Assistant/Associate Director of Admission: Grades 6 through 12 (Begins August 1st)

Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the School currently enrolls 942 students and employs 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community.”

We are currently seeking an Assistant/Associate Director of Admission: Grades 6 through 12, who will be responsible for identifying applicants who reflect a range of demographics, academic skills, personalities and backgrounds that support the School’s mission. Through the admissions process, the Assistant/Associate Director will help the School continue to make progress in recruitment strategies, in guiding marketing initiatives and in achieving diversity in all areas of admission.

The Assistant/Associate Director serves as an ambassador and an important point of contact for many families interested in obtaining more information about the School. The Assistant/Associate Director should have an understanding of and an appreciation for the value of independent schools and progressive education. General duties include communicating with prospective families, parents and faculty, high school placement counselors/community partners and others. The Assistant/Associate Director works closely and in collaboration with the rest of the Admissions team, as well as the Principal, Assistant Principal, Head of Intermediate & Middle Schools, Head of Upper School, and the Director of Communications in order to carry out the essential functions of the office.

Essential Functions:

• Develop a deep understanding of the School and its activities and community
• Maintain caseload and oversee approximately 500 applications annually for admission to Grades 6-12
• Plan and execute recruitment and admission related events such as Middle and Upper School Open Houses; Yield Events; New Parent Orientation
• Skillfully conduct individual parent meetings for prospective parents in Grades 6-12
• Enthusiastically lead group school tours for prospective parents
• Respond to a multitude of inquiries about the School
• Engage in recruitment planning for Grades 6-12
• Easily utilize technology including admissions software such as Ravenna, Calendly, Clarity
• Coordinate and manage Admission Committees for grades 6-12
• Maintain and build working relationships with faculty, parents, and outside educational institutions and communities
• Attend school fairs and open houses; visit and build relationships with schools, scholarship organizations and community groups
• Manage and oversee student ambassador program and assist in training of student tours
• Manage and oversee a cadre of qualified, trained volunteers
• Facilitate appropriate assessment of candidates
• Maintain and report on admission and diversity data and statistics for Grades 6-12
• Participate in Admission Office events and day-to-day operations as a collaborative team member
• Compile data for Board report and prepare reports and information and as requested
• Work with the admission team to promote and provide information about the School and actively advocate and recruit appropriate applicants to the school
• Positively and proactively communicate with applicant families
• Flexible to work some nights and weekends when required
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred
• At least 3-5 years of experience in admissions; independent school experience preferred
• Ability to interact with internal and external constituencies of the School and represent the School in a positive manner
• Social and emotional intelligence; comfortable interacting with diverse groups of people
• Outstanding organizational skills and superior interpersonal and written skills
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Confidence and effective presentation and public speaking skills
• Collaborative work style with excellent communications skills
• Exhibit strong initiative, sense of urgency and follow through skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and establish priorities and procedures
• Technologically savvy

Compensation: Commensurate with background and experience; comprehensive benefits package.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume by email or fax to (no telephone inquiries please):

Human Resources

Francis W. Parker School

330 W. Webster Avenue Chicago, IL 60614

resumes@fwparker.org

fax: 773.549.4430

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.

Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.