This position coordinates student recruitment for the Woolman Semester School. The heart of this position is to communicate the story of this learning experience to prospective students, parents, teachers, alumni and other educators. The work itself is very dynamic and can, at times, feel part marketing, part social work, part therapist, and part community organizing. A major highlight of this work is walking between the two worlds of a progressive educational community and the larger progressive education movement in the US and beyond.
High school education is transforming and Woolman sees itself as a critical part of that transformation. During a semester at Woolman, our students explore individual and community empowerment through a variety of topics and learning experiences that address social justice and sustainability. Students from diverse educational backgrounds attend Woolman – traditional public high schools, charter schools, Waldorf / Quaker / Montessori schools, students who are homeschooled or unschooled – and together with the staff and interns, they create a rich learning community for 16 weeks.
Specific responsibilities for this position include:
Communicating with students and parents throughout the application process
Creating and implementing an outreach plan
Developing and maintaining relationships with sending schools and other influencers
Contact management for schools and prospective students
Coordinating outreach travel
Interviewing applicants
Processing applications and financial aid
In addition to these responsibilities, the Admissions & Outreach Director is an integral member of the school’s Leadership Team, working closely with the Head of School, Program Coordinator, and other Woolman Faculty. This team will often work collaboratively with each other on outreach efforts. When on campus, they are expected to join other staff in making a full commitment to Woolman’s community life. This includes participation in Quaker meeting, community meeting, chores, meal preparation, and other community support.
Desired Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience
Experience in educational admissions and enrollment
Excellent communication, time management, delegation, and organization skills
Experience in community organizing, campaigns, and/or event planning
Strong public speaking skills
Highly proficient in use of office technology
Ability to plan and implement outreach trips throughout the US
A network of connections with educational institutions and organizations
Comfortable working with large groups of kids and adults
Strong desire to live and work in a community setting
Passionate about progressive education
Familiarity with semester schools
Experience working with high school age students and recent college graduates from diverse backgrounds
Willingness to participate in staff and community meetings in the style of Quaker consensus decision-making
Willingness to practice NVC and Restorative Justice
Willingness and desire to participate in anti-oppression work within the community, and continue learning and training in those areas
Interest in living in community and participating in community activities
A fun, positive and encouraging disposition
About Woolman
Woolman is a nonprofit educational community located on 230 acres in the Sierra Nevada Foothills dedicated to the principles of peace, justice and sustainability. Originally founded in 1963 as a Quaker high school, Woolman now offers educational programs for teens, retreats for adults, and summer camps for children and families including The Woolman Semester; a 4-month residential education program in northern California for passionate young people who want to make a difference in the world. Woolman is an equal opportunity employer. www.woolman.org.
Salary and Benefits
This position will start between February 15th and March 1st, 2016, and receive an annual salary of $25,000. Health benefits are available. Room & Board on campus are discounted 60% and end up being around $5,000/year renting a space on the Woolman campus and eating lunches and dinners in the Woolman dining hall.
How to apply
To apply, please send a letter of interest, current resume, and three references to:
Gray Horwitz, Head of School, grayh@woolman.org