Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Assistance

Job Description

Position Overview:
The Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Assistance plays a critical role in supporting the Director of Enrollment in fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging admissions process for prospective students and families. This individual will assist in recruitment efforts, financial assistance and scholarship allocation, and ensure the successful implementation of retention strategies. The Associate Director will also support event planning, coordinate family tours, and oversee the training and placement of student and parent ambassadors.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Recruitment and Admissions Support:
- Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to attract a diverse pool of qualified applicants.
- Organize and participate in recruitment events such as school visit days, community events, Preview Day, school fairs, and informational sessions.
- Lead family tours and ensure prospective families receive an informative and positive experience throughout the admissions process.
- Maintain and update prospective student and family databases, ensuring timely follow-up communication.

2. Financial Assistance and Scholarship Allocation:
- Support the Director of Enrollment and Financial Assistance Committee with the financial assistance application process, working with families to determine eligibility for need-based aid and scholarships.
- Collaborate with the Director of Enrollment to allocate scholarships and develop financial aid packages that align with the school's mission and values.

3. Re-enrollment and Retention:
- Develop and execute strategies to retain current families, working closely with the administration to ensure a smooth re-enrollment process.
- Assist in identifying and addressing potential barriers to re-enrollment and student retention.
- Communicate with current families regarding re-enrollment deadlines, tuition rates, and available financial assistance.

4. Event Planning and Execution:
- Assist in planning, organizing, and executing recruitment and retention events, including orientation, school visits, and welcome night.
- Coordinate logistics for admissions events, ensuring effective communication and smooth operation.
- Work collaboratively with the marketing and communications teams to promote events and increase participation.

5. Ambassador Program:
- Assist in the recruitment, training, and placement of student and parent ambassadors to support admissions and outreach efforts.
- Provide guidance and training for ambassadors to ensure effective representation of the school and its values.
- Monitor and assess the performance of the ambassador program to ensure its alignment with enrollment goals.

6. Tennessee ESA and School Voucher Liaison:
- Serve as the school's primary point of contact for families navigating the Tennessee Education Savings Account (ESA) funding and school voucher program.
- Assist families with understanding eligibility, application processes, and the integration of ESA funding into the school's financial structure.
- Stay informed about changes to state funding policies and school voucher programs to advise families and internal stakeholders.

7. ISEE Testing Coordination:
- Oversee the ISEE entrance testing process for prospective families, ensuring that all students are registered and prepared for testing.
- Collaborate with the testing coordinator and faculty to ensure the administration of ISEE tests is efficient, accurate, and aligned with admissions criteria.

Additional Duties:
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administration to promote the school's culture and core values in the admissions process.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the President, Director of Enrollment, and General Council as requested.
• Stay current with trends in education, admissions, and financial aid to continually enhance the school's recruitment and retention efforts.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in admissions, financial assistance, or a related field, preferably within an educational setting.
• Strong understanding of financial assistance processes, scholarships, and school funding programs.
• Experience with event planning and coordination.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the Tennessee ESA and school voucher programs is a plus.
• Knowledge of the ISEE entrance testing process is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and recruitment activities.
• Occasional travel for off-campus recruitment events may be required.

About the Employer

St. Cecilia Academy is a private all-girls Catholic high school owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Congregation in the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee. The Dominican Sisters devote themselves to Christian education of youth in institutions of learning. The Academy is responsible to carry out its mission in keeping with the unique charism of the Dominican Order and the St. Cecilia Congregation, fostering the Gospel spirit of truth and charity while seeking to relate all human culture to the news of salvation. St. Cecilia Academy is accredited by Cognia.

Exercising its mission on the foundation of the life and teaching of the Catholic Church, St. Cecilia Academy ennobles young women, equips them to excel, and inspires them to lead lives of integrity.