Job Description
Berkwood Hedge School
At Berkwood Hedge School, we believe school should be a place where children are deeply known, joyfully engaged, and inspired to grow into thoughtful, compassionate human beings.
For 80 years, our progressive K–8 community has nurtured creativity, curiosity, and connection through project-based learning, social-emotional development, and a strong commitment to social justice. We are a school where relationships matter, children’s voices are honored, and learning is rich with meaning and purpose.
We are seeking a Director of Admissions, Tuition Assistance & Enrollment Management who will help shape the future of our community by welcoming new families into the life of the school with warmth, clarity, strategic insight, and authentic enthusiasm.
This is a leadership opportunity for someone who understands that admissions is not simply about enrollment—it is about building belonging, telling a compelling story, and helping families imagine themselves inside a vibrant educational community.
The Opportunity
This is more than an admissions role—it is an opportunity to serve as a leader, storyteller, connector, strategist, and ambassador for a school grounded in purpose.
The Director of Admissions will guide families from their first inquiry through enrollment, helping them understand not only what Berkwood Hedge offers, but what it feels like to belong here. Through authentic connection, thoughtful communication, and mission-driven enrollment leadership, this person will play a central role in sustaining and growing a vibrant K–8 community.
As Berkwood Hedge enters an exciting chapter—bringing our full K–8 program together on one campus—this role offers the rare chance to help shape how new families experience that momentum, vision, and possibility.
We are looking for someone who loves people, delights in children, thinks strategically, and communicates with warmth and confidence.
What You Will Do
Lead and evolve a thoughtful, mission-aligned admissions strategy that supports enrollment and long-term sustainability
Serve as a welcoming and responsive guide for prospective families from inquiry through enrollment
Share the story of Berkwood Hedge with clarity, authenticity, and joy—in one-on-one conversations, tours, presentations, and community events
Facilitate tours, parent conversations, and applicant visits that reflect the spirit and values of the school
Partner with teachers and school leadership to support applicant assessment and admissions decisions
Oversee tuition assistance processes with care, discretion, and equity
Manage enrollment and re-enrollment processes with strong attention to detail
Build meaningful relationships with prospective and current families, feeder programs, and the broader community
Collaborate closely with faculty and leadership to ensure a cohesive admissions experience
Use enrollment data and market insights to inform planning and outreach
Help new families transition smoothly into the life of the school
Strategize ways to help families feel welcomed and connected in order to retain families once they are enrolled
Who You Are
You have a deep love of children and believe in the power of community
You are joyful, creative, and energized by connecting with people
You are a confident and engaging public speaker who can connect with both small and large groups
You lead from your seat - this is a leadership position: taking ownership of your department is essential
You are adept in developing efficient systems for carrying out your work
You are an exceptional communicator—both written and verbal—and know how to tell a compelling story with clarity and heart
You are highly collaborative and thrive in a warm, team-oriented environment
You bring emotional intelligence, presence, and sincerity to your work
You are organized, thoughtful, and able to manage multiple priorities gracefully
You are strategic and capable of translating vision into action
You are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
Minimum of 5 years of experience in admissions or a related field (independent school experience preferred)
Familiarity with enrollment strategy and the independent school landscape
Experience with admissions/enrollment systems and Google Suite
Why Work at Berkwood Hedge School?
This is an extraordinary opportunity for the right candidate.
One longtime faculty member described the school this way:
“It is a chance to join a team of stellar colleagues who speak of their academic subjects with the same passion and depth that artists speak of their art. I have never worked among a stronger, more deeply invested, and knowledgeable team of educators.”
At Berkwood Hedge, faculty and staff work in close partnership, with seriousness of purpose and genuine affection for one another’s work. Colleagues are creative, intellectually engaged, and deeply committed to children.
This is a professional work environment where:
relationships are central
thoughtful collaboration is part of daily practice
ideas are welcomed
mission is lived, not simply stated
educators and staff are trusted to contribute meaningfully
Our campus is located near downtown Berkeley, just a 10-minute walk from Downtown Berkeley BART station, offering easy regional access while situated within one of the Bay Area’s most vibrant educational communities.
For the right person, this role offers the chance to do meaningful work in a school where both professionalism and heart are deeply valued.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, year-round position with competitive salary and benefits. The salary range is $75,000 - 95,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Berkwood Hedge School offers a competitive and thoughtfully structured benefits package, including:
50% employee tuition remission
Kaiser medical
Vision and Dentai
Employer Funded Retirement Plan
403(b) retirement plan
Life insurance
In addition to formal benefits, many employees cite the school’s warm, tight-knit colleague community as one of its most meaningful professional advantages.
Commitment to Inclusion
Berkwood Hedge School is committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community where every child, family, and employee feels seen, valued, and a true sense of belonging.
We welcome candidates whose experiences, identities, and perspectives enrich our community and strengthen our collective work on behalf of children.
Berkwood Hedge School is an equal opportunity employer.