Pinecrest School seeks a dynamic and experienced Director of Marketing and Admissions to join our administrative leadership team. This individual will work directly with the Head of School and in collaboration with the Director of Academics, contributing to key strategic decisions that shape the school's future.

This role has two primary functions:

1. Admissions: Leading all efforts to recruit, enroll, and welcome new students and families to our community (from 3-year-olds through 6th grade).
2. Marketing: Managing all external and internal communications, including community outreach, social media, web presence, and school media, to effectively tell the Pinecrest story.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, tech-savvy, and relational leader who is comfortable working both independently and as a vital part of a small, collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities

Admissions & Enrollment Management

• Design and execute all aspects of the admissions process from inquiry and campus tours to application, family interviews, and enrollment.
• Develop and implement strategic recruitment plans to attract mission-appropriate families and meet annual enrollment goals.
• Organize, manage, and attend all admissions events, such as open houses, new family orientations, and information sessions (requires some evening and weekend availability).
• Maintain accurate data, track key metrics, and provide regular admissions reports to the Head of School.
• Serve as the primary, welcoming point of contact for all prospective families.

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and manage the school's marketing strategy to enhance visibility and strengthen brand identity.
• Maintain and regularly update the school website, including editing pages and creating new content with a focus on SEO and user experience
• Create compelling visual content (graphics, images) for social media, website posts, and print materials using Canva or similar design software.
• Manage the school's social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) with consistent, engaging posts.
• Write and distribute internal and external communications, including newsletters and announcements.
• Develop, implement, and analyze targeted email marketing campaigns for various audience segments (e.g., prospective families, current students, alumni) to support enrollment goals and community engagement, utilizing CRM or email platform tools.
• Manage, monitor, and optimize paid digital advertising campaigns (PPC) on current platforms other relevant third-party ad networks to meet key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Identify, evaluate, and engage with third-party web platforms and local guides (e.g., community directories, relevant niche websites) to secure high-quality backlinks and strategic digital placements that enhance SEO and referral traffic.

Community & Media

• Lead community outreach initiatives to build and maintain strong relationships with feeder schools, local organizations, and community partners.
• Support, promote, and attend key internal community events to foster a strong school spirit.
• Oversee the school's media collection, responsible for collecting, organizing, and displaying pictures and videos in a central online community location (e.g., a shared drive or private gallery) for families to access.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to head@pinecrestschool.org

• Exceptional interpersonal skills: Must be a strong, empathetic communicator with the ability to connect authentically with children, parents, staff, and the wider community.
• Superior organizational skills: Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple complex projects, deadlines, and data streams simultaneously.
• Very strong technology skills: High level of proficiency with website management systems (CMS), social media platforms, and digital design tools (like Canva). Must be comfortable with office suites (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office) and databases.
• Self-starter and team player: Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems, while also thriving as a collaborative member of a small administrative team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, education, business, or a related field.
• School Experience: Prior experience in an independent school setting is strongly preferred.
• Non-Profit Experience: Familiarity with the non-profit sector.
• Field Experience: Demonstrable experience in admissions, enrollment management, or marketing.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent standing, walking, and bending.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to see and hear to effectively communicate with students and colleagues.

Work is generally performed in a standard school office environment, which can be fast-paced and occasionally noisy. On occasion, the employee will be required to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.

About Pinecrest School

Pinecrest School is an award-winning, fully accredited private school in Fairfax County, Virginia, serving children ages 3-12 in preschool through sixth grade. We are conveniently located inside the Beltway in Northern Virginia in Annandale. In 2017, we celebrated our 60th year, having started as a preschool in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1957. We provide children with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking skills, STEAM instruction, and hands-on projects in small classes. We are a small school by design and believe that differentiated instruction is the norm. Our warm and nurturing social and emotional environment gives children the caring support necessary to challenge themselves with confidence. We encourage parents and children to form a close partnership, built on mutual trust, with our teachers and school leaders. We teach mindfulness strategies to help children learn to relax their bodies and focus their minds. Our campus comprises two modern buildings, a playground, and outdoor areas, giving children plenty of kid-friendly spaces to move, learn, and play.

Connections working at Pinecrest School