Interim Director of Enrollment Management

Description

The Interim Director of Enrollment Management is responsible for supporting a comprehensive enrollment strategy that supports the long-term vitality of the school. This role oversees admissions, financial aid strategy, enrollment forecasting, marketing alignment, and student retention. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Interim Director partners closely with academic, development, and student life leaders to attract, enroll, and retain mission-appropriate students and families.

Responsibilities include:

Strategic Enrollment Leadership

• Implementation of a multi-year enrollment management strategy aligned with the school’s mission, strategic plan, and the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education.
• Analyze enrollment data, market trends, and demographic patterns to inform decision-making and forecasting.
• Support and monitor enrollment targets by grade level, including new student enrollment and retention.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Head of School and the Leadership Team on enrollment-related initiatives and institutional priorities.

Admissions & Recruitment

• Lead all aspects of the admissions process from inquiry through enrollment, ensuring a warm, student-centered, and mission-driven experience for prospective students and their families.
• Oversee recruitment strategies, including outreach to school placement consultants, feeder schools, parishes, community organizations, and alumnae families.
• Plan and execute admissions events such as open houses, visit days, and accepted student programs.
• Directly support admissions efforts through local, regional, national, and international travel to enrollment events.
• Ensure equitable and inclusive admissions practices that reflect the diversity and values of Sacred Heart education.

Financial Aid Strategy

• Collaborate with the Head of School and Business Office to manage a financial aid strategy that supports access, affordability, and enrollment goals.
• Oversee financial aid awarding processes, ensuring transparency, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Communicate effectively with families regarding tuition, financial aid, and value of a Sacred Heart education.

Marketing & Communications Collaboration

• Partner with the Director of Strategic Communication and Marketing to align enrollment goals with branding, messaging, and outreach strategies.
• Contribute to the development of admissions materials, digital content, and storytelling that authentically reflects the school’s mission and student experience.
• Utilize Blackbaud and digital tools to track inquiries, engagement, and enrollment trends.

Retention & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with academic and Student Support Team members to insure student retention and family engagement.
• Analyze attrition data and recommend strategies to improve student persistence and satisfaction.
• Serve as a visible and approachable presence to current families, students, and alumnae.

Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and evaluate the admissions and enrollment team, fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and hospitality.
• Manage the enrollment management budget and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Represent the school at local, regional, national and international enrollment and Sacred Heart-related conferences and events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in enrollment management, admissions, or related leadership roles within independent schools.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the mission of Catholic education and the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using enrollment data and Blackbaud systems to inform strategy.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and collaborate across departments.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging consistent with Sacred Heart values.

Personal Attributes:

• Mission-driven leader with a student-centered approach.
• Warm, relational, and confident presence with families, students, and colleagues.
• Strategic thinker who balances vision with operational excellence.
• Integrity, discretion, and professionalism rooted in faith and service.

Commitment to Sacred Heart Education:

The Interim Director of Enrollment Management is expected to actively support and model the

educational philosophy and values of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart and to participate fully in the spiritual, communal, and professional life of the school.

All applicants must apply with a cover letter and resume.

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls, Catholic, college preparatory day and boarding school in Lake Forest, IL. Visit the school’s website at www.woodlandsacademy.org and the website of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools at www.sacredheartusc.education to learn more. 

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion*, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, status a veteran or being a member of the Reserves or National Guard, or any other classification under state of federal law. 

*The School reserves the right to use religion as a hiring criterion for selected positions and nature of a school as a faith-based institution as permitted by law.