Career Center

Director of Admissions at The Fay School

Houston, Texas

The Opportunity:

Founded on the principle of building a school “where children come first,” The Fay School serves roughly 290 students from 3 years to Fifth Grade in the Uptown area of Houston, Texas.  It is among the best independent early childhood and elementary schools in the competitive Houston marketplace and aspires to distinguish itself as a national leader.

By fostering their emotional intelligence and leadership development while providing ambitious and innovative teaching and learning approaches, The Fay School’s graduates gain admission into Houston’s most sought-after middle schools. Further, the school values professional development for all its employees and takes pride in celebrating the successes of each one.

A joyful educational oasis, the school sits on 8.5 acres of naturally landscaped property where children frequently learn, work, and play in its beautiful and functional outdoor settings. Many Fay families speak of the immediate calm they feel as they drive onto campus, delivering their children to this unique student-focused learning environment. In the greater Houston area, more and more educators and community members are seeking to emulate our innovative approaches to education.

To capitalize on the evolving landscape of education and plan its direction for the next three to five years, The Fay School recently adopted an innovative Strategic Plan. Fay’s strategic planning process took place during the 2019-2020 school year and we unveiled the forward-thinking plan late in the 2020-2021 school year, in conjunction with the celebration of The Fay School’s 30th Anniversary. Its implementation has been accelerated by the pandemic. This is an exciting time to be a part of a school community focused on the evolving landscape of education and how best to capitalize on that evolution through innovative thinking.

The Fay School seeks an admissions leader who will continue to inspire our school community by clearly and enthusiastically articulating the school’s new strategic priorities and warmly supporting families through the admissions process. The Director of Admissions position is a stellar opportunity for an ambitious, experienced, motivated, and visionary educational leader eager to join a rising and evolving school at a critical time in history. The next Director of Admissions will inherit an already streamlined and efficient office that is set up for continued success. The target start date for the twelve-month Director of Admission position is June 1 of 2022.

School Mission:

The Fay School is a nonsectarian, not-for-profit, co-educational school in which children of diverse talents and backgrounds with strong academic abilities are offered a high-quality education in a secure, enriching, and academically challenging environment. Here children learn and grow intellectually, physically, socially, ethically, and artistically while developing self-confidence and a lifelong love of learning through an active partnership among educators, parents, and students.

School Vision:

Anchored to a challenging, engaging, and relevant academic program, The Fay School’s Leadership Development Program distinguishes itself among all other schools in Houston. Grounded in both emotional intelligence and human capital strategy, The Fay School’s vision is to deliberately build and educate the next generation of leaders for our world. Our students experience leadership training and curriculum reserved for Fortune 500 companies, and they graduate from Fay with skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Signature Programs and Differentiators:

Leadership Development through Emotional Intelligence: A successful leader is someone who inspires growth in self and others.  This requires a high degree of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, social-awareness, and relationship skills.  The Fay School’s Leadership Development Program engages students to cultivate these abilities through reflection, study, communication, and real-world problem solving.  By providing opportunities to practice these skills across the curriculum and in real-world settings, we foster student leadership to positively impact the world.

At Fay, we believe that humans will undoubtedly be measured by the success of our relationships and our ability to think outside the box. The Fay School is committed to the development of these skills and to intentionally empower the next generation of leaders for our world.

Outdoor Education and Environmental Responsibility: The Fay School enjoys one of the most beautiful landscapes in the city of Houston with our very own habitat of abundant green space, including nature trails in our 3-acre Fay Forest, an organic garden, and the popular chicken coop. Situated on Buffalo Bayou just upstream of Buffalo Bayou Park, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, and Memorial Park, The Fay School’s ideal location allows for an Outdoor Education curriculum that cultivates both a love and understanding of nature and the encouragement to act on an ethos of environmental responsibility. The Outdoor Education curriculum at Fay, along with project-based learning, empowers children with a hands-on experience to explore and learn through our natural world. Children learn how to use tools to discover and gain a science-based understanding of plants and animals in our habitat. Equally as important, our students learn to appreciate the sensory aspect of our habitat, with exposure to art and poetry that is inspired by nature. Ask any child at The Fay School about Outdoor Education and watch them light up with joy and enthusiasm!

