Plymouth Meeting Friends School seeks an experienced admissions professional to serve as its Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management. As a member of the senior leadership team and one of the school’s most visible spokespersons, they will represent PMFS to all constituents, including students and families, as well as faculty, administration, and trustees. The Director will develop, oversee and lead the innovative strategic and operational components of PMFS’ enrollment management, including all recruitment, admission, tuition assistance, and re-enrollment efforts. The Director is responsible for outreach to prospective families and leads schoolwide efforts to attract and retain a diverse student body.

The Position

The PMFS Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management reports directly to the Head of School and is a member of the senior Administrative Team. The Director collaborates with the Head of School, School Committee (Board), administrative team and faculty, understands and supports the school and its mission, and represents the school in the greater community. The Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management is responsible for articulating and carrying out Plymouth Meeting Friends School’s mission, philosophy and Commitment to Equity, Justice and Belonging and performs other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

The Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management plans, organizes, coordinates, and leads all PMFS enrollment efforts, manages Open Houses, Tot Time outreach and all admissions events. They support new community members through New Parent Orientation and the Mentor Family program. They organize and train student and parent tour guides, conduct all inquiry intakes, campus tours and family interviews. The Director coordinates and implements campus visits and assessments for applicants to Pre-K to Grade 6. They establish positive relationships with prospective students and families; and they maintain ongoing communication and follow-up throughout the admissions process from inquiry to enrollment.

Using goals set by the Head of School and the Board, the Director establishes annual enrollment and admission targets to promote and sustain the rich diversity in the PMFS student body. The Director utilizes data-driven enrollment technologies, conducts research, and implements strategies to ensure that the school achieves enrollment goals. They provide analysis of enrollment patterns and trends, as well as strategic direction in enrollment management, which includes admission, marketing, recruitment, and retention; and they are responsible for ensuring that the Board is fully apprised of these endeavors. 

The Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management reads and reviews all applications, facilitates Admission Committee meetings and oversees the systematic, efficient, and confidential handling of applications and student related information. They will manage databases of prospective, accepted, enrolled and re-enrolled families using Blackbaud. The Director serves on the Financial Aid Committee and works closely with the Head of School to organize and administer the school’s tuition assistance program.

The Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management oversees admission- and marketing-related publications, social media, website messaging and admissions materials, including the production of print materials. They partner closely with the Marketing Committee to cultivate and implement strategic marketing projects, including the effective use of social media, other online tools and the PMFS website. The Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management works in cooperation with the Head of School, Director of Development, Marketing Committee and other members of the administrative staff to create effective marketing materials, coordinate special events, and to nurture and maintain close relationships within the PMFS community.

The Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management participates in events for independent school admissions officers and represents PMFS at community events and area fairs. The Director enhances the school’s good standing in relevant professional organizations, maintains and encourages relationships with feeder schools, counselors, and consultants, and builds relationships throughout the parent community and broader external community to cultivate a positive perception of Plymouth Meeting Friends School.

Qualifications

The Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management plays a vital role in the PMFS community and is expected to create an enrollment management infrastructure, building on the existing strengths of admission, communications and marketing efforts, along with providing initiative and leadership in the adoption of an enrollment management mindset among all employees. The successful candidate is a relationship builder whose high emotional intelligence supports positive connections with prospective and current students, families and colleagues, as well as the ability to understand and communicate the mission of PMFS and the importance of Friends school education.

• Bachelor’s degree required and a minimum of 5 years’ admission and financial aid experience.
• Success in achieving enrollment growth and stability at a similar-sized school or program desirable.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including outstanding writing and public speaking skills and the ability to interact comfortably with a variety of people. 

• Superior organizational, planning and prioritization skills.
• Strong technical skills and understanding of current digital communications, social media, databases and school information systems.
• Knowledge of database management; experience with Blackbaud is preferred.
• Prior experience in a leadership role in a Friends school or other independent school is a plus.
• Solid judgment, discretion, and great sensitivity in working with families.

• High energy, flexibility, warm collaborative nature, and a sense of humor.

• Facility with Microsoft Office and Google Suite and working understanding of social media (Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking)

Application

Qualified candidates should provide the following to pmfs@pmfs1780.org by June 21st, 2023.

• A cover letter highlighting interest in and suitability for the position.
• Resume
• A Philosophy of Education Statement
• A list of three (3) professional (supervisory) references with contact information.

PMFS conducts thorough background checks, including verification of credentials and a review of candidates’ social media presence prior to finalizing an offer.

In keeping with the Quaker value of Equality, Plymouth Meeting Friends School is committed to the diversity, inclusion and fair treatment of all employees, students and community members.  Plymouth Meeting Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, pregnancy, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status or political beliefs in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and the provision of all other benefits or services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.