Admissions Associate

Job Title: Admissions Associate, Full-time, Hourly (20 hrs/week)

Department: General Administration

Reports to: Director of Admissions

Friends Community School (FCS), founded in 1986, is a progressive, co-ed Quaker K-8 day school serving a diverse student body from the greater Washington, D.C. area. FCS’s LEED-certified building is situated on 17 acres surrounded by Greenbelt National Park, nine minutes from the University of Maryland, College Park, and thirty minutes from Washington, D.C.

Educators at FCS nurture lifelong learners, courageous risk takers, and joyous peacemakers through the expression of our commitments to Quakerism, Progressive Education, equity, and inclusion. Our progressive pedagogical approach emphasizes depth over breadth, creativity and innovation over memorization, and hands-on collaborative projects over rote schoolwork. Our curriculum engages students in the exploration of values rooted in our Quaker Heritage – simplicity, peaceful conflict resolution, integrity, community, equality/equity, and stewardship – from a range of perspectives.

Job Summary
The ideal candidate is a warm and welcoming individual with strong interpersonal and cultural competency skills and an ability to work with students and families from diverse backgrounds. S/he supports the Admissions Office in its goal of attracting and retaining a wide range of diverse, curious, and engaged students as well as families who demonstrate a commitment to the school. S/he reports to the Director of Admissions and is a member of the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Associate is primarily responsible for managing, maintaining, and improving the application process through our admissions and enrollment software, Blackbaud Enrollment Management System for K-12 Schools.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the electronic admissions process and database, including but not limited to inquiries, applications, event registrations, supporting document submissions, and teacher recommendations
Maintain accurate and complete records and files for all admissions prospects
Coordinate parent meetings and student visits, including management of online scheduling
Field questions from prospective families regarding the application process
Assist with coordination, planning, and set-up of admissions events, including but not limited to Open Houses; manage online registration process and event-related communications
Attend area school fairs to represent FCS and meet prospective families
Assist with Admissions Committee coordination and preparation; serve as an active member of Admissions Committee
Assist with onboarding of new families, including but not limited to welcome events, Mentor Family program, and communications
Alongside Director of Admissions and Director of Communications, update and maintain print and digital admissions collateral
Support the school’s communication efforts by taking photos and assisting with social media
Collaborate with the Director of Admissions on outreach strategies and implementation, admissions process updates and improvements, and enrollment and retention efforts
Additional admissions and administrative duties, as assigned

Qualification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Independent school and/or admissions experience (preferred)
Outstanding organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and ability to multitask
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to authentically communicate the FCS story to prospective families
An appreciation for the FCS mission and the ideals of progressive Quaker education
A willingness to engage with and participate in the school community (attend events, visit classes, participate in faculty and staff initiatives, etc.)
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
Excellent technology skills; facility with Google applications such as Google Docs and Google Sheets
Knowledge of and experience with admissions and enrollment data management software, such as Blackbaud Enrollment Management System for K-12 Schools (highly preferred)
Photography, videography, graphic design, and/or social media (Instagram, Facebook) experience a plus
Must pass criminal background investigation
Willingness and flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends

Commitment to Diversity
FCS is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive educational community and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a person's status as a qualified candidate with a disability in administration of its educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and other school-administered programs.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, we actively seek faculty and staff of varied backgrounds and encourage them to share their unique gifts to cultivate a rich educational experience. We strive to create a learning environment that exposes students to the value and breadth of differences, informs their perspective, and prepares them to shape the world.

Please send a cover letter, résumé, and the names and contact information of three professional references to jobs@friendscommunityschool.org.

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