Cultural/Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion: The Fay School’s nonsectarian mission, coupled with Houston’s status as one of the most diverse cities in the United States, allows for an inclusive school community student body that is over 34 percent racially/ethnically diverse by NAIS definition. At Fay we seek ways to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion.

Project Based Learning: Supported by frameworks and approaches from the University of Chicago, Teachers College at Columbia University, Rice University, and Stanford University’s d.school, our project based learning units offer Fay children authentic learning experiences. These authentic learning experiences have been spotlighted by NAIS, and most importantly, they instill a joy in our students for school and continued learning. Even schools within the city, region, and United States have taken notice. 

The Houston Advantage:

With more jobs than the entire population of many states, enriching diversity, expansive parks and trails, and elevated arts and culture, Houston truly offers something engaging for everyone. Nestled on the Texas Gulf Coast just an hour from Galveston Island’s swimming, fishing, and camping, Houston is the fourth most populous U.S. city and is home to more than a dozen major industries.

• Nearly 30 percent of the city’s population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, and an additional 51 percent hold a high school diploma or associate’s degree.
• The cost of living is roughly 17 percent below the average for major metropolitan areas.
• Much of Houston lies in Harris County, where the average weekly wage is about 30 percent above the U.S. average.
• Houston is the leading domestic and international center for virtually every segment of the energy industry.
• The largest medical complex in the world sits in the heart of Houston. The Texas Medical Center (TMC) hosts 21 renowned hospitals, 13 support organizations, eight academic and research institutions, six nursing programs, three public health organizations, three medical schools, two universities, two pharmacy schools, and a dental school. In addition, the area surrounding the TMC is home to 385 medical offices staffed by 21,000 physicians, scientists, researchers, and other advanced degree professionals in the life sciences.
• The Houston region has approximately 380,000 students in more than 60 degree-granting colleges, universities, and technical schools.
• A humid and subtropical climate means that city residents enjoy plenty of time outdoors. In Houston, the temperature ranges between 32 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for about 70 percent of the year.
• Houston is home to 25 shopping centers with more than 500,000 square feet; 10,000-plus restaurants from more than 70 national categories; and congregations of virtually every faith.
• Houstonians can always root for the home team thanks to the city’s nine professional sports teams and five major sports facilities. There are more than 170 golf courses and six racing facilities in the Houston area.
• More than 500 Houston institutions are devoted to the performing and visual arts, science, and history. The renowned Theatre District features nine major performing arts organizations in four venues, and the Museum District houses 19 world-class art, history, culture, nature, and science museums within proximity.
• Houston contains nearly 50,000 acres of managed parks, six National Wildlife Refuges, and a 300-mile interconnected bikeway. Together, Houston and Harris County offer more than 350 miles of hike and bike trails.
• When students in Houston dream of becoming innovators, astronauts, chefs, world-class physicians, ballerinas, artists, scientists, filmmakers, educators, religious leaders, financiers, petroleum engineers, or litigators, they only have to look as far as their neighbors. Inspiration and aspiration both abound in this haven of opportunity that so many talented people call home.

Who Should Apply: Important Qualities and Qualifications:

The Director of Admissions serves as The Fay School’s storyteller of its present and future, uniting prospective families to our vision and values. The Director of Admission works closely with the Head of School and collaborates with a small and excelling Advancement Team (marketing, communications, admissions, enrollment management) as they build a strong culture of demand, buy-in, and vision delivery throughout the school and broader community. The goal of the Director of Admission is to attract, steward, and support prospective families to the school, beginning with the admissions process and through the first day of school.

The chance to lead The Fay School’s established Admissions Office is an exciting opportunity for three types of professionals:

1. A rising star with the ambition to position themselves as a future head of their own school. A rising star will leverage the intentional support and implementation of The Fay School’s strategic plan and the successes in subsequent admissions cycles. This hungry professional will have significant experience working in admissions or enrollment management at an independent school. Robust professional development will be available to fuel the rise.
2. An experienced independent school admissions/advancement leader eager to impact the future of education by leveraging Fay’s potential in ways that will transform The Fay School’s position as a leading educational organization in Houston to one that is considered a national leader.
3. An experienced independent school teacher eager to transition to an administrative and non-academic role in an independent school. This type of candidate aspires to positively impact an independent school beyond the walls of a classroom and through a non-traditional (for a teacher) route to administration.

