Dean of Admission and Tuition Assistance

For July 2023

Waynflete School, a day school for approximately 582 students in grades EC-12, seeks a dynamic, inspired, and collaborative educational leader to serve as the next Dean of Admission and Tuition Assistance. 

Waynflete’s mission is to engage the imagination and intellect of our students, to guide them toward self-governance and self-knowledge, and to encourage their responsible and caring participation in the world. Since its founding in 1898 by Agnes Lowell and Caroline Crisfield, Waynflete has been devoted to progressive thought, inclusive community, deep rapport between students and teachers, and a rigorous and developmentally informed program. Situated in Portland’s historic West End, the school’s campus houses a vibrant learning community committed to reflective engagement, authentic discourse, and genuine self-discovery. In its hiring practices, Waynflete deliberately seeks to maximize the diversity of the school.

Reporting to the Head of School and a member of the school's leadership team, the Dean of Admission and Tuition Assistance is responsible for Waynflete's enrollment management strategy, including brand awareness, tuition assistance, on-boarding, and retention. They are a key brand ambassador for Waynflete in the community, ensuring families, community partners, and other stakeholders view Waynflete as a place where students thrive and grow. The Dean sets the tone for the five full- and part-time members of the Admission office to be family-centric, creative, and intentional in how they approach their work. Every interaction that the Dean and their team have with prospective families is an opportunity to tell the story of the Waynflete experience and to help people understand the lifetime value provided by an independent school education.

The Dean must have experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice work, and a track record of success with tactics that drive engagement, interest, applications, and yield within diverse communities. The Dean of Admission and Tuition Assistance is responsible for aligning the school’s mission, strategic priorities, and all activities of the enrollment process. In addition, this person will need to be a visible, engaged, and supportive presence in the day-to-day life of the school. 

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 

The Dean of Admission and Tuition Assistance will help strengthen and advance Waynflete’s vision and strategic plan through the lens of enrollment and retention. By working in close partnership with key constituencies, the Dean will prioritize the following:

• Ensure an annual admission process that attracts qualified candidates and provides for a positive experience for families, regardless of the ultimate admission outcome.

• Ensure that through Admissions outreach, Waynflete’s messages about the people who learn and work at the school are clear, consistent, and representative of the school’s mission and values. 

• Develop and implement strategies for recruitment and retention that will allow the school to meet its enrollment goal of 600 students. 

• Develop and execute equitable processes for recruitment, admission, and retention of a racially and socioeconomically diverse student body. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Advise and guide prospective students and families throughout all stages of the admission process, showing initiative and emphasizing a high-quality experience. 

• Oversee all admissions practices, events, and tactics, always updating them to respond to the needs of the school and the marketplace. 

• Lead, support, and oversee the admission and tuition assistance team. 

• Establish and maintain robust relationships with area feeder schools. 

• Create and maintain data tracking systems and statistical information regarding the school’s enrollment trends and use them in decision making around enrollment strategy. 

• Lead attrition prevention strategies in concert with division directors. 

• Oversee the school’s tuition assistance program. 

• As an important, public-facing school representative who is a reflection of the school’s identity, embrace and project the values of the school in every interaction. 

• Incorporate and keep constant diversity, equity, and inclusion in all admission and tuition assistance planning and execution.

• Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. 

• Partner with the division directors and faculty to have a firm understanding of the evolving curriculum and program offerings. 

• Publish viewbook and other Admission office publications. 

• Plan and oversee admission committees. 

• Attend and participate in local, regional, and national admission conferences and organization meetings as Waynflete’s representative.

• Serve as a staff member of the Board of Trustees’ Advancement Committee and make regular admission updates to the Board.

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES

• Personable, collaborative, and charismatic leader.

• Proactive, optimistic, and positive attitude.

• Excellent communicator, particularly in public settings. 

• Commitment to DEIJB.

• Competitive, industrious, and passionate about achieving results.

• Proficient, organized, detail-oriented, and capable; supportive manager of people, program, and budgets.

• Strong sales and marketing mindset. 

• Analytical mind and comfortable using data to inform decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 

• A bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred. 

• 5–10 years of admissions or related experience, preferably in an independent school. 

• Extensive knowledge of tuition assistance processes and best practices. 

• Strong facility with data and use of current technologies. 

• Demonstrated practice of cultural competency. 

• Strategic, creative, and critical thinking and the ability to implement new initiatives. 

• Willingness and desire to be visible on campus; to connect with teachers, students, and staff; and to work a demanding and flexible full-time schedule, including evenings and weekends when required. 

• Outstanding oral and written communication. 

• Excellent presentation skills.

Salary and Benefits
Waynflete offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, and a generous benefits package including a retirement plan with employer-matching, comprehensive health and dental insurance plans, life and disability coverage, flexible spending plans, and generous support for professional growth and paid time off. Waynflete is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply
Applicants will need to send a resume/CV, letter of intent, and a list of five references with contact information (references will not be contacted until the candidate is notified), and a statement reflecting your approach to admissions and enrollment management. Please click here to apply.