Director of Enrollment Management Community School

Position Overview:
Community School is seeking a full-time Director of Enrollment Management to join our staff beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, as we fulfill our mission of nurturing the gifts of mind, body and spirit.

Founded in 1914, Community School is one of the most highly regarded independent schools in St. Louis. Known for its deeply personal and engaged approach to learning, the school enrolls approximately 350 students from age three through sixth grade. Our integrated, experiential curriculum combines strong academics with a deep commitment to the whole child’s growth and development. The school’s 18-acre campus, which includes trails, fields, woods, and a pond, provides rich opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration.

Community School classrooms average 20 students and are supported by a co-teaching team of two full-time teachers per homeroom. Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on, joyful learning, problem-solving, character education, and public speaking. Our specialist instruction includes: science, physical education, music, art, woodworking, drama, and French.

Position Responsibilities:
The Director of Enrollment Management will:

Leadership & Strategy:

Provide inspirational, mission-aligned leadership for all aspects of enrollment management
Partner with the Head of School on developing short- and long-term enrollment strategies, including recruitment, retention, and sustainability planning
Use enrollment data, demographic trends, and market insights to inform strategic decision-making, competitive positioning, and long-range admissions and enrollment planning
Serve as a key member of the administrative leadership team, contributing to schoolwide planning, reflection, and continuous improvement initiatives
Participate in professional development through local, regional, and national admissions organizations to stay informed about emerging trends and innovative practices

Admissions Operations:

Lead and manage the full admissions cycle from inquiry through enrollment, including tours, interviews, assessments, events, and feedback and decision notifications
Oversee and demonstrate proficiency with admissions and enrollment management systems, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and alignment across admissions, marketing, and finance
Ensure that admissions systems, timelines, and communications are clear, timely, developmentally appropriate, and family-centered
Maintain accurate enrollment, retention, and attrition data; prepare reports and projections for school leadership and the Board as needed

Family & Community Engagement:

Serve as a primary point of connection for prospective families, modeling warmth, professionalism, and responsiveness
Design and host admissions events and experiences that authentically reflect Community School’s mission, culture, pedagogy, and sense of belonging
Support the thoughtful onboarding of new families through mentor programs, orientation events, and early relationship-building
Cultivate relationships with current families, alumni families, area preschools, and community partners to support recruitment and retention

Collaboration & Communication:

Work closely with the Head of School, Division Heads, and faculty, drawing on a deep understanding of developmental readiness, program goals, and whole-child considerations to align admissions decisions with the school’s mission
Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communications and the Director of Finance and Operations, in partnership with the Head of School, to ensure alignment across admissions, marketing, and finance, and to support enrollment forecasting and class composition planning
Work in partnership with the Director of Marketing and Communications to align admissions messaging, materials, storytelling, and outreach efforts
Train faculty, staff, and parent ambassadors to strengthen shared understanding of and responsibility for admissions and enrollment efforts
Communicate clearly, compassionately, and professionally with families at all stages of the admissions and enrollment process
Oversee a part-time admission assistant

Equity, Access, & Belonging:

Lead admissions and enrollment practices that actively support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all aspects of admissions and enrollment
Partner with school leadership to ensure admissions policies and processes are aligned with Community School’s values and DEI goals
Collaborate with school leadership around financial aid strategy as a mission-aligned enrollment tool that supports access and socio-economic diversity
Build relationships with area preschools, schools, organizations, and community partners to broaden access and outreach

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required
A minimum of 3 years of experience in admissions, enrollment, or a related field
Knowledge and success in managing a database system (experience with school-based systems such as Blackbaud or similar preferred)

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines
Availability for occasional evening and weekend work

Commitment to Diversity:
Community School is a diverse and inclusive community, committed to diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities, hiring practices, or operations. For further information, please visit our website at www.communityschool.com.

Interested candidates should submit their application to Laurie Smilack, Head of School. lsmilack@communityschool.com. Please include: a cover letter as introduction to the search committee and your resume detailing experiences and qualifications.