DIRECTOR - ADMISSIONS

Job Description

Job Description

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

MISSION STATEMENT

At Our Lady of Good Counsel, a Catholic high school sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers, we inspire our students to excel, serve, and love.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School seeks an experienced, relationship-driven, and strategic professional to serve as its next Director of Admissions.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Enrollment Management, the Director of Admissions serves as the operational leader of the admissions process and is responsible for the successful execution of recruitment, admissions, and enrollment initiatives. This individual provides direct leadership and supervision to the admissions team while cultivating meaningful relationships with prospective students, families, educational partners, and community stakeholders. Every interaction is an opportunity to reflect the mission, values, and welcoming spirit of Good Counsel.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative Enrollment Management Office committed to innovation, exceptional customer service, and mission-centered relationship building. Working in partnership with the Executive Director of Enrollment Management, the Director will lead day-to-day operations of the Admissions Office, supervise the Assistant Director of Admissions and Executive Assistant for Enrollment Management, and translate institutional enrollment priorities into operational excellence and an outstanding admissions experience for prospective families.

This position offers the opportunity to lead one of the region’s premier admissions operations while contributing to the continued enrollment success of one of the region’s premier Catholic, college preparatory schools. The Director will play a central role in developing recruitment strategies, strengthening educational partnerships, mentoring admissions professionals, and continuously enhancing the prospective family experience.

At Good Counsel, we believe the admissions experience is one of the most important expressions of our mission. Every interaction with a prospective family is an opportunity to demonstrate who we are as a community, and the Director of Admissions plays a vital role in ensuring every family feels welcomed, valued, and known. In partnership with the Executive Director of Enrollment Management and the Chief Communications & Enrollment Management Officer, the Director helps advance the school’s enrollment goals by leading a high-performing admissions operation grounded in hospitality, responsiveness, and authentic relationship building.

This is a full-time, 12-month administrative position.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

RECRUITMENT & RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Serve as a primary ambassador for Our Lady of Good Counsel High School throughout the admissions process.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with feeder schools, Archdiocesan principals and leadership (Washington & Baltimore), parish communities, educational partners, and community organizations.

• Lead the implementation of strategic recruitment initiatives designed to attract mission-appropriate students and families.

• Conduct visits to Archdiocese of Washington schools and other partner schools throughout the region.

• Represent Good Counsel at recruitment events, on and off campus, throughout the admissions and recruitment cycle.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Enrollment Management to identify and execute opportunities for enrollment growth, market expansion, and engagement with prospective families.

ADMISSIONS OPERATIONS

• Lead the day-to-day administration of the admissions process from inquiry through enrollment.

• Monitor applicant progress throughout the admissions funnel and implement strategies to improve conversion and yield.

• Ensure timely, responsive, and mission-centered communication with prospective families.

• Coordinate applicant interviews, admissions review, and enrollment processes.

• Maintain accurate admissions records and collaborate with the Enrollment Management Team to ensure data integrity.

• Support continuous improvement of admissions policies, procedures, and operational practices.

ADMISSIONS EVENTS & PROGRAMMING

• Lead the planning and execution of admissions programming, including:

  • Open House

  • Parent Information Night

  • Shadow Visits

  • Howard County Parent Social

  • Friday Night Lights

  • Interviews

  • Accepted Student Event

  • Middle School Visits

  • School Fairs

  • Campus Tours

  • HSPT Administration

• Develop annual recruitment calendars and event timelines.

• Direct event staffing utilizing admissions personnel, faculty, coaches, administrators, student ambassadors, and volunteers.

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership of the student shadow program in partnership with the Enrollment Management team.

• Evaluate event outcomes and recommend enhancements to strengthen recruitment and family engagement.

ENROLLMENT & ADMISSIONS PROCESS SUPPORT

• Conduct applicant review and admissions decision-making.

• Evaluate applicants for mission fit, academic readiness, character, and overall contribution to the school community.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Enrollment Management regarding class composition, enrollment priorities, and admissions outcomes.

• Support institutional enrollment goals through thoughtful, strategic admissions practices.

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism throughout all aspects of the admissions process.

ADMISSIONS COMMUNICATIONS & YIELD STRATEGY

• Provide ongoing admissions perspective and market feedback to the Chief Communications & Enrollment Management Officer to help inform recruitment messaging and communications.

• Execute initiatives to improve accepted-student conversion and overall enrollment yield.

• Develop personalized engagement strategies for prospective and admitted families.

• Ensure consistent, timely, and mission-centered communication throughout every stage of the admissions process.

LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION

• Provide direct leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for admissions personnel, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing team culture.

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Admissions Office, ensuring effective workflow, communication, and execution of departmental priorities.

• Partner with Academics, Advancement, Athletics, Fine Arts, the Office of Mission & Identity, the Business Office, and other school departments to support enrollment objectives and a seamless student transition.

• Support the onboarding, training, and professional development of admissions personnel in collaboration with the Executive Director of Enrollment Management.

• Translate departmental priorities and strategic initiatives established by the Executive Director of Enrollment Management into effective admissions operations, processes, and team execution.

PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT

• Participate in professional organizations and continuing education opportunities.

• Recommend innovative ideas that strengthen recruitment, admissions operations, and the prospective family experience.

• Represent Good Counsel professionally throughout the independent school community.

OTHER DUTIES

• Serve as an advisor within Good Counsel's Advisory Program, fostering meaningful relationships with students and supporting their growth. Advisors guide a small advisory group throughout the students' four years at Good Counsel, helping students navigate their high school experience within a supportive, mission-centered community.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Executive Director of Enrollment Management or the Chief Communications & Enrollment Management Officer, in support of the school's mission and strategic priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in admissions, enrollment management, recruitment, education, sales, marketing, or a related field. Five or more years of experience is strongly preferred.

• Exceptional relationship building and customer service skills.

• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education and the Xaverian Brothers.

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally for recruitment.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree or other advanced degree.

• Experience in Catholic, independent, or private school education.

• Experience utilizing Veracross or a comparable independent school student information system is preferred.

• Experience leading recruitment initiatives, admissions events, and enrollment planning.

• Demonstrated success in developing meaningful relationships with prospective families and educational partners.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an authentic relationship builder who enjoys working with students, families, colleagues, and educational partners. They understand that admissions is both strategic and deeply personal, balancing data-informed decision making with genuine care for prospective families.

They are highly organized, collaborative, and solution-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and customer service. They possess strong professional judgment, communicate with confidence and warmth, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are exactly alike.

The successful candidate is equally comfortable representing Good Counsel at a middle school visit, presenting to hundreds of prospective families at Open House, reviewing applicant files with colleagues, collaborating across departments, or leading the admissions team through an operational challenge. They embrace feedback, enjoy continuous improvement, and understand that successful enrollment management is built on relationships, trust, responsiveness, and teamwork.

Above all, they are mission-driven, lead with integrity and humility, and are excited by the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a thriving Catholic school community while helping shape its future.

SALARY RANGE: $95,000-$115,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated success in admissions and enrollment management.

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Paid time off and sick leave.

• Retirement plan with matching contributions.

• Tuition benefits for children of employees after 3 years of full-time employment.

• Free daily lunch provided by Sage Dining Services during the academic year.

• Reimbursement for continuing education and professional development.

• Generous holiday leave.

• Employee discounts for Good Counsel summer camps.