Description
Claremont is seeking an innovative and ambitious individual to lead our admissions team. Reporting directly to the Principal, the successful candidate will play a pivotal and influential role in the strategic and operational development of admissions at the school. This is a role for someone who is a natural leader, an effective communicator, performance-driven, and comfortable with using data strategically. Claremont is a ‘through’ school in East Sussex with a Junior site in St Leonards and the Senior site in the village of Bodiam. At its most recent inspection in November 2023 it was rated as ‘Outstanding’. The school is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of 86 schools spanning 5 continents. This role offers access to this network, with outstanding professional development opportunities and a chance to make a positive impact in the community. We welcome applicants from any sector although experience of working in education is preferable.
This School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years employment history.
Job Description
Overview
The Head of Admissions is a pivotal position at Claremont, providing the strategic and operational leadership for the admissions team across the whole school. Focusing relentlessly on both growing the student roll and providing exemplary customer service to prospective families, the Head of Admissions also plays a key role in building and maintaining the reputation of Claremont in both the domestic and international markets. The Head of Admissions is responsible for providing leadership to, and management of, a diverse team. This includes an international recruitment officer and two admissions officers. The Head of Admissions responsibilities, therefore, include coordinating effective messaging, processes and systems with a view to improve standards of recruitment processes throughout the school. As a member of the school’s whole school management team, they will also have strong links to senior leaders in both our Junior and Senior Schools.
The Head of Admissions will work closely with the Regional Head of Admissions at the International Schools Partnership. Claremont is part of the Europe region in this global network of schools. ISP provide a high level of support, resources and systems to the school and, together, we seek to use data in an effective way to inform and develop new strategies for student recruitment. You will use Hubspot, our sales platform, as the chief vehicle for monitoring productivity and effectiveness of your team. The role will oversee the process from lead conversion (generated by our internal marketing team) to enrolment.
This is a role for someone who is a natural leader, performance-driven, and comfortable with using data strategically. The admissions department share many of the same objectives as the marketing department and you will be expected to work closely with the Head of Marketing in developing strategy and effective processes to promote enrolments in the school. You are a beacon for innovation and creativity, leading the staff in the development of an imaginative and productive recruitment process for prospective families. You will be a strategic thinker, an effective communicator and model effective leadership for a dynamic but relatively inexperienced team.
* Location: You will be based at our Junior School
* Line Manager: Principal (‘dotted line’ to Regional Head of Admissions)
* Pay: Commensurate to experience + Bonus Scheme
Key Responsibilities
1. Recruitment Processes:
o Implementing the Schools Admissions process, including lead generation, family journey, customer service, negotiation and objection handling, call scripts and parent communications.
o Advise prospective parents & stakeholders on our value proposition across communications channels.
o Make calls to potential leads to convert them into school tours and enrolments.
o Conduct regular tours of prospective families in partnership with school leadership.
o Support the School in assessing prospective students per the admissions policy.
o Design and implement all policies and documentation related to student admissions.
o Organize admissions meetings and open events characterized by excellent customer service.
o Monitor lead generation activities, working with the ISP Heads of Marketing and Admissions, to ensure admissions targets are met.
o Ensure a customer loyalty programme is in place aligned with the regional programme.
o Advise on continued support and communication to new families after students enroll.
2. Collaboration with Marketing and Leadership Team:
o Attend Senior Leadership Team meetings.
o Work with the Head of School and SLT to develop programs and campaigns.
o Develop relationships with feeders and local businesses to maximize student recruitment.
o Review and develop admissions documents, parent communication platforms and marketing collaterals.
o Support the Head of School in developing the school’s communication strategy.
o Participate in relevant conferences and events to raise the profile of the school.
o Ensure excellent first impressions of the school through parent-facing administrative staff.
o Develop a structured approach to retaining existing families.
3. Managing Admissions Team:
o Lead direct reports to promote operational efficiency and customer service.
o Review effectiveness of admissions systems regularly.
o Ensure high-quality customer service and experience standards.
o Conduct regular training for all front-facing staff.
4. Data Management:
o Utilize Hubspot for managing the customer journey.
o Generate insights for the development of admission strategies.
o Produce regular reports for the Principal and Regional Head of Admissions.
o Ensure clear retention data and targets are shared with relevant stakeholders.
5. International Recruitment:
o Develop strategies for the recruitment of international students.
o Line-manage the International Recruitment Officer.
o Work with Marketing Team and IRO in developing effective assets.
o Maintain relationships with agent networks.
o Support IRO at key recruitment conferences.
o Travel overseas to develop new market relationships when necessary.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
* Bachelor’s Degree from a relevant field.
* Demonstrable experience in student recruitment, enrolment, and retention.
* Experience in HubSpot or Salesforce preferred.
* Articulate and able to present information professionally.
* Well organized and able to prioritize tasks.
* Excellent customer service skills.
* Critical thinking and leadership skills.
* Ability to negotiate, persuade and motivate others.
About Claremont
Claremont School is an independent day and boarding school located in East Sussex, offering a British curriculum with outstanding programs in Performing Arts and sports. We believe in creating rounded individuals ready for successful careers in a rapidly changing world. Claremont aims to be the School of Choice for the local area and supports its young people to excel in a safe and inspiring environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr