Director of Upper School Admission and Financial Aid

Job Description

Job Description

FTE: 1.0

Appointment Year: Full Year

Employment Classification: Exempt

Lakeside School, an independent coeducational day school located in north Seattle, Washington, is currently recruiting for a Director of Upper School Admission and Financial Aid . The Lakeside School Admissions and Financial Aid Office seeks an experienced admissions professional to join a dynamic, customer service-oriented, seven-person admissions team. Reporting to the Director of Enrollment Management, the Director of Upper School Admission and Financial Aid coordinates the Upper School admission process and all-school financial aid program. This position parallels the Director of Middle School Admission and Financial Aid. Applicants should share Lakeside's commitment to sustaining a school in which individuals representing diverse culture and experiences instruct one another in the meaning and value of community and in the importance of lifelong learning.

Lakeside: Fast Facts

Responsibilities

Admissions

• Oversees the admission process for students applying to grades 9 through 11 and reports to the Director of Enrollment Management
• Is primarily responsible for establishing a data-informed, hospitality-strong, Upper School admissions program that welcomes students and families to Lakeside and results in an academically strong applicant pool comprised of students who reflect the multi-dimensionality of Seattle, with direction from the Director of Enrollment Management
• Chairs the Upper School admission committee.
• Incorporates data to better understand the admission experience for families and inform decision-making
• Sets the strategy for the Upper School interview program
• Interviews Upper School and Middle School applicants
• Participates in all admissions and financial aid events
• Contributes a written article and/or blog post for the monthly admissions and financial aid newsletter.
• Provides the Upper School admission committees with demographic data of the applicant pool, including gender identity, race/ethnicity, sending school, and zip code
• Helps with the transition of newly-enrolled Upper School families, including meeting with the Student Support Team, acting as liaison for the admissions office and the student support team, providing the Upper School admission committees with information about the composition and demographics of current classes, and sharing information with the student support team about newly enrolled students
• Maintains a strong and visible presence on the Upper School campus, including attending faculty meetings, participating in committee work, and attending student athletic competitions, performances, and showcases, and seeks other ways to immerse themselves in the life of the school.
• Serves as an Upper School Advisor
• Demonstrates cultural awareness, such as awareness of themselves and their biases, and can communicate and build relationships with a diverse and multicultural community

Financial Aid

• Has primary administrative responsibility for all financial aid programs for all new and returning students
• Chairs the financial aid committee
• Serves as Lakeside’s primary contact with Clarity Financial Aid
• Reviews financial aid applications and determines financial aid decisions for new and returning students
• Partners with the Director of Middle School Admission and Financial Aid to approve non-tuition aid credit and expenses
• Partners with families seeking financial aid that demonstrates respect, confidentiality, and sensitivity

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3 to 5 years independent school admissions and financial aid experience required.
• Experience working with admission and financial aid management systems (e.g., Ravenna, Clarity, FAST, or similar platforms) and strong proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with financial aid best practices and benchmarking.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience planning and hosting events, presentations, or outreach initiatives.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness, including knowledge of themselves and the cultural lenses they bring to interactions. The candidate will understand different perspectives; interact respectfully with cultures other than their own; and cultivate meaningful relationships with people that have different cultural frameworks.
• Satisfactory completion of three criminal background checks.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000 based upon experience and education. Lakeside School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding candidates and provides a competitive compensation package. Lakeside School offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive set of benefits, including:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (based on FTE)
• Dependent medical and vision subsidy
• Retirement with generous employer contribution
• Life/disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Free lunch
• Free parking
• Bus/bike benefits
• Housing assistance program
• Reduced facility rentals
• Employee Discount Program
• Computer loan program
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Use of school library and gymnasium
• Mentoring
• Professional Development

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and at least 3 references via Lakeside’s online application system. The position will remain open until filled.

Working at Lakeside

Lakeside School is committed to sustaining a community in which individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds teach, learn, and thrive together. To learn more about working at Lakeside—including professional development, mentoring, benefits, and opportunities for involvement—please visit the Careers page on the Lakeside School website.