Admissions Specialist

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Admissions Specialist

New Way Academy

New Way Academy is an independent, K-12 day school in Phoenix, Arizona. Our mission is to create a dynamic school experience that empowers children with learning differences to maximize their potential and prepare for life beyond our doors. We continually strive to provide exemplary educational instruction, state-of-the-art remediation for areas of challenge, optimal social experiences, and the opportunity to unlock strengths and talents. As a result, New Way develops confident lifelong learners who lead enhanced, productive lives and serve as positive examples of what individuals with learning differences can achieve.

New Way’s core values of respect, community, ownership, quality and engagement are at the heart of all that we do. New Way Academy is dedicated to approaching justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives with an intentional global mindset that places value and recognition on the diverse community members of New Way.

Description

The Admissions Specialist serves as a primary point of contact for prospective families and plays a key role in guiding them through the admissions process from initial inquiry through enrollment. This position focuses on providing a supportive, organized, and responsive experience for families seeking placement for students with learning differences, including dyslexia, specific learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, auditory processing disorder, and speech and language impairments.

A central responsibility of this role is reviewing and interpreting psychoeducational evaluations, academic records, and related documentation to support thoughtful admissions decision-making. The Admissions Specialist must possess a strong understanding of special education profiles and instructional needs in order to help determine appropriate student fit and readiness for New Way’s programs.

Working closely with school leadership, the Admissions Specialist manages day-to-day admissions operations, coordinates visits and application materials, and ensures that each family receives clear communication and informed guidance throughout their admissions journey. This role supports the school’s mission by helping ensure that prospective students and families feel welcomed, understood, and well-matched to the school’s programs.

Reports to: Head of School

Responsibilities

Prospective Family Experience & Communication

  • Serve as a welcoming and knowledgeable point of contact for prospective families via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
  • Respond promptly to inquiries and provide clear information about the school’s programs, admissions process, and student profile.
  • Guide families step-by-step through the admissions process, ensuring they understand timelines, requirements, and next steps.
  • Schedule and coordinate campus tours, student visits, shadow days, and admissions appointments.
  • Support families in gathering and submitting required documentation