding populations.
• Data-Driven Decision Making:
  Utilize data, market research, and demographic trends to project enrollment, track admissions metrics, and adjust strategies dynamically.
• Financial Aid Strategy:
  Oversee the administration of the financial aid budget, ensuring policy compliance, equity, and the strategic use of funds to meet enrollment and net-tuition revenue goals.
• Manage Growth & Alignment:
  Maintain the school’s current enrollment momentum while ensuring that newly admitted students align with the mission, academic standards, and community values of North Cross.

• Brand Leadership:
  Direct the school’s marketing and communications strategies to elevate North Cross’s profile regionally, nationally, and globally.
• Integrated Messaging:
  Partner with the communications team to ensure consistent, compelling messaging across the website, social media, print collateral, and digital advertising.
• Community Engagement:
  Act as a primary ambassador for the school, engaging effectively with prospective families, alumni, feeder schools, and community organizations.

• Empower a High-Functioning Team:
  Manage, mentor, and inspire a talented, established admissions, financial aid, and marketing/communications staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and professional growth.
• Executive
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Serve as an active, collaborative member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to school-wide strategic planning and institutional decision-making.
• Board Reporting:
  Present regular, clear updates on enrollment data, financial aid forecasting, and market trends to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.

• Independent School Experience (Required): A proven track record of success within independent school admissions, enrollment management, or financial aid.
• Leadership:
  Experience managing teams and working collaboratively within a senior or executive leadership structure.
• Dual Market Familiarity:
  Experience or deep familiarity with the distinct nuances of recruiting both local/regional day students and national/international boarding students.
• Marketing & Tech Savvy:
  Strong understanding of modern digital marketing, CRM platforms (e.g., Blackbaud, Hubspot, Finalsite), and data analytics.
• Exceptional Communication:
  Outstanding public speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to connect authentically with diverse constituencies.
• Educational Background:
  Bachelor’s degree required;
  Advanced degree in a relevant field preferred.

• A Legacy of Success :
  You are inheriting a healthy admissions program with robust processes already put in place by a successful predecessor and high-functioning team.
• A Culture of Momentum :
  While many schools face enrollment challenges, North Cross is celebrating record enrollment. Your task is to innovate, manage this growth sustainably, and decide what comes next.
• A Nimble Leadership Environment :
  Work alongside an agile, supportive, and forward-thinking executive team where bold ideas are welcomed, and decisions can be made efficiently.
• The Roanoke Advantage :
  Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke offers a high quality of life, a vibrant community, and an outdoor-centric lifestyle, making it an easy sell for prospective boarding and day families alike.