Director of Advancement and Admissions

POSITION: Director of Admissions and Advancement

HOURS: Full-Time, Year-Round

REPORTS TO: Head of School

START DATE: July 1, 2026

COMPENSATION: $32.00 – 35.00 per hour

PTO: 10 Paid Vacation Days per year plus accrued PTO

All potential employees must provide a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references including a current or past supervisor. A background check will be completed prior to the start date. All newly hired employees must complete a new hire packet containing all required documentation prior to the first day of employment. All inquiries for this position can be sent Dominic Kehoe, Head of School dkehoe@gigharboracademy.org

Gig Harbor Academy Mission

We empower young minds through joyful discovery, create a passion for critical thinking and unlock the potential in every student.

Director of Admissions and Advancement Position Description

Gig Harbor Academy is seeking a full-time Director of Admissions and Advancement starting July 1st, 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for an outgoing, relationship-oriented professional with exceptional planning and organizational skills to work in a collaborative, community-centered school environment. This is a year-round, in-person role.  This position will join our four other members of the administrative team, and our community of 30+ faculty and staff that serve our school of approximately 160 children from Preschool through 5th Grade on a 10-acre wooded campus in rural Gig Harbor. This administrative position reports directly to the Head of School. Qualified candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Head of School, Dominic Kehoe, dkehoe@gigharboracademy.org

Director of Admission and Advancement Duties and Responsibilities

This role is responsible for driving enrollment and securing funding to support the school’s mission. This role manages the entire student lifecycle from inquiry to enrollment and leads strategic fundraising initiatives including annual giving, auction fundraising, major gifts, and donor relations.

Admissions & Enrollment

Develop and execute strategies to meet enrollment goals, lead the student recruitment process, conduct interviews with prospective families, and manage the admissions process including:

Implement year-round Early Childhood and K-5 family tours.
Organize Open House and other enrollment events.
Coordinate with the Business Manager to manage student enrollment contracts.
Collaborate with the Head of School to implement a student retention plan.

Marketing & Outreach

Promote the school’s unique mission, to attract potential families and maintain strong community ties, including:

Manage the schools digital outreach including social media, email marketing campaigns and website updates.
Create and manage external facing school publications.
Collaborate with the Head of School to develop the school brand.
Manage and distribute school newsletters.
Manage and develop the school website.

Development & Fundraising

Plan and implement comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including the  annual fund, annual auction, major gifts, donor cultivation, and grant writing.

Establish fundraising goals with the Head of School that align with the strategic plan
Oversee all fundraising processes and maintain records of receipts and disbursement of funds.
Collaborate with the Head of School and Board of Directors on potential future capital campaigns and strategic fundraising initiatives.
Plan and execute major fundraising events.
Manage a donor database.

Community Engagement

Cultivate relationships with parents, alumni, community leaders, and prospective families that promote healthy enrollment and develop a culture of philanthropy

Identify and qualify prospective donors.
Produce relevant and informative fundraising literature for distribution to donors and the public.
Plan donor recognition events, and acknowledgements.
Coordinate with the Parent Association to drive parent engagement.