Posted: 07-Jul-25
Location: Van Nuys, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: 115,000 - 155,000
Categories:
Salary Details:
Preferred Education:
Laurence School is a dynamic and cutting-edge independent elementary school located near Sherman Oaks, California. Founded in 1953 and grounded in its “Total Child” philosophy, Laurence provides Kindergarten through 6th Grade students with a personalized, well-rounded education to students, ensuring their academic, social, emotional, and physical growth and development. With an enrollment of 375 students and a dedicated team of faculty and staff that is more than eighty members strong, Laurence is an excellent place to work. At Laurence, employees have the opportunity to thrive in a stimulating and diverse environment where new ideas, opportunities, skills, and experiences are constantly being exchanged and shared.
Position Summary
Laurence School is searching for a Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management to build on its already successful admissions department. Laurence welcomes interest from accomplished admission professionals who want to take the school to even greater heights. The Director of Admissions is responsible for articulating and promoting the mission, values, and vision of the school to prospective families and the broader community. This individual leads all aspects of the admissions and enrollment process, ensuring a welcoming, thoughtful, and inclusive experience for all applicant families from inquiry through enrollment.
Key Responsibilities
- Admissions Strategy and Leadership
- Oversee all aspects of the admissions process of grades K-6 in deep collaboration with the Head of School’s office and Senior Leadership Team
- Communicate regularly and finalize admission decisions in consultation with the Head of School’s office and Division Directors
- Continue to develop and implement the strategic vision for admissions that aligns with the school’s mission and enrollment goals
- Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Analyze enrollment trends and market data to inform strategy and decision-making
- Serve as an ambassador for the school, cultivating relationships with feeder schools, community organizations, various consortiums (i.e., CAIS, NAIS), and prospective families
- Train, mentor, and develop admissions staff members
- Outreach and Community Engagement
- Plan, organize, and execute events such as tours, parent coffees, visitations, and welcome events
- Lead outreach initiatives to broaden access and promote diversity within the applicant pool
- Attend all appropriate admission fairs and community events
- Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, trustees, and current families
- Application Process Management
- Oversee all aspects of the admissions process, including inquiries, applications, assessments, interviews, and enrollment
- Oversee Financial Aid applications and process in collaboration with the Business Office
- Manage the Admissions Team and ensure timely communication with applicant families
- Collaborate with faculty and administration in evaluating student fit and placement
- Communications and Marketing
- Partner with the Communications team to develop and maintain engaging admissions materials and digital content
- Data and Reporting
- Track and report admissions, enrollment, and retention, and demographic data
- Present admissions trends and analysis to the Head of School and Board of Trustees
- Manage the annual re-enrollment process in partnership with the business and administrative offices
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: $115,000-$155,000 based upon education, degree(s), and years of experience and knowledge
Laurence School provides a strong benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents, additional voluntary coverage options, access to 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contributions, generous paid time off, wellness incentives and discounts, and professional growth opportunities.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to jobs@laurenceschool.com and Laurie Wolke at lwolke@laurenceschool.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Non Discrimination Policy:
Laurence School is an equal-opportunity employer. We continually strive to build an inclusive culture in our diverse community. Laurence School prohibits discrimination against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion (including all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status or registered domestic partner status, uniformed service member or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other basis protected by law. The School will afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in admissions or enrollment management, preferably in an independent school setting
- Decisive and confident leader who embraces the School’s mission-driven culture
- High level of energy, flexibility, and warmth
- Ability to work effectively with multiple constituencies
- Excellent marketing and communication skills, both oral and written, and an understanding of what should be communicated to different audiences
- Proven track record of thriving and contributing to teams
- Comfortable with the use of data to drive decision making and strategic planning
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Proficiency in admissions software and CRM platforms such as Veracross and Ravenna