A Director of Admissions leads the admissions department of a college or university. Oversees the management of applications from prospective students of the institution and directs both prospective student outreach and recruitment efforts, and the process of determining which applications to accept.
Sayre School, an independent, coed college preparatory school in Lexington, KY serving Preschool through Grade 12, seeks a Director of Enrollment Management. This position oversees all elements of enrollment management, including financial aid and current student retention. The Director manages a team that includes the Assistant Director of Enrollment Management and the Registrar & Tuition Account Coordinator, collaborates closely with the Advancement office on marketing strategies, and reports directly to the Head of School. For this Leadership Team position, the ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a dynamic relationship-builder, and a compelling storyteller who can authentically convey the Sayre experience to prospective families and the broader community. This opening is an outstanding opportunity to join a community with a rich history, a vibrant present, and an innovative eye to the future.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership:
Develop, execute, and evaluate long-term enrollment strategies aligned with Sayre School's mission and strategic priorities.
Enrollment & Retention Lifecycle:
Oversee all stages of the admissions funnel—from inquiry, recruitment, and evaluation to matriculation and re-enrollment.
Financial Aid Strategy:
Manage the financial aid application and allocation processes, leveraging funds strategically to meet enrollment goals while ensuring policy compliance.
Community Engagement:
Serve as a primary brand ambassador, building strong relationships with prospective families, feeder schools, alumni, and local organizations.
Team Management:
Directly supervise and mentor the Assistant Director of Enrollment Management and the Registrar & Tuition Account Coordinator.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
Partner closely with the Advancement team on integrated marketing and recruitment initiatives.
Reporting & Forecasting:
Present regular updates on enrollment metrics, retention data, financial aid forecasting, and market trends to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees' Outreach Committee.
Qualifications & Experience Education:
Bachelor's degree required; Master's or advanced degree in a relevant field preferred.
Experience:
5+ years of successful experience in independent school or higher education admissions, enrollment management, or financial aid. Prior experience as a Director of Admissions or Enrollment Management is preferred.
Leadership Skills:
Proven track record of team management and effective leadership within a collaborative organizational structure.
Communication:
Exceptional oral, written, and public speaking skills, with a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships across diverse constituencies.
Technical Proficiency:
Hands-on experience with Blackbaud and Clarity (or comparable admissions and student information systems) required.
Target Start Date:
Fall 2026
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their fit for the role, a current resume, and three professional references via email to: Stephen Manella , Head of School — smanella@sayreschool.org
Please CC:
Ruth Hensel , Chief of Staff — rhensel@sayreschool.org Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Sayre School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, uniform service member status, religion, handicap or disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all federal, state, or local law. This applies to its educational policies, employment policies, admissions policies, financial-aid policies, athletics, and other after-school programs.
