Primary School Admissions Associate Director

Primary School Admissions Associate Director Classification: Exempt Department: Enrollment Management Status: Full-Time, 12 Month Reports to: Chief Enrollment Management Officer Hire by: Head of Schools School Description Founded in Chicago in 1876, Sacred Heart Schools at Sheridan Road (Hardey Preparatory for Boys and Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls) are independent, Catholic, single-sex elementary schools committed to academic excellence within the context of a Christian, faith-based community. The educational mission is deeply rooted in the 200-year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart and shared with the Network of Sacred Heart Schools located in 30 countries; including 24 schools in the United States. The essence of this tradition is the total development of each child: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Our girls and boys are taught in single-sex classrooms, but follow a similar curriculum and share in many activities. With a total enrollment of approximately 700 students, the Schools are organized into three academic divisions each led by a division head. Position Description The enrollment management team works collaboratively to build understanding and support of the Schools’ mission and programs, to invite families to join the school, and to secure resources to enhance the Schools and ensure its future. Collectively and individually, the team strives to model the values expressed in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education. The Associate Director of Admissions for the primary school is responsible for all aspects of the admissions process from point of inquiry through matriculation for our primary school (preschool-SK). Additionally, the Associate Director assists the Admissions Team in promoting the Schools’ mission and programs to prospective parents and participates in planning and executing admissions, recruitment, and onboarding as well as retention events and activities. Significant external outreach and interface with the greater Chicago community is expected. The Associate Director’s role is multifaceted, encompassing strategic planning, recruitment, admissions, and retention– primarily in the primary school. They are a senior leader in the school and a key driver of its success and stability. The essential job functions are to: Promote the school’s mission, values, and academic programs to prospective families Organize and attend school fairs, open houses, tours, and outreach events Implement admissions policies best practices as articulated by professional and accreditation organizations such as National Association for Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, the Enrollment Management Association, and the Association for Independent School Admissions Professionals Be an outward-facing, externally-relating ambassador of Sacred Heart Schools, fostering relationships and partnerships within Chicago and neighboring suburbs that can translate into admissions applicants Ensure a consistent and positive experience for prospective families across all touchpoints Contribute to the efforts of the Enrollment Team as they lead prospective families through a personalized admissions process that includes: Parent Communication & Meetings Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective families Guide families through the application process, providing timely communication and support Conduct initial meetings with parents to introduce the school, answer questions, and assess family fit Applicant Interviews and Evaluation Meet individually with applicants to assess developmental and academic readiness for Sacred Heart’s program Conduct interviews with applicants (age-appropriate, often alongside academic or developmental screening) Evaluate prospective students for academic readiness, social-emotional development, and mission alignment.Obtain and review academic records, teacher recommendations, and…