Working at The Common School

Director of Enrollment and Programs

Position Summary: The Director of Enrollment and Programs leads all aspects of student recruitment, outreach, admissions, enrollment, and retention at The Common School. This individual will design and implement efforts to attract a diverse and mission-aligned student and caregiver community, ensuring a personalized and welcoming admissions process while working collaboratively with school leadership to meet enrollment goals. Reporting directly to the Head of School and serving on the leadership team, the Director of Enrollment and Programs will play a vital role in shaping and communicating the school's identity to prospective families and the broader community. This position will also play an essential role in supporting student programs that advance the mission of The Common School through collaborating and supporting specialist teachers, building community partnerships, and ensuring the delivery of rich student experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Enrollment Management:

• Develop a comprehensive yearlong enrollment strategy in collaboration with the Head of School, aligned with the school’s mission and goals.

• Identify key demographics, recruitment and outreach opportunities, and enrollment projections to inform decision-making.

• Analyze enrollment trends and use data-driven insights to refine strategies and ensure sustainable growth. 

Student Recruitment and Admissions:

• Execute all aspects of the admissions process, including outreach, student recruitment and family cultivation, application review, enrollment decisions and contracts.

• Collaborate with the administrative team on enrollment and admissions processes, and tuition assistance committee, and engage in collaborative decision-making.

• Lead school tours, open houses, and admissions events, ensuring a welcoming, warm and informative experience for prospective families.

• Foster relationships with early childhood programs, community organizations, and other key partners to promote the visibility of The Common School.

• Ensure a fair and inclusive admissions process that supports diversity, equity, and belonging within the school community.

Tuition Assistance Coordination:

• Work closely with the Head of School and Director of Finance to oversee the tuition assistance program and committee.

• Develop strategies to maximize affordability and accessibility for families while maintaining the school’s financial sustainability.

• Communicate tuition assistance policies transparently and effectively to prospective families.

Community Engagement and Retention:

• Develop and implement retention strategies to maintain a strong and engaged student and caregiver community.

• Partner with faculty, staff, and families to build community and enhance the student and caregiver experience.

• Serve as a liaison to families, addressing questions and concerns to foster a strong sense of belonging and school connectedness.

• Coordinate volunteers, and classroom liaisons, and collaborate with the Community Life Committee to support events, volunteerism, and family engagement initiatives.

Program Development and Student Enrichment:

• Develop, codify and oversee programs that align with and advance the mission of The Common School.

• Support and coordinate specialists to provide enriching student experiences and aligned programs across all grades.

• Build and maintain community partnerships that enhance student engagement and expand learning opportunities.

• Identify and implement initiatives that contribute to the holistic development of students, ensuring that enrichment programs are accessible and impactful.

Marketing and Communications:

• Oversee admissions-related messaging, advertising, and marketing initiatives to promote The Common School’s progressive mission and pedagogical approach.

• Collaborate with other leadership team members to ensure consistency in branding and outreach efforts.

• Develop written materials that effectively convey the school’s values and program offerings.

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work closely with the leadership team to align enrollment goals with broader school priorities.

• Provide regular reports on admissions trends, goals, and progress to the Head of School.

• Stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in independent school enrollment management.

• Serve as additional administrative coverage and flexible classroom support as needed, including having regular duty spots at key times of the day.

• Collaborate with administration and faculty to foster a positive and supportive environment.

• Build strong relationships with caregivers, students, staff, and external stakeholders.

• Participate in hiring processes as requested.

• Demonstrate reflection, a commitment to personal growth, and openness to feedback.

• Consistently develop a personal toolkit to confront bias, and reflective practices on how our identities as leaders intersect with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. 

• Complete other administrative duties as requested by the Head of School.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of five years of experience in admissions, enrollment management, education leadership, or a related field, preferably in an independent or progressive school setting.

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Ability to think strategically and to manage complexity and ambiguity.

• An orientation toward constant learning and operating with positivity in the face of challenges.

• Ability to clearly articulate their connection to the mission of The Common School and the significance of a progressive, independent school education.

