Director of Admissions Knoxville, TN

Founded in 1955 by Bob and Julie Webb, Webb School of Knoxville fulfilled Bob’s dream of founding a school in his hometown that emphasized honor, academic excellence, a strong foundation in the liberal arts, and the building of character and leadership. Webb School began with four students who met in a classroom at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. In the decades following its founding, Webb’s reputation steadily grew, as did its enrollment. The school continued to expand its campus and update its facilities to support its academic and co-curricular programs. In addition to its focus on rigorous academics, Webb also seeks to help shape the social and character development of its students. With a student- centered approach, Webb faculty endeavor to create a nurturing and challenging environment that educates the whole child. The school’s commitment to honor, integrity, and age-appropriate intellectual and physical stimulation in grades K-12 fosters a school community whose members are known for strength of character as much as academic achievement. In 2016, Webb launched a Junior Pre-K program and Fifth Grade Academy and has become one of the premier private, independent day schools in the Southeast. Current enrollment stands at 1,008.

Webb’s expansive 110-acre campus provides state-of-the-art facilities and playing fields for the complete growth of each student. Each division occupies a separate part of the campus, the center of which is the main quad, with the library and cafeteria nearby. The campus also features an impressive science center, the international center, a 550-seat performing arts center, two libraries, three technology labs, three separate visual arts facilities, and dedicated classrooms for strings, instrumental, choral, and general music. Beyond the indoor facilities, Webb’s campus offers a football stadium and turf field; , , and soccer fields; an all-weather 400-meter track; courts; an outdoor pool; additional practice fields; and an outdoor education facility.

In each of its three divisions, Webb’s curriculum places each student at the center of learning. Through blended academic, social- emotional, and physical learning, the school upholds and encourages the values of intellectual rigor, character, and integrity. Across divisions, students challenge themselves academically, work collaboratively, and participate actively in school life outside the classroom, including giving back to their community. Faculty appreciate the level of support and independence they are given in what many describe as a “great working environment,” and the fact that Webb School “allows a broad range of kids to be successful.

Director of Admissions

The Director of Admissions is an integral part of the school’s administrative team and is responsible for managing all facets of the admissions process in the school’s effort to attract, enroll, and retain a qualified, diverse, and dynamic student population. Webb seeks candidates able to deepen market presence and to make connections with the community and prospective families. Experience with marketing and social media would be advantageous. The Director also chairs the school’s Financial Aid Committee.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Director will:

• Contribute to the mission and standards of the school by recruiting and retaining students who will benefit from the school’s unique culture and programmatic offerings and contribute to the school community.

• Formulate forward-thinking, strategic application, admission, and enrollment policies.

• Report directly to the President of the school and serve as a liaison to the board of Trustees regarding admissions and enrollment.

• Coordinate four essential elements to ensure a competitive admissions process and the long- term health of the student body and broader alumni/ae base:

o admission management (the tracking of prospective students from applicant to enrollment and beyond)

o student retention

o research (analyzing data that affect enrollment)

o marketing

• To present the school to prospective students and parents, which includes systematic and efficient handling of applications and communication with candidates and their parents; interviews with candidates and their parents; arrangements for admissions testing; securing of necessary student credentials; and communicating final decisions to the appropriate individuals.

• Develop a strategic recruitment and communication plan to reach targeted audiences, including identifying and implementing best-practice web-based technologies.

• Supervise Assistant Director of Admissions, Communications Director, Website & Communications Coordinator, and office staff.

• Oversee the Financial Aid process with the President and Director of Financial Services.

• Oversee enrollment management budgets.

• Partner with Division Heads, Athletics, and other divisions of the school to build solid relationships.

• Understand the culture and climate of the school and the broader educational environment.

• Foster high ethical standards, integrity, and respect for colleagues, alumni/ae, parents, and students throughout the admissions process.

• Communicate clearly and enthusiastically to all staff and prospective students.

• To evaluate continually and redesign where appropriate all aspects of the admissions and marketing program with the goal of maintaining a capacity enrollment of qualified students.

• To oversee the network of parents, former parents and alumni to assist in the admissions program.

• To keep relevant statistics on all aspects of the admission and re-enrollment program.

• To represent the school at various gatherings and conferences.

Qualification Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred

• Five to seven years of experience in admissions

• Ability to think critically and creatively

• Proven success in a senior administrative role

• Demonstrated leadership qualities

• The ability to work collaboratively with other school community members

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills

• Understanding of marketing and social media as it relates to the admissions process

• Experience with enrollment management databases

Knoxville,

Set along the Tennessee River and now the third-largest city in Tennessee, Knoxville was settled in 1786 and served as the state’s original capital. In 1933, the U.S. Government founded the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to help create jobs, attract manufacturing, and provide electricity for the region, and Knoxville remains home to TVA’s headquarters. In 1982, the city hosted the World’s Fair and welcomed 11 million visitors. The city built the Sunsphere – a 266-foot steel structure topped with gold glass – for the fair, and the structure stands as one of Knoxville’s most recognized buildings. Over the past several decades, the city has focused on developing its economy and reshaping its downtown area. The Women’s Hall of Fame and Knoxville Convention Center were opened, and Knoxville has redeveloped Market Square and built a new visitors center and regional history museum while supporting a variety of restaurants and hotels. In 2011, Kiplinger ranked Knoxville at number five in its list of Best Values Cities, specifically highlighting the city’s college sports fervor, proximity to the Smoky Mountains, and “entrepreneurial spirit.”

One of the largest cities along the Appalachians, Knoxville is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation’s most-visited national park. Recreational opportunities abound, among them camping, fishing, hiking, and whitewater adventure. Typical Knoxville weather features warm summers and cool winters, and its higher elevations provide relief from some of the hotter temperatures to the south and west of the city.

Aside from its reputation as a great place to raise a family, Knoxville is appreciated for its college town spirit, easy commutes, affordable housing, low cost of living, moderate weather, and welcoming populace. The fourth-largest broadcast center in the U.S. (after New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago), the area is also home to Scripps Networks (HGTV, Food Network, and other media) and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the leading scientific research centers in the US. Knoxville, Tennessee’s original capital, features a historic downtown located on the banks of the Tennessee River; as a city it combines both history and an exciting future.

Compensation and Benefits

The appointment is a full-time, year-round, administrative position and the compensation package will be very competitive nationally and commensurate with experience, degree attainment and the national independent school and college markets.

To Apply:

Webb School of Knoxville has engaged the services of Carney, Sandoe & Associates to assist in its search for this position. Interested individuals should contact Senior Search Consultant, Ben Bolte 617-933-3430 (dir) / [email protected].

The application process will include resume, cover letter, statement about your admissions practice, and a list of 5 references (contacted only with permission). Please do not send your information to the School. All inquiries are confidential.