Website Independent School Alliance
Great Kids. Great Schools. Great Futures.
Please email your Resume and Coverletter to operations@independentschoolalliance.org
Subject Line: Admissions Specialist
Admissions & Operations Specialist
Organizational Background
The Independent School Alliance is a leading organization in private school admissions counseling and placement. The mission of the Independent School Alliance is to empower children of exceptional talent and potential from underrepresented and economically underserved communities in order to transform independent schools and society.
Position Summary
The Admissions and Operations Specialist plays a vital role in advancing the mission of The Independent School Alliance by supporting the admissions process, guiding prospective families, and maintaining accurate and timely communication with students, schools, and community partners.
Reporting to the Manager of Admissions and Executive Operations, this full-time salaried position manages all aspects of applicant files, reviews and evaluates applications for completeness and eligibility, and coordinates with families to ensure prospective students meet all admissions criteria and deadlines. This role requires maintaining accurate and detailed records of student applications, decisions, and correspondence, while also assisting with outreach, recruitment, and data reporting across ISA’s member schools.
A successful candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, self-started who is people-centered and collaborative. An ideal candidate is someone who can balance relationship management with operational precision. The ideal professional thrives in a dynamic environment, values equity and access, and is committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds reach their full potential.
Responsibilities include:
Outreach and Admissions Coordination
Maintain admissions data and reports using Blackbaud; proficiency in or the ability to quickly learn the platform is essential to effectively manage applicant information and ensure system-wide accuracy.
Manage all aspects of assigned candidate files, reviewing applications for completeness, eligibility, and accuracy, and ensuring all supporting documentation—such as transcripts, recommendations, test scores, and financial aid records—is received and properly filed.
Support the admissions process by supporting prospective families from inquiry through placement, providing timely and accurate information.
Assist the Manager of Admissions and Executive Operations with maintaining communication with candidates, families, and partner schools.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with all referral sources, feeder schools, consultants, agents, alumni, and current families as directed by the Manager of Admissions and Executive Operations.
Assist in the development and implementation of admissions procedures and communications with candidates seeking entrance to the Independent School Alliance.
Maintain accurate and organized candidate files, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.
Collaborate with feeder schools, consultants, and community partners to support recruitment and referrals as directed by the Manager of Admissions and Executive Operations.
Collaborate with the admissions team to plan and execute recruitment activities, including attendance at fairs, information sessions, and school visits.
Generate admissions and placement reports as requested by the Manager of Admissions and Executive Operations.
Family Engagement & Counseling Support
Serve as a welcoming and informed point of contact for families, schools, and community partners as needed.
Provide general counseling and support to families new to the independent school process, helping them understand school options and financial aid opportunities.
Assist with scheduling interviews, tours, and school visits for students and parents.
Help maintain consistent follow-up with families throughout the application cycle.
Support communication efforts to ensure families remain informed, encouraged, and connected.
Administrative & Operational Support
Provide administrative support to ensure admissions and operations run efficiently.
Track and organize invoices, payments, and expense reports.
Assist in the preparation of brochures, presentations, and other admissions materials.
Maintain digital and physical filing systems for admissions documents.
Support the planning and execution of family and school-related events.
Coordinate with internal departments to ensure smooth data sharing and reporting.
Perform other duties as assigned to support ISA’s mission and the work of the admissions team.
Required Education and Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
– Two to three years of experience in admissions, college counseling, or educational access programs.
– Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, CRM or database systems (including Blackbaud), and digital communication tools.
– Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
– Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
– Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
– Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and experience working with students of color, primarily African-American and Latinx populations.
– Spanish fluency in speaking, reading, and writing is a plus.
– Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends for recruitment or family events.
Pay and Benefits
The Independent School Alliance strongly believes in selecting the best candidates to work with our students, families, and member schools. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience and reflects our commitment to equity and excellence in staffing.
Comprehensive benefits include:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Chiropractic, and Acupuncture (percentage employer-sponsored)
Life and AD&D insurance
403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match (after eligibility period)
10 days PTO and Paid Holidays
The Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.
Please email your Resume and Coverletter to operations@independentschoolalliance.org
Subject Line: Admissions Specialist
To apply for this job email your details to operations@independentschoolalliance.org
