Director of Admissions and Retention

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment & Outreach: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual recruitment plan to attract qualified applicants from underrepresented and underserved communities. 

• Build partnerships with elementary and middle schools, community organizations, parishes/churches, and local businesses to promote Cristo Rey’s mission and model 

• Organize and attend community outreach events, high school fairs, and informational sessions to engage prospective families. 

• Coordinate and lead school tours, open houses, and shadow days. 

Admissions & Enrollment: 

• Manage the full admissions process, from initial inquiry to enrollment, ensuring a welcoming, transparent, and mission-focused experience for families. 

• Oversee application review, family interviews, and student assessments. 

• Convene and lead the Admissions Committee in accordance with Cristo Rey Network guidelines. 

• Ensure compliance with the Cristo Rey Network’s eligibility criteria, including income-based requirements. 

• Maintain accurate enrollment records and generate reports for internal and external stakeholders. 

• Manage Admissions Department including team and daily operations for the planning and development of all recruitment and admissions-related matters. 

Retention & Student Support: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive student retention strategy focused on relationship-building, early intervention, and cross-departmental collaboration. 

• Monitor key student engagement and success indicators (attendance, academic progress, work performance) in partnership with academic, counseling, and work-study teams. 

• Lead or coordinate initiatives (e.g., family outreach, advisory support, transition programs) that support student persistence from freshman year through graduation. 

• Conduct exit interviews and analyze attrition data to identify trends and address systemic issues. 

• Serve as a visible and supportive presence for students and families throughout their time at Cristo Rey. 

Marketing & Communications: 

• Develop and execute marketing and communications strategies in coordination with marketing and development departments to promote the school and work-study program, including print, digital, and social media. 

• Create compelling content to tell the Cristo Rey story, spotlighting student success and community impact. 

Data & Analysis: 

• Track and analyze recruitment and enrollment metrics to inform strategies and meet enrollment targets. 

• Collaborate with finance, academic, and work-study teams to ensure aligned support for incoming students. 

Qualifications 

• Commitment to the mission and values of the Cristo Rey Network, especially a dedication to educational equity and service to low-income families. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with fluency in Spanish required. 

• 5+ years of relevant experience in admissions, recruitment, community outreach, sales or education. 

• Strong project management, organizational, and data analysis skills. 

• Experience working in urban school environments or with first-generation students is highly desirable. 

• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events and outreach.