Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Executive Director of Admissions & Enrollment
Grand Rapids Christian Schools, Grand Rapids, Michigan, us, 49528
Executive Director of Admissions & Enrollment
Executive Director of Admissions & Enrollment
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. The Executive Director of Admissions at Grand Rapids Christian Schools (GRCS) provides visionary leadership for the admissions function across all GRCS campuses. This position ensures an exceptional, mission-driven admissions experience that attracts and retains students while fostering a culture of hospitality, authenticity, and purposeful engagement. The Executive Director manages the admissions team, drives enrollment strategies aligned with the GRCS Strategic Plan, and partners with principals, marketing and communications, and advancement to achieve enrollment goals. This role also serves as the primary admissions lead for Grand Rapids Christian Middle School (GRCMS), working closely with the building principal to guide prospective families, coordinate events, and ensure smooth onboarding into the GRCS community. POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director of Admissions at Grand Rapids Christian Schools (GRCS) provides visionary leadership for the admissions function across all GRCS campuses. This position ensures an exceptional, mission-driven admissions experience that attracts and retains students while fostering a culture of hospitality, authenticity, and purposeful engagement. The Executive Director manages the admissions team, drives enrollment strategies aligned with the GRCS Strategic Plan, and partners with principals, marketing and communications, and advancement to achieve enrollment goals. This role also serves as the primary admissions lead for Grand Rapids Christian Middle School (GRCMS), working closely with the building principal to guide prospective families, coordinate events, and ensure smooth onboarding into the GRCS community. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership Lead and manage the admissions team through regular team meetings, individual coaching, and annual performance reviews. Develop, track, and report on admissions metrics aligned with strategic objectives. Maintain enrollment dashboards and monitor pipeline health to anticipate and address gaps. Support long-term planning for admissions at the Early Learning Center (ELC), with the expectation of providing leadership for ELC enrollment strategy in future years. Cast vision and provide strategic leadership for admissions events. Represent admissions at administrative leadership meetings; communicate updates to school leaders. Foster a culture of collaboration and shared accountability for enrollment across campuses. Attend school events, tours, and community functions to serve as a visible leader and advocate. Operational Leadership in Admissions & Family Experience Continuously review and refine the admissions processes, ensuring alignment with best practices in enrollment management and a high-quality, customer-focused experience for prospective families at every grade level. Ensure a welcoming and relational experience for all prospective families. Develop waitpool strategies and retention checkpoints at key transition years. Provide leadership and support in navigating complex admissions situations or family needs, approaching each with discernment, compassion, and a commitment to student flourishing. Conduct exit surveys for transferring students and analyze trends to inform retention strategies. Marketing and Communications Partnership In partnership with the Director of Marketing & Communications, develop and implement an annual admissions marketing plan that supports enrollment goals and enhances GRCS’s visibility. Manage admissions collateral, ensuring materials are current, accurate, and aligned with mission and brand standards; direct updates through the internal project management system. Collaborate on website content, digital campaigns, social media, and family communication tools to create a consistent and compelling prospective family experience. In partnership with the Director of Marketing & Communications, identify and evaluate marketing channels to reach prospective families, tracking results and ROI to guide future strategy. Align admissions storytelling with the GRCS brand voice, sharing family testimonials and student success stories to strengthen engagement and drive inquiries. Campus-Level Admissions Leadership (GRCMS) Respond promptly to inquiries and guide prospective families through the admissions process with clarity and care. Coordinate and meet with ESS and IS Coordinators to ensure student learning needs and accommodations are supported. Plan and coordinate on-campus admissions events to recruit students and promote the school. Conduct family tours, student interviews, classroom visits, and large-group presentations to highlight the GRCS experience. Visit area schools and community organizations to share information about GRCS programs and opportunities. Develop and distribute admissions marketing materials in partnership with the Marketing & Communications team. Track application