Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

Reports to: Head of School

Position Type: Full-Time, 12 month, exempt position

Hilton Head Preparatory School seeks an experienced Director of Admissions and Financial Aid to lead all strategic recruitment, enrollment management and financial aid optimization. This position is available immediately due to our current Director moving out of the area for family relocation. The school is seeking a full-time candidate, but will also consider candidates interested in serving as an interim until July 1.

Hilton Head Prep is a thriving independent school serving approximately 535 students from 15 months through 12th grade. Located within the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, Prep offers unparalleled access to natural beauty, a thriving coastal community, and a supportive school environment. The school is entering an exciting period of strategic growth, including program enhancements and campus development supported by strong leadership and community engagement.

Over the last 4 years, the school enrollment has grown significantly, with the merger with Sea Pines Montessori Academy in 2025 accounting for some of that. As part of an ambitious capital campaign, the school will break ground on a new academic center this Spring. A new outdoor athletic complex and additional campus renovations are also in the works. In addition to the physical enhancements, the campaign has also received major gifts to the endowment targeted at enhancing financial aid. This is an exciting time for a new Director of Admissions and Financial Aid to join the team and lead the strategic next steps of enrollment management. 

Key Responsibilities

●      Enrollment Management: Develop and execute strategic recruitment plans to meet enrollment targets.

●      Admissions Process: Guide families through inquiries, campus visits, testing, and interviews.

●      Financial Aid: Manage the financial aid budget, evaluate applications, and allocate awards equitably.

●      SC Educational Scholarship Trust Fund: Manage parent communications concerning the application process and related deadlines. Work with the Business Office to track acceptances.

●      Data & Analytics: Maintain enrollment data and enrollment contracts in Blackbaud and analyze aid applications in Clarity.

●      Reporting: Track trends, analyze retention data, and report regularly to leadership.

●      Community Outreach: Build partnerships with local feeder schools, organizations, and businesses.

●      Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the admissions and enrollment staff.

Qualifications

●      Experience: 5+ years in independent school admissions or enrollment management.

●      Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

●      Technical Skills: Proven proficiency with Blackbaud (Enrollment Management) and Clarity Financial Aid a plus.

●      Communication: Exceptional public speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

●      Competitive salary matching experience.

●      Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.

●      Generous retirement matching contribution.

●      Tuition remission for eligible dependent children.

Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Lucy Bongiorno, Human Resources (lbongiorno@hhprep.org). Please include "Director of Admissions" in the subject line.

 Hilton Head Prep is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability.

Deadline for Applications: October 15, 2026