Director of Admissions

Reporting and scope

Typically reports to the Head of School / Principal, a Dean / Associate Dean, a vice president for enrollment, or the head of a residential care or treatment program. Authority covers the admissions office and the process that decides who is accepted.

Core responsibilities

• Sets yearly enrollment or census targets with senior leadership and the finance office
• Runs recruitment events, school visits, tours and inquiry follow-up
• Oversees application review and admission decisions under published policies
• Coordinates with financial aid on awards and tuition discounting within the approved budget
• Reports yield, retention and demographic data to leadership and the board
• Keeps admission practice consistent with accreditation, licensing and nondiscrimination rules
• Supervises admissions counselors and intake staff

How it differs

Director of Outreach and Director of Community Relations build awareness in the community but do not decide who is admitted. Director of Marketing may run enrollment advertising, while Director of Admissions owns the admission decision and the enrollment count.

By organization size

At a small private school or care program one person handles inquiries, tours and decisions, often alongside financial aid. At a college or large system the role leads a team and may sit under a vice president of enrollment management.