Associate Director of Admissions

About Sidwell Friends School

Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community, on campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Sidwell is grounded in Quaker values of ethical leadership, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and service. Through our curriculum and our approach to learning, we strive to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and our common humanity so that they may “let their lives speak.”

Sidwell Friends will open a new Upper School for grades 9-12 in September 2026. It will be the largest building on campus and will feature state-of-the-art facilities, welcoming common spaces, and natural light throughout. The current Lower School, in Bethesda, Maryland, has been separated from the rest of the Sidwell campus for more than 60 years.

Starting in the summer of 2026, Sidwell Friends will begin construction of a new Lower School that will incorporate parts of the existing Upper School, with significant additions and modifications to accommodate the needs of our youngest students. The new Lower School, along with the creation of a new central green space that will unite the campus, will open in the fall of 2028.

Overview

Sidwell Friends School seeks a dedicated and dynamic Associate Director of Admissions to join its 6-member Office of Enrollment Management. This role is pivotal to our PK-12 admissions efforts, supporting recruitment, outreach, and engagement strategies across all school divisions. This role serves as the operational engine of the enrollment office, managing the daily workflow of the team and ensuring it runs with precision, warmth, and efficiency. This role bridges high-level strategy with boots-on-the-ground execution.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Team Management

• Workflow Coordination: Act as the primary manager of the daily admissions cycle. You will translate the Assistant Head’s seasonal goals into actionable tasks for the Assistant Directors and Admissions Counselor.
• Team Coaching: Provide functional supervision and mentorship to the Assistant Directors and the Admissions Counselor. You are the first point of contact for their daily tactical questions, grade-based management hurdles, and professional growth.
• Shared Leadership (Director Partnership): In the transitional phase, you will work in close lockstep with the AHOS on personnel reporting and performance evaluations, gradually taking on more independent administrative authority as the office structure matures.

Systems & Data Mastery

• Admissions and SIS Oversight: Work as the primary lead on the admissions platforms, ensuring data integrity and optimizing the system to reduce friction for both families and staff.
• Funnel Management: Monitor the health of the application funnel daily; manage the velocity of files moving from inquiry to completed application.
• Office Manager Liaison: Partner with the Office Manager to ensure a seamless flow of documents and "back-office" operations, ensuring that event logistics and details concerning committees, trainings, and readings happen on schedule.

Lead Navigator & Experience Manager

• The Navigator: While the AHOS provides the "Keynote" vision of the school, this role serves as the Lead Navigator for families. You are a high-visibility presence at admissions events, known for your expert knowledge of the process.
• Event Execution: Oversee the logistical run of show for major recruitment events, ensuring that the staff and student ambassadors are positioned for maximum impact.

Inter-Departmental Collaboration

• Bridge Building: Serve as an operational link to the Division Heads (Lower, Middle, Upper School) and faculty to ensure strong partnerships between the divisions and our team are being created, resulting in seamless transitions from prospective student to newly enrolled student.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 3–5 years of progressive experience in PK-12 or higher ed admissions. Prior experience leading a project or supervising at least one staff member is highly preferred.
• The "Execution" Mindset: A proven track record of taking a high-level goal (e.g., "Increase diversity in Grade 6") and breaking it down into a 6-month project plan.
• Technical Fluency: Advanced proficiency in various admissions platforms/CRMs. Be comfortable pulling reports and troubleshooting system workflows. Experience with financial aid management is a plus.
• Relational Intelligence: The ability to lead and interact effectively all levels of the department. Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Leadership, or a related field is a plus.

Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured by the following (subject to change as the admissions cycle advances):

• The efficiency and cleanliness of produced events during the season.
• The morale and productivity of the Assistant Directors and the Admissions Counselor.
• The ability to provide the AHOS with accurate, real-time "engine room" data to inform institutional decisions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range $110,000-$130,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Comprehensive, employee-first benefits Choose from multiple medical plans including options where the School covers 100% of employee-only premiums plus dental and vision coverage. We also fully fund long-term disability and provide life insurance at 2x your salary.
• Strong financial support for your future Our 403(b) retirement plan includes a 7% employer contribution (after a 3% employee contribution), helping you build long-term financial security.
• Time off that truly allows you to recharge In addition to vacation and personal days, you’ll enjoy generous school-wide holiday breaks, including Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks, plus 10 federal holidays giving you meaningful time to rest, reset, and spend time with family and community.
• Wellness and flexibility that support real life Access wellness programs, an Employee Assistance Program, and flexible spending accounts all designed to support your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Family and life-friendly benefits We offer six weeks of paid parental leave, paid bereavement leave, and enhanced access to an Early Childhood Learning Center because we know life extends beyond work.
• Everyday perks that make a difference Take advantage of commuter benefits (including up to $150/month for WMATA), discounted gym memberships, pet insurance, legal resources, and employee loan programs.
• Purpose-driven work in a values-centered community Join a collaborative environment grounded in respect, integrity, and care where your work directly supports people and strengthens a vibrant school community.

To Apply

To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our online application system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school, please visit https://www.sidwell.edu.

Diversity Statement

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?”