Director of Admissions & Enrollment

Full-Time | Exempt | Reports to Head of School
Anticipated Start: Spring/Summer 2026

About Montessori de Terra Linda (MdTL)
Montessori de Terra Linda is a small, mission-driven independent Montessori school serving children from age two through sixth grade.

For nearly six decades, MdTL has been a place where children are known well, families are true partners, and educators are deeply committed to authentic Montessori practice. Our size is intentional—and so is our expectation that every member of the leadership team is both strategic and hands-on.

Our Mission
Rooted in empathy and purpose, we nurture kind, confident learners who develop independence within a deeply connected community.

Position Overview
Montessori de Terra Linda seeks a relationship-driven, highly organized Director of Admissions & Enrollment to lead all aspects of student recruitment, admissions, re-enrollment, and enrollment management.

This is a senior administrative leadership role and a highly visible ambassadorial position within the school community. The Director of Admissions serves as the primary guide for prospective families from first inquiry through enrollment, while also partnering closely with the Head of School and administrative team. In alignment with MdTL’s mission, the Director of Admissions plays an important role in fostering an inclusive and welcoming admissions process that reflects the school’s commitment to belonging, respect, and partnership with families from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Unlike larger independent schools with multi-person admissions offices, MdTL’s Director of Admissions operates as a one-person department, overseeing admissions strategy, systems, communications, and data management, while collaborating closely with the Head of School and the Director of Development & Parent Engagement on enrollment sustainability, marketing, and community engagement.

This role requires warmth, discernment, exceptional follow-through, and comfort holding both big-picture enrollment strategy and day-to-day execution.

Core Responsibilities

Admissions & Enrollment Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all prospective families, guiding them through the admissions process with clarity, professionalism, and care
• Ensure that admissions policies and practices are aligned with the school’s commitment to access, inclusion, and belonging
• Manage the full admissions cycle, including inquiries, tours, child visits, applications, interviews, offers, enrollment agreements, and onboarding
• Develop and execute an annual admissions and enrollment plan aligned with the school’s mission, capacity, and financial sustainability
• Partner with the Head of School on enrollment forecasting, retention planning, and long-range enrollment strategy
• Serve on the Tuition Assistance Committee and support mission-aligned enrollment decisions

Relationship-Centered Family Engagement

• Create a warm, responsive, and highly personalized admissions experience reflective of MdTL’s values and close-knit community
• Cultivate relationships with families from a wide range of backgrounds and ensure a welcoming, respectful experience for all applicants
• Support current families through re-enrollment, transitions, and questions related to enrollment
• Coordinate new family onboarding and integration, including welcome communications and buddy programs
• Represent MdTL at admissions events, open houses, tours, and community gatherings

Data, Systems & Reporting

• Manage and maintain the school’s Admissions (Finalsite Enrollment) & Enrollment CRM (Clarity), ensuring data integrity and efficiency
• Track enrollment metrics, trends, yield, and retention data; prepare reports for the Head of School and Board of Trustees
• Present quarterly admissions and enrollment reports to the Board
• Maintain accurate enrollment records, and coordinate and oversee registrar-style functions related to admissions and enrollment

Marketing & Communications Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Head of School and Director of Development & Parent Engagement on admissions messaging, outreach, and enrollment communications
• Review and update admissions materials annually, including print and digital content
• Maintain and refresh the Admissions section of the school website
• Coordinate admissions-related social media and outreach campaigns in partnership with the communications team

Professional Engagement & Community Life

• Engage in ongoing professional development related to admissions, enrollment management, and independent school best practices
• Participate in staff development days and required trainings
• Uphold Montessori principles, MdTL’s mission, and all professional and ethical standards, including mandated reporter responsibilities
• Actively participate in membership with Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (ISSFBA) Bay Area Directors of Admissions (BADA), and liaise with peer schools’ admissions counterparts

Qualifications & Experience
Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrated success in admissions, enrollment management, education, nonprofit leadership, client relations, or a related field
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment
• Strong comfort with technology, databases, and CRM systems
• Commitment to confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism

Strongly Preferred

• Montessori experience (classroom, administrative, or parent-community experience)
• Experience in an independent school or mission-driven organization
• Familiarity with enrollment management systems (Finalsite Enrollment, Ravenna, Blackbaud, or similar)
• Experience using data to inform decision-making and strategy
• Master’s degree in education or a related field
• We recognize that exceptional candidates may not meet every preferred qualification. We value transferable skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

Personal Qualities We Value

• Relationship-builder with warmth and credibility
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strategic thinker who can also execute independently
• Mission-aligned and deeply respectful of children and families
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive communities and working respectfully with families from diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives
• Calm, steady presence during high-stakes decision-making
• Flexible, collaborative, and comfortable in a small-school environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: anticipated $90,000–$120,000, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, generous paid time off, and school holidays

How to Apply
Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter describing their background and interest in Montessori de Terra Linda to employment@mdtl.org. Final candidates will be asked to provide professional references.

Montessori de Terra Linda is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable employment and ADA regulations.

Tagged as: K-6, Preschool