Professional Qualifications:

• Excellent professional credentials, including an advanced degree
• Documented experience as a skilled and successful admissions professional or educational leader
• Exceptional organizational, time management, database management, and customer-service skills
• Mastery of NAIS best practices in admissions
• Experience working with an energized team of leaders and educators
• Adept at using Blackbaud, Microsoft Office, and Zoom
• Outstanding and highly responsive communication skills, both written and oral

Leadership Style and Personal Characteristics:

• A persuasive, emotionally intelligent, and socially adept communicator with polished intrapersonal and interpersonal skills
• A motivated and appropriately competitive leader oriented towards data-driven results
• A decisive and sensitive administrator with excellent judgment and problem-solving skills
• A leader aligned with ambitious standards and who will energize The Fay School community in pursuit of common vision
• A leader with a variety of interests and an appreciation of many perspectives, especially those of environmental responsibility
• An energetic, hands-on leader with a natural ability to relate to elementary school-aged students and their families
• A leader motivated by the opportunity to authentically and confidently connect with prospective parents in a way that energizes them to passionately seek admission to The Fay School
• A leader who adheres to deadlines and executes on time while prioritizing customer service
• A warm, engaging, and compassionate human being with a healthy sense of humor

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Works relentlessly to meet enrollment goals and to sustain our recent increase in overall applications to the school.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with outside institutions or groups (especially schools, consulates, libraries, civic associations, nursery schools, real estate agencies, etc.) that can be helpful to increasing brand awareness.
• Sustains and oversees the initiatives designed to achieve the school’s enrollment goals.
• Presents the school to those not familiar with The Fay School, especially prospective families. This includes: off campus outreach, systematic and efficient handling of applications and communication, interviews and assessments with candidates and their parents, arrangements for admissions testing, securing the necessary student credentials, communicating final admissions decisions to the appropriate individuals, and onboarding new parents through the first day of school.
• Persuasively articulates the nuances and powerful relevancy of our strategic plan, vision, and educational programming in ways that inspires families to not just think about how powerful The Fay School experience is while their child is enrolled, but also how it will enhance their child’s successes in and contributions to middle school, high school, college, and beyond.
• Oversees the program of admissions for new students to the school and directs the admissions process from point of interest through enrollment.
• Maintains consistent and appropriate communication with inquiring families and applicants.

Additional Personal Characteristics and Competencies:

To be successful in this role, Fay’s future Director of Admissions should have already demonstrated:

• A professional and personal demeanor that is highly organized, inspiring, open, trusting, consistent, and clear
• An openness to the changing landscape of education and The Fay School’s aspirations to serve as a model on how best to adapt and evolve given these changes
• Ability to work autonomously and as a collaborative team member
• Facility with Blackbaud, Microsoft Office and Zoom
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to move relatively easily across campus and the city for stretch periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry moderately heavy packages up to 20lbs
• A leadership style that leverages a growth mindset and is approachable, accessible, relational, empathetic, and inclusive
• An orientation to action based on sound judgement with an emphasis on clearly defined responsibility
• A sense of optimism coupled with a strong sense of humor
• A commitment to partnership and collaboration with the internal and external constituencies; a generous collegiality and the ability to connect with people at all levels.

Application Requirements and Search Process:

Inspired candidates should submit the following in PDF form in lieu of submitting our online application:

• A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position, including specific fundraising accomplishments.
• A current resume or C.V.
• A statement of educational and leadership philosophy.
• The names and contact information of 3-5 references.
• Optional: Other supporting materials (e.g. CliftonStrengths Assessment, professional development certificates, digital portfolios, articles, speeches, presentations, letters of recommendations, transcripts, etc.,) that would be useful to the Search Committee.

Who Should Apply: Important Qualities and Qualifications:

The Director of Admissions serves as The Fay School’s storyteller of its present and future, uniting prospective families to our vision and values. The Director of Admission works closely with the Head of School and collaborates with a small and excelling Advancement Team (marketing, communications, admissions, enrollment management) as they build a strong culture of demand, buy-in, and vision delivery throughout the school and broader community. The goal of the Director of Admission is to attract, steward, and support prospective families to the school, beginning with the admissions process and through the first day of school.

