University Liggett School Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Associate Head of School for Enrollment / Director of Admission Located in Grosse Pointe Woods, a short drive from the bustle of downtown Detroit, University Liggett School is a nationally recognized, experiential learning-based private school for children from prekindergarten (age 3) through 12th grade. With its unique Curriculum for Understanding, ULS guides students become active participants in their learning experience. They discover their passions; uncover questions; propose answers. And, in doing so, they turn information into understanding. Limited class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning. The Liggett instructional method is based on critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, adaptability and universalism. These foundational characteristics are woven in at all levels of instruction and in all academic areas, including reading and writing, mathematics, science, technology and affective and emotional intelligence. University Liggett School is Michigan’s oldest independent school and embraces the history of four schools: The Liggett School; Detroit University School; Grosse Pointe Country Day School; and Grosse Pointe University School. The school has experienced a significant increase in enrollment in the last 10 years. A major marketing and outreach program was developed and implemented over these five years, including the establishment of the “Liggett Scholars Program,” a merit based scholarship for Upper School students. As a result of these efforts, the school has broadened its student base to include a much wider geographic area. The school has created and implemented a major curriculum initiative, has partnered with the Harvard Project Zero group, and has developed a PreK-12 integrated program emphasizing research skills, creativity, and independent learning. The school has a long and distinguished history of athletic excellence which continues to be a major support for its enrollment success. University Liggett School’s faculty and staff of 126 includes master teachers, alumni, recent college graduates, and business, communications, and education professionals with decades of successful experience in independent schools. More than 50 of the full-time faculty hold advanced degrees in their fields. Many are also active as successful writers, artists, scientists, and lecturers in their own fields, as well as being committed to community and social service in the Detroit area.
Grosse Pointe / Detroit Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake St. Clair and just a short drive north of downtown Detroit, the 11 square mile community of Grosse Pointe is composed of The City of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Woods and the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores. Each individual city maintains its own residents-only waterfront park, complete with swimming pools, picnic tables, tennis courts, skating rinks, playgrounds, and marinas. Familyoriented activities can be found year-round, including a farmers market, home and garden tours, block parties, street festivals, art fairs, outdoor concerts, holiday parades, fun runs/walks, and more. The family-centered community features tree-lined streets; groomed yards; waterfront sidewalks sprinkled with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers; and convenient markets, boutique shops, and eateries. Grosse Pointe is also home to many cultural centers, such as the Grosse Pointe War Memorial (spacious Italian Renaissance-style home that serves as a memorial to Grosse Pointers who served and died in World War II—and as a magnificent center for community educational and charitable activities), the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, and a number of churches. Among the notable figures who have called Grosse Pointe home: the Ford family, Edward Herrmann, Anita Baker, Kirk Gibson, and Julie Harris. About 20 minutes south of Grosse Pointe, Detroit is a classic American city in the midst of quite a remarkable renaissance. Home to major corporations, museums, trendy new restaurants, and surging development, the streets of downtown Detroit brim with a renewed confidence as well as great energy and civic pride. The city is seeing a growth in both young entrepreneurs and large corporations. An example of the city’s innovative culture is Pony Ride, a community that provides affordable space for socially conscious artists and entrepreneurs to work and share. Over 25 organizations utilize the community space and are thus able to give back to and beautify the community. The Detroit metropolitan area boasts over 20 institutions of higher learning; 14 museums and cultural centers; a symphony, opera, jazz festival, and arts festival; an assortment of museums and arenas; professional sports teams in football, hockey, baseball, and both men’s and women’s basketball; and more theater seats than any other city east of the Mississippi River with the exception of New York City. Detroit is a national business, cultural, and entertainment destination. Situated between Lakes Huron and Erie, the city of Detroit is the eighth largest metropolitan area in the country. The State of Michigan is well known for its great outdoors and high quality of life. The fresh-water Great Lakes surround the state, and boating, golfing, National Parks, and tourist attractions such as Mackinac Island abound. With an average annual temperature of just under 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the city boasts a relatively temperate climate for such a northern locale and has long been recognized as a center of culture and industry in the Great Lakes Region.
Associate Head of School for Admissions and Enrollment Management or Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management Director of Admission and Enrollment Management, which could also be Associate Head of School for Admissions and Enrollment Management for the right candidate, should have considerable experience in admissions/recruiting, demonstrated management skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Teaching experience, college, or independent school, would be important elements in the candidate’s profile. Ability to work constructively in a team-oriented administration, share responsibilities, and participate actively in all areas of school life is essential. The Associate Head of School for Admissions and Enrollment Management reports to the Head of School, is a member of the senior staff, and shares responsibility for the management of the entire school’s program. Duties and Responsibilities As part of the overall strategic planning role, oversee and set enrollment goals along with a strategy that takes the specific needs of the Detroit area market and marketing research into consideration. In an ever challenging, shrinking market, prior experience with proven results to successfully meet set Admissions goals is a must. Successful use of resources including ability to network with feeder schools. A specialist in admissions and understanding the key elements to successful recruiting. Prior experience working in a school required. All management responsibility of the Admissions Office including: o Supervise the admissions team. Admission directors will be responsible for meeting the goals of the enrollment strategic plan, implementing marketing tools and working closely with prospective families during their school search in a highly competitive market. Clearly communicate, on a regular basis, keeping management and team informed of all relevant information. Understand the history and culture of the school to effectively translate and tell the University Liggett story in a compelling “story telling” manner. Responsible for the distribution of financial aid and merit assistance. Collaborate with the head of school, business office director and board of trustees to create a longterm strategy for enrollment increases and aid management. Build strong relationships with faculty, staff and coaches within the school and assist them in articulating the schools message Willing to be an “all school” administrator having a presence in all divisions
Qualifications Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred Knowledge of Detroit area institutions to help understand the overall meaning of a University Liggett education. A passion and understanding for independent schools with prior experience in enrollment/admissions. Prior experience working in a school. 3-5 years of organizational, management and administrative experience. Computer literacy, enthusiastic public speaker, and a competitive nature. Authentic with a strong understanding of customer service with a genuine sense of humor
Compensation and benefits for this position will be extremely competitive nationally and can include tuition remission. To Apply University Liggett School has engaged the services of Carney, Sandoe, & Associates to assist in its search for this position. Interested individuals should email a cover letter and resume to and/or contact Senior Search Consultant, Ben Bolte: bbolte@carneysandoe.com/617-933-3430. Please do not send your information to the School.
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