Associate Director of Admission and Financial Aid

The Chicago Academy for the Arts (chicagoacademyforthearts.org), Illinois’ premier visual and performing arts high school, seeks a full-time Associate Director of Admission & Financial Aid to start immediately.

The Academy’s educational model is co-curricular: students engage in rigorous academic classes for five hours each day before immersing themselves in 3-5 hours of professional-level training in dance, filmmaking, animation, writing, music, musical theatre, theatre, or visual arts. (Note: The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a different school than “ChiArts,” a CPS school.)

Students at The Academy are characterized by an extraordinary sense of purpose and community. Most continue with the arts after high school: alums include hit songwriters, Grammy Award nominees and winners, Broadway stars, internationally acclaimed dancers and visual artists, and award-winning filmmakers and writers. Students also pursue degrees and careers outside of the arts: many alums are successful professionals in the fields of science, mathematics, technology, business, law, healthcare, and many more.

Reporting to the Director of Enrollment Management, the Associate Director of Admission & Financial Aid supports all aspects of recruitment, admission, enrollment, re-enrollment, and the tuition assistance program. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the admissions process, including supporting applicant families, reviewing materials, and serving on the admissions committee

• Representing The Academy at school fairs and outreach events; managing student and parent ambassador programs; maintaining relationships with feeder schools across Chicagoland

• Developing and executing admissions strategies and events (e.g., Open Houses, information sessions, tours, shadow days, and yield events) to meet enrollment goals

• Analyzing application, demographic, yield, and financial aid trends to inform planning and decision-making

• Collaborating regularly with Arts and Academic leadership, as well as senior leadership on long-term strategic planning

• Guiding prospective families from initial inquiry through the entire application and enrollment process

• Managing admissions events logistics, including planning, communication, and setup/breakdown

• Supporting various committees by preparing materials and documenting proceedings

• Serving as DSO (Designated School Official) for SEVIS and assisting with international student recruitment and enrollment

• Supporting Middle School Summer and Saturday programs and overseeing all aspects of the Middle School “Showcase” Matinee

• Providing general administrative support, including overseeing recertifications and special projects

• Working extended or irregular hours, including nights and weekends, as needed

• Having an interest in attending student productions and exhibitions

This position is an extraordinary opportunity for an ambitious administrator to play an important role in a school that routinely transforms the lives of its students. Simply put: this work matters.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a minimum of two years of experience in an admissions office

• Hold a degree in a relevant field (e.g., administration, communications, education, social sciences) or equivalent experience

• Demonstrate strong project and event management skills

• Be proficient in CRMs (preferably Salesforce or Veracross) and standard office software

• Excel in communication, organization, and relationship-building

• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

• Demonstrate professionalism in high-pressure, diverse settings

• Be a self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team

• Bring a positive, steady, and collaborative attitude

The starting salary for this position is $55,000.

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume via email to Amanda LePard, Director of Enrollment Management, at employment@chicagoartsacademy.org.

The Chicago Academy for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and staff and maintaining an inclusive community. All qualified applicants — regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law — are strongly encouraged to apply.