The chance to lead The Fay School’s established Admissions Office is an exciting opportunity for three types of professionals:

1. A rising star with the ambition to position themselves as a future head of their own school. A rising star will leverage the intentional support and implementation of The Fay School’s strategic plan and the successes in subsequent admissions cycles. This hungry professional will have significant experience working in admissions or enrollment management at an independent school. Robust professional development will be available to fuel the rise.
2. An experienced independent school admissions/advancement leader eager to impact the future of education by leveraging Fay’s potential in ways that will transform The Fay School’s position as a leading educational organization in Houston to one that is considered a national leader.
3. An experienced independent school teacher eager to transition to an administrative and non-academic role in an independent school. This type of candidate aspires to positively impact an independent school beyond the walls of a classroom and through a non-traditional (for a teacher) route to administration.

Professional Qualifications:

• Excellent professional credentials, including an advanced degree
• Documented experience as a skilled and successful admissions professional or educational leader
• Exceptional organizational, time management, database management, and customer-service skills
• Mastery of NAIS best practices in admissions
• Experience working with an energized team of leaders and educators
• Adept at using Blackbaud, Microsoft Office, and Zoom
• Outstanding and highly responsive communication skills, both written and oral

Leadership Style and Personal Characteristics:

• A persuasive, emotionally intelligent, and socially adept communicator with polished intrapersonal and interpersonal skills
• A motivated and appropriately competitive leader oriented towards data-driven results
• A decisive and sensitive administrator with excellent judgment and problem-solving skills
• A leader aligned with ambitious standards and who will energize The Fay School community in pursuit of common vision
• A leader with a variety of interests and an appreciation of many perspectives, especially those of environmental responsibility
• An energetic, hands-on leader with a natural ability to relate to elementary school-aged students and their families
• A leader motivated by the opportunity to authentically and confidently connect with prospective parents in a way that energizes them to passionately seek admission to The Fay School
• A leader who adheres to deadlines and executes on time while prioritizing customer service
• A warm, engaging, and compassionate human being with a healthy sense of humor

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Works relentlessly to meet enrollment goals and to sustain our recent increase in overall applications to the school.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with outside institutions or groups (especially schools, consulates, libraries, civic associations, nursery schools, real estate agencies, etc.) that can be helpful to increasing brand awareness.
• Sustains and oversees the initiatives designed to achieve the school’s enrollment goals.
• Presents the school to those not familiar with The Fay School, especially prospective families. This includes: off campus outreach, systematic and efficient handling of applications and communication, interviews and assessments with candidates and their parents, arrangements for admissions testing, securing the necessary student credentials, communicating final admissions decisions to the appropriate individuals, and onboarding new parents through the first day of school.
• Persuasively articulates the nuances and powerful relevancy of our strategic plan, vision, and educational programming in ways that inspires families to not just think about how powerful The Fay School experience is while their child is enrolled, but also how it will enhance their child’s successes in and contributions to middle school, high school, college, and beyond.
• Oversees the program of admissions for new students to the school and directs the admissions process from point of interest through enrollment.
• Maintains consistent and appropriate communication with inquiring families and applicants.

Additional Personal Characteristics and Competencies:

To be successful in this role, Fay’s future Director of Admissions should have already demonstrated:

• A professional and personal demeanor that is highly organized, inspiring, open, trusting, consistent, and clear
• An openness to the changing landscape of education and The Fay School’s aspirations to serve as a model on how best to adapt and evolve given these changes
• Ability to work autonomously and as a collaborative team member
• Facility with Blackbaud, Microsoft Office and Zoom
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to move relatively easily across campus and the city for stretch periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry moderately heavy packages up to 20lbs
• A leadership style that leverages a growth mindset and is approachable, accessible, relational, empathetic, and inclusive
• An orientation to action based on sound judgement with an emphasis on clearly defined responsibility
• A sense of optimism coupled with a strong sense of humor
• A commitment to partnership and collaboration with the internal and external constituencies; a generous collegiality and the ability to connect with people at all levels.

Application Requirements and Search Process:

Inspired candidates should submit the following in PDF form in lieu of submitting our online application:

• A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position, including specific fundraising accomplishments.
• A current resume or C.V.
• A statement of educational and leadership philosophy.
• The names and contact information of 3-5 references.
• Optional: Other supporting materials (e.g. CliftonStrengths Assessment, professional development certificates, digital portfolios, articles, speeches, presentations, letters of recommendations, transcripts, etc.,) that would be useful to the Search Committee.