• Experience managing adults, supporting teachers and providing professional development.

• Proficiency in the use of technology including Google Suite and electronic record-keeping systems (required).

• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans.

• Experience with data analysis and competency with online tools to support efficiency, collaboration decision-making.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the admissions process and school community.

• High level of professionalism, organization, and attention to detail.

This position is full-time, in-person, 12-month, and salaried. The salary range is $58,000-$70,000, depending upon experience and training. The Common School has a competitive benefits package.

To Apply:The Common School seeks candidates who will add to the racial, cultural, and gender diversity of the school community. The School is committed to reducing bias throughout the hiring process. For this reason, we ask applicants to follow these steps. Qualified candidates should send (1) a letter of interest, (2) a resume 3) a written response to the equity, inclusion, and social justice statement below* and (4) a copy of all three of these items with personally identifiable information removed to: hiring@commonschool.org  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with a start date of July 1, 2025.

Statement for Applicant Response: Please read The Common School’s statement of commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. The Common School is committed to social justice, critical thinking, and compassion for others. We strive to ensure that our community of students, families, and staff are actively helping to create a caring and equitable environment. Please describe any personal background, training, work or other experience that you feel demonstrates your ability to help us in achieving this goal.

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Full-Time Associate Teacher 

The Common School – Amherst, MA 

Are you an enthusiastic and dedicated educator eager to immerse yourself in a progressive, student-centered learning environment? The Common School, a vibrant Nursery through 6th-grade school in Western Massachusetts, seeks a full-time Associate Teacher to work closely with a classroom Head Teacher in fostering a dynamic, inclusive classroom experience. 

About The Common School: 

Nestled within 140 acres of picturesque conservation land, The Common School offers an engaging, hands-on educational experience that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to cultivate compassionate learners through a transformative, joyful, progressive education. 

Position Overview: 

The Associate Teacher will work closely with the classroom Head Teacher to implement a rich, integrated curriculum that meets students’ developmental and academic needs. This role offers the opportunity to lead small group instruction, actively contribute to curriculum planning, and create a nurturing classroom environment where students feel valued and inspired to learn. 

Key Responsibilities 

● Collaborate in planning and delivering a dynamic, developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and deep engagement. 

● Lead daily small group literacy and math lessons, adapting instruction to support a range of learners. 

● Document student progress and participation to guide curriculum development and assessment. 

● Foster a classroom culture emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. 

● Engage students in hands-on, thematic studies that connect learning to the real world. ● Supervise students during transitions, outdoor play, lunch, and other daily activities. 

● Take the lead in classroom instruction when the Head Teacher is absent. 

● Maintain open, thoughtful communication with students, colleagues, and caregivers. 

● Communicate and maintain high standards for classroom management using active supervision, and positive and restorative approaches. 

● Attend and contribute to faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and school-wide events. 

Qualifications Preferred: 

● Master’s degree in education or a related field. 

● Massachusetts Licensure 

● 2+ years of teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education. ● Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and progressive pedagogy. 

● Strong skills in collaboration, adaptability, and communication. 

Salary range: $33,000 - $43,000, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply: 

We seek candidates who will contribute to the racial, cultural, and gender diversity of our school community. As part of our anti-bias hiring process, applicants are asked to follow these steps: 

1. Submit a letter of interest 

2. Provide a resume 

3. Submit a written response to the equity, inclusion, and social justice statement below* 

4. Send a blind copy of all three items (with contact information removed) Email materials to Hiring@commonschool.org 

* The Common School is committed to social justice, critical thinking, and compassion for others. We strive to ensure that our community of students, families, and staff actively contributes to a caring and equitable environment. Please describe any personal background, training, work, or other experience that demonstrates your ability to help us achieve this goal. 

Join us in shaping a learning community where children are empowered to explore, question, and grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens!

We are accepting applications for Substitute Teachers to work with all ages. Substitutes should be available for work either for pre-planned absences or for last minute (early morning) calls.

Full job description here.

Email your resume to hiring@commonschool.org