Senior Managing Director of Student Recruitment & Enrollment

Application Deadline:

Priority deadline for applications is April 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students-regardless of background-have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments where students develop critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students to succeed academically and seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

About the role:

Ascend is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Senior Managing Director of Student Recruitment and Enrollment to lead and shape the organization's enrollment strategy across its network of schools. This role is critical to Ascend's continued growth and success in serving students and families in Brooklyn and beyond. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role calls for a bold, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in building from the ground up-someone who embraces innovation over convention and architects systems that reflect and advance Ascend's strategic student recruitment and enrollment priorities. You will be responsible for assessing and constructing the infrastructure needed for scalable growth and leveraging data to continuously refine strategy, all in service of positioning Ascend as the top school choice for families.

As the Senior Managing Director of Enrollment, you will serve as both a visionary strategist and a hands-on builder, leading the design and execution of Ascend's enrollment function while actively driving key initiatives forward. You will work closely with Ascend's leadership, school teams, and external partners to ensure a cohesive and supportive family journey-from initial interest through enrollment and ongoing retention efforts. Your leadership will ensure that Ascend not only meets but exceeds its enrollment targets while fostering long-term relationships with families, community members, and key stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in education, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in education, recruitment, or enrollment management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience developing and executing successful enrollment strategies, with a focus on recruitment, marketing, and retention.
• Strong understanding of the Brooklyn educational landscape, including the needs and aspirations of families in diverse communities.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to leverage insights to drive strategic decisions.
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and excellence, with a passion for serving families in under-resourced communities.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and results.
• Experience working with CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot), digital marketing tools, and other relevant enrollment technologies.

Competencies

Strategic Enrollment Leadership

• Visionary leader with the ability to design and implement a comprehensive, multi-year enrollment strategy that drives sustainable growth, aligns with institutional priorities, and advances Ascend's mission of closing the achievement gap.
• Proven expertise in scaling and optimizing enrollment operations, leveraging emerging trends in education, data analytics, and market research to maintain a competitive edge.
• Strong track record of enrollment innovation in competitive markets, with a focus on change management and being an active enabler of organizational change.
• Strong track record of leading recruitment, marketing, and admissions, ensuring a seamless and data-driven approach to enrollment and retention.
• Adept at navigating policy, compliance, and regulatory considerations in K-12 enrollment while championing equitable access to high-quality education.

Enrollment Marketing and Communications

• Executive-level experience in brand strategy and positioning, ensuring Ascend is recognized as a premier educational choice among diverse communities.
• Skilled in identifying channels that drive the highest return on investment, while championing truth and authenticity in messaging that excites and galvanizes families toward the mission.
• Proven ability to enhance brand visibility and reputation, ensuring enrollment efforts are integrated with broader institutional marketing and communications strategies.

Strategic Family Engagement

• Strategic leader in building and sustaining authentic relationships with families, ensuring personalized, high-touch engagement throughout the enrollment journey.
• Works in deep partnership with the Family Experience team, ensuring a smooth, intentional handoff of families post-enrollment, creating cohesion across departments and touchpoints.
• Proactively leverages internal tools and data to understand what motivates families to enroll, disengage, or return, and continually refines proactive strategies that address root causes, build trust, and strengthen long-term family commitment.
• Deeply understands school design and culture, ensuring family engagement strategies are aligned with our values and support long-term investment in the school community.

Strategic Partnerships and Community Outreach

• Established ability to cultivate high-value partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to expand enrollment pipelines.
• Skilled at representing Ascend at national and local conferences, policy discussions, and education forums, ensuring thought leadership in enrollment best practices.
• Adept at securing strategic sponsorships, funding partnerships, and collaborative initiatives that enhance recruitment and outreach efforts.

Data-Driven Decision-Making & Fiscal Stewardship

• Proficient in enrollment analytics and forecasting, with strong comfort making data-informed decisions and designing KPI dashboards.
• Expertise in budgeting and resource allocation to ensure enrollment initiatives are cost-effective and aligned with institutional sustainability goals.
• Experience leveraging technology and CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot)to drive operational efficiency and enhance the enrollment experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year, data-driven enrollment strategy that aligns with Ascend's institutional priorities, ensuring sustainable growth, market competitiveness, and equitable access to high-quality education.
• Optimize workflows, technology, and outreach efforts to maximize efficiency and impact.
• Partner with the Marketing team to design and implement high-impact marketing and communications campaigns, leveraging digital marketing, storytelling, and data analytics to position Ascend as the premier choice for prospective families.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to expand enrollment pipelines, enhance brand visibility, and drive recruitment efforts.
• Develop and oversee retention initiatives that foster long-term family engagement, ensuring students remain connected, supported, and committed to Ascend throughout their academic journey.
• Utilize performance metrics to assess enrollment trends, optimize resource allocation, and drive continuous improvements in recruitment, admissions, and retention strategies.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary will range between $180,000 - $215,000 annually, commensurate with level of experience.

This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits

Location & Work Arrangement

Based in our Brooklyn, NY office

Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence at least three days per week.

Ascend is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist community through its hiring practices and focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into their approach to educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities-opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. Ascend Charter Schools welcomes all applicants who share their mission and vision. To learn more about Ascend's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism please visit: https://www.ascendlearning.org/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-anti-racism