progress by reviewing admission files, monitoring applicant status, and ensuring timely follow-up. Support families through the continuous enrollment process by managing opt-outs, onboarding new students, and providing clear communication around next-year transitions. Coordinate with the Director of Database Management to ensure accurate, up-to-date records for enrollment, prospects, and waitpool lists. Financial Stewardship Develop and manage the admissions budget. Recommend strategic investments (e.g., CRM tools, family events, marketing pilots) and assess impact on enrollment outcomes. Lead efforts to remove financial barriers by proactively communicating about GRCS’s Variable Tuition program as an integral part of the enrollment conversation. Partner with the Business Office to ensure families receive clear, timely, and mission-centered guidance around tuition assistance. KEY METRICS
Inquiry-to-Enrollment Conversion Rate Net Enrollment Growth (by campus and grade band) Customer Satisfaction (Net Promoter Score) Retention Rate at Key Transitions Waitpool Management Efficiency Budget Adherence and ROI on Marketing Investments KEY COMPETENCIES
Strategic Planning & Execution Coaching & Team Development Customer-Centric Communication Data Analysis & Reporting Mission-Centered Storytelling Cross-Functional Collaboration Change Leadership & Innovation PERSONAL QUALITIES
A maturing disciple of Jesus Christ, visibly grounded in grace, truth, and humility Relational and approachable across diverse populations Passionate about the mission of Christian education A reflective leader who gives and receives feedback graciously Energetic, organized, and persistent in the face of challenges REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred 5+ years of admissions, enrollment management, or equivalent experience ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS
A Vision Carrier – inspiring others to participate in the GRCS mission A Systems Builder – ensuring admissions processes are scalable, consistent, and relational A Culture Shaper – modeling hospitality and gospel-centered grace in every interaction A Truth Teller – bringing clarity to decisions through data, feedback, and mission-alignment
Seniority level
Seniority level Executive Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Education and Training Industries Primary and Secondary Education Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Grand Rapids Christian Schools by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Admissions” roles.
Director, Marketing Insights & Analytics
Assistant Director – Enrollment Operations Center
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
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Executive Director of Admissions & Enrollment
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. The Executive Director of Admissions at Grand Rapids Christian Schools (GRCS) provides visionary leadership for the admissions function across all GRCS campuses. This position ensures an exceptional, mission-driven admissions experience that attracts and retains students while fostering a culture of hospitality, authenticity, and purposeful engagement. The Executive Director manages the admissions team, drives enrollment strategies aligned with the GRCS Strategic Plan, and partners with principals, marketing and communications, and advancement to achieve enrollment goals. This role also serves as the primary admissions lead for Grand Rapids Christian Middle School (GRCMS), working closely with the building principal to guide prospective families, coordinate events, and ensure smooth onboarding into the GRCS community. POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director of Admissions at Grand Rapids Christian Schools (GRCS) provides visionary leadership for the admissions function across all GRCS campuses. This position ensures an exceptional, mission-driven admissions experience that attracts and retains students while fostering a culture of hospitality, authenticity, and purposeful engagement. The Executive Director manages the admissions team, drives enrollment strategies aligned with the GRCS Strategic Plan, and partners with principals, marketing and communications, and advancement to achieve enrollment goals. This role also serves as the primary admissions lead for Grand Rapids Christian Middle School (GRCMS), working closely with the building principal to guide prospective families, coordinate events, and ensure smooth onboarding into the GRCS community. