Director of Admissions and Business Operations for Roberts Academy at Elon University

Title: Director of Admissions and Business Operations for Roberts Academy at Elon University

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: Monday - Friday

Hours Per Week: 40

VP Area: Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs

Department: Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education

Position Summary

The Director of Admissions and Business Operations is a founding leadership role responsible for enrollment growth and operational discipline for the Roberts Academy at Elon University, a mission-driven startup school serving students with dyslexia.

This role serves as the primary point of trust for prospective families and holds primary responsibility for admissions decisions, enrollment forecasting, and enrollment-driven financial planning, in partnership with the Head of School. The Director builds systems and processes that protect student fit, financial health, and long-term sustainability while ensuring a thoughtful, family-centered admissions experience.

Benefits of Working at Elon

As an Elon University employee, you’ll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon’s personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities.

Elon University’s home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. In addition to the beautiful canopy of historic oak trees iconic to our campus, you’ll find boundless opportunities for family-friendly recreation, cultural events and outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, fine dining and entertainment are just a few of the many happenings in the Elon area, making the region one of the nation’s premier travel destinations.

Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation.

Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses

Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment.

Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university.

Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic.

Free use of campus fitness facilities.

Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics.

Eligibility for tuition remission at Elon for spouses, qualifying domestic partners and dependents begins at two years of service. After two years of employment, eligibility begins for participation in the Tuition Exchange, a national scholarship exchange program that enables dependents to enroll in nationally recognized partner colleges and universities.

Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon’s principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one’s identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Business Administration, Special Education, or related field
• Experience in admissions, enrollment management, business operations, or related field
• Proven experience managing budgets and financial operations
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree preferred in Education, Business Administration, Special Education, or related field
• Experience working in special education or schools serving students with learning differences
• Background in nonprofit financial management
• Working knowledge or certification in dyslexia therapy or related credential
• Knowledge of financial aid processes and tuition assistance programs
• Experience with school management software and financial systems
• CRM/database management experience
• Understanding of independent school accreditation standards

 

Job Duties

• Admissions and Enrollment Management
  • Lead comprehensive recruitment and admissions strategy to meet annual enrollment goals.
  • Guide the full admissions process from initial inquiry through enrollment.
  • Manage admissions timelines, application review, and admission decisions in collaboration with educational leadership.
  • Maintain accurate enrollment projections tied directly to revenue planning and staffing models.
  • Analyze and adjust enrollment strategy based upon trends and market conditions.
• Family Relations and Outreach
  • Serve as the first and primary point of contact for families, guiding them through the admissions journey with clarity, care, and responsiveness.
  • Lead information sessions, campus tours, and intake conversations for prospective families.
  • Communicate the Academy’s mission and dyslexia-specific instructional approach in clear, accessible language.
  • Help families understand how structured literacy, supports, and expectations align with their child’s needs.
  • Set clear expectations with families regarding program scope, timelines, and outcomes.
  • Build trusted referral relationships with psychologists, educational consultants, schools, and community organizations serving students with learning differences.
  • Represent the Roberts Academy at community events, open houses, and professional gatherings.
• Application Review and Assessment
  • Review applications, educational evaluations, and psychoeducational reports to understand each learning profile and needs.
  • Partner with instructional leadership to assess readiness, fit, and the supports required for success.
  • Coordinate student visits and assessment experiences as part of the admissions process.
  • Make thoughtful admission recommendations grounded in student needs and program capacity.
  • Uphold the Academy’s mission by ensuring every admission decision supports long-term student growth and success.
• Business Operations
  • Oversee tuition billing, payment plans, and receivables to support a smooth and transparent family experience.
  • Manage the financial aid process and allocation strategy in alignment with enrollment and access goals.
  • Produce enrollment-driven revenue forecasts in coordination with the Head of School and business office partners.
  • Maintain accurate student records, enrollment contracts, and required documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with state and local requirements for private schools.
  • Monitor operating budgets and expenses in coordination with the Head of School.
  • Serve as the primary operational liaison with university partners in finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, and risk management.
  • Oversee admissions, billing, and student information systems.
  • Develop, document, and maintain clear operational policies and procedures that support daily school operations.
• Financial Management
  • Monitor cash flow, enrollment revenue, and philanthropy to support financial stability.
  • Collaborate with leadership to prepare financial reports, annual budget, and analyses.
  • Track and report on key performance indicators related to enrollment and operations.
  • Identify operational efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Marketing and Communications
  • Partner with marketing and communications colleagues to inform admissions messaging and materials.
  • Maintain awareness of the competitive landscape and enrollment trends in specialized education.
  • Track inquiry sources and conversion metrics to optimize recruitment efforts.
• Team Leadership
  • Maintain admissions database and ensure accurate record-keeping.
  • Develop and manage admissions and operations budgets.
  • Create and refine admissions policies and operational procedures.
  • Foster collaborative culture across administrative departments.