Admission Program Manager

Summary

The Albuquerque Academy Admission Office seeks a dedicated and dynamic individual for the position of Program Manager. This position is exempt and is a vital part of the Admission leadership team, providing full-time, year-round, mission-critical support to recruit, admit, enroll, and retain students of talent and character at all grade levels. Reporting to the Director of Admission and Enrollment Management, the Program Manager is responsible for implementing recruitment and retention programs, including managing student visitation programs, ambassador programs, campus tours, school outreach initiatives, and supporting out-of-state applicants.

All employees at Albuquerque Academy approach their work in accordance with the values in our mission and in a spirit of kindness, professionalism, generosity, and civility to all members of the community. Our community norms, listed below, underlie our school culture, and all community members are expected to commit themselves fully to them.

• Value and respect the diverse contributions of each person in the community.
• Assume positive intent and inquire if you are left with questions or concerns.
• Engage in face-to-face direct conversations; be clear, open, and honest in your conversations.
• Be present and participate.

Albuquerque Academy seeks to maintain a diverse and energetic staff to work on campus. We encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities. The position is open until filled, and applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume along with their online application. Please explain why Albuquerque Academy is the right fit for you and detail your passion for the position.

Essential Functions

• Engage and guide prospective families throughout the admission and enrollment process.
• Manage the Buddy Day program for visiting students in grades 6-7, including selecting and training student ambassadors, coordinating visits, and working with faculty and staff.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Admission for grades 8-12 to support the application process and visit programs for students applying to grades 8-12.
• Conduct admission interviews for student applicants and engage their families throughout the admission process.
• Organize and lead campus tours for visiting guests.
• Conduct outreach visits to support recruitment for admission-related programs, including but not limited to the Vince Cordova Summer Scholars Program, Think Academy Summer, Charger Aquatics, Levanta Institute for Music and Creativity, and the Academy Racquet Center.
• Plan and participate in admission events, including open houses, admission entrance test days, school fairs, parent-night presentations, and new-student welcome celebrations.
• Support out-of-state applicant families through the admission process.
• Report admission-related data to internal and external stakeholders as assigned by the director.
• Participate in all admission and enrollment management activities as assigned.
• Represent the Academy professionally while fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Stay informed on best practices and trends in independent school admissions.
• Support the School and its mission, always maintaining a high degree of professionalism.
• Foster and maintain a culture of mutual respect, equitable practice, and joy.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and communicate and collaborate effectively across differences.

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Diversity, Culture, and Belonging to enhance recruitment efforts for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Serve as a liaison between the Admission Office and the Albuquerque Academy Parents’ Association (AAPA); train student and parent volunteers and formalize the parent ambassador club.
• Chair the retention committee, coordinate trimester meetings, and contribute to retention communications.
• Co-write the monthly admission e-newsletter.
• Serve on school committees as requested or assigned.
• Deliver presentations to internal and external audiences, including AAPA and Multicultural Parent Councils.
• Attend employee meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree is required.

Experience

• Previous experience in educational administration, admission, communications, marketing, or teaching is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Deep commitment to working with students of all ages, particularly elementary-aged students and older, with a strong belief in the transformational power of independent education.
• Keen awareness of diverse learning needs and a dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that provides equitable educational opportunities for all students.
• Ability to engage with families and students from varied backgrounds with empathy, cultural competency, and a student-centered approach.
• Ability to utilize strong sales and communication skills to engage prospective families by effectively articulating the Academy’s unique mission, programs, and community.
• Ability to build relationships with families by understanding their needs and demonstrating how the Academy aligns with their educational goals.
• Ability to confidently present to individuals and groups, persuasively conveying the benefits of an Academy education while providing a personalized and welcoming experience.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically and emotionally demanding environment year-round.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines despite frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies and engage effectively with prospective families, students, and colleagues.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
• Experience with database management and admission systems preferred.
• Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.
• High level of professional integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Spanish or another language is a plus.

Special Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Working Environment

• Majority of work is performed in an indoor office setting on campus. Regular campus tours take place outdoors.
• Significant overtime, evening, and weekend work is required during peak admission periods.

Physical Demands

• Ability to walk up to 2 miles while conducting tours.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds with or without assistance

EEO/ADA Compliance

Albuquerque Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.