Overview
The High Mountain Institute is seeking a Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, a full-time administrative, exempt position that reports to the Head of School. The Director is responsible for overseeing all marketing, recruiting, admissions, and financial aid initiatives for the school in order to maximize enrollment and meet strategic enrollment priorities, including diversifying the student body. The Director serves as a senior school leader and supervises two associates.
The ideal candidate will have previous marketing and/or admissions experience, preferably in an educational or non-profit setting. The candidate will be a strong communicator and public speaker, an innovative storyteller, and have an eye for design. The candidate will be passionate about increasing diversity and access in the independent school and/or outdoor recreation industries.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
– Admissions and Financial Aid
– Oversee all admissions initiatives for the HMI Semester, Summer Term, and Gap
– Maintain and develop relationships with contacts at sending schools, camps, and educational non-profits; introduce HMI to new schools and administrators
– Cultivate relationships with alumni parents and students that lead to prospective students
– Travel for 4-7 weeks per year for admissions and create promotion & travel schedules for the admissions team (100+ school visits, evening presentations, administrative visits, etc.)
– Advance initiatives to increase diversity in the student body
– Oversee and improve the HMI website and online application portal
– Market HMI programs through digital ads, social media, and professional videos
– Make and communicate admissions decisions for all HMI programs
– Oversee & manage financial aid awards; set HMI financial aid policy
– Serve as an advocate for students and families receiving financial aid
Other
– Serve as an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion principles across all departments
– Supervise an Admissions Associate (1.0 FTE) and Gap Admissions Associate (1.0 FTE)
– Opportunity to lead backpacking trips, gain wilderness medicine certifications and engage with students as appropriate
– 10% of every position is doing whatever needs to be done at HMI
Qualifications:
Strong communication and public speaking skills
Highly organized self-starter/entrepreneur; strong multi-tasking skills
Teamwork, communication, commitment to feedback
Creative thinker; innovator; story-teller
Required Skills:
BA/BS, 2+ years of admissions and/or marketing work, preferably in an educational or non-profit setting
Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite
Current driver’s license
Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen
Ability to travel independently around the country (in planes, trains, rental cars, etc)
Preferred Skills:
Experience with web design and online marketing tools (e.g. WordPress, Google Analytics, digital advertising)
Experience with graphic design/video production
Experience with the financial aid process/industry
Experience in an independent school, outdoor program, or camp setting
Experience supervising and managing personnel
Experience advocating for and supporting diversity, equity, & inclusion efforts within an organization
About High Mountain Institute
Founded in 1995, HMI is a nonprofit independent school with a focus on outdoor, experiential, and place-based education. HMI serves approximately 175 students per year across its high school, summer, and gap programming. About 30% of students receive financial aid and a similar percentage identify as people of color. All HMI students participate in extended wilderness expeditions lasting from 10-21 days. HMI is not a rehabilitative or wilderness therapy program. HMI students are high-achieving, healthy students seeking challenge, a strong community, and a deeper connection to nature. HMI has nearly 30 year-round staff, about half of whom live on campus. Learn more at: www.hminet.org.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion at HMI:
The High Mountain Institute is committed to building a more diverse and affirming school and outdoor industry. HMI is an equal opportunity employer that strives for diversity by honoring the differences of each member of our community.