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership Lead and manage the admissions team through regular team meetings, individual coaching, and annual performance reviews. Develop, track, and report on admissions metrics aligned with strategic objectives. Maintain enrollment dashboards and monitor pipeline health to anticipate and address gaps. Support long-term planning for admissions at the Early Learning Center (ELC), with the expectation of providing leadership for ELC enrollment strategy in future years. Cast vision and provide strategic leadership for admissions events. Represent admissions at administrative leadership meetings; communicate updates to school leaders. Foster a culture of collaboration and shared accountability for enrollment across campuses. Attend school events, tours, and community functions to serve as a visible leader and advocate. Operational Leadership in Admissions & Family Experience Continuously review and refine the admissions processes, ensuring alignment with best practices in enrollment management and a high-quality, customer-focused experience for prospective families at every grade level. Ensure a welcoming and relational experience for all prospective families. Develop waitpool strategies and retention checkpoints at key transition years. Provide leadership and support in navigating complex admissions situations or family needs, approaching each with discernment, compassion, and a commitment to student flourishing. Conduct exit surveys for transferring students and analyze trends to inform retention strategies. Marketing and Communications Partnership In partnership with the Director of Marketing & Communications, develop and implement an annual admissions marketing plan that supports enrollment goals and enhances GRCS’s visibility. Manage admissions collateral, ensuring materials are current, accurate, and aligned with mission and brand standards; direct updates through the internal project management system. Collaborate on website content, digital campaigns, social media, and family communication tools to create a consistent and compelling prospective family experience. In partnership with the Director of Marketing & Communications, identify and evaluate marketing channels to reach prospective families, tracking results and ROI to guide future strategy. Align admissions storytelling with the GRCS brand voice, sharing family testimonials and student success stories to strengthen engagement and drive inquiries. Campus-Level Admissions Leadership (GRCMS) Respond promptly to inquiries and guide prospective families through the admissions process with clarity and care. Coordinate and meet with ESS and IS Coordinators to ensure student learning needs and accommodations are supported. Plan and coordinate on-campus admissions events to recruit students and promote the school. Conduct family tours, student interviews, classroom visits, and large-group presentations to highlight the GRCS experience. Visit area schools and community organizations to share information about GRCS programs and opportunities. Develop and distribute admissions marketing materials in partnership with the Marketing & Communications team. Track application progress by reviewing admission files, monitoring applicant status, and ensuring timely follow-up. Support families through the continuous enrollment process by managing opt-outs, onboarding new students, and providing clear communication around next-year transitions. Coordinate with the Director of Database Management to ensure accurate, up-to-date records for enrollment, prospects, and waitpool lists. Financial Stewardship Develop and manage the admissions budget. Recommend strategic investments (e.g., CRM tools, family events, marketing pilots) and assess impact on enrollment outcomes. Lead efforts to remove financial barriers by proactively communicating about GRCS’s Variable Tuition program as an integral part of the enrollment conversation. Partner with the Business Office to ensure families receive clear, timely, and mission-centered guidance around tuition assistance. KEY METRICS
Inquiry-to-Enrollment Conversion Rate Net Enrollment Growth (by campus and grade band) Customer Satisfaction (Net Promoter Score) Retention Rate at Key Transitions Waitpool Management Efficiency Budget Adherence and ROI on Marketing Investments KEY COMPETENCIES
Strategic Planning & Execution Coaching & Team Development Customer-Centric Communication Data Analysis & Reporting Mission-Centered Storytelling Cross-Functional Collaboration Change Leadership & Innovation PERSONAL QUALITIES
A maturing disciple of Jesus Christ, visibly grounded in grace, truth, and humility Relational and approachable across diverse populations Passionate about the mission of Christian education A reflective leader who gives and receives feedback graciously Energetic, organized, and persistent in the face of challenges REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred 5+ years of admissions, enrollment management, or equivalent experience ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS
A Vision Carrier – inspiring others to participate in the GRCS mission A Systems Builder – ensuring admissions processes are scalable, consistent, and relational A Culture Shaper – modeling hospitality and gospel-centered grace in every interaction A Truth Teller – bringing clarity to decisions through data, feedback, and mission-alignment
Seniority level
Seniority level Executive Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Education and Training Industries Primary and Secondary Education Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Grand Rapids Christian Schools by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Admissions” roles.
Director, Marketing Insights & Analytics
Assistant Director – Enrollment Operations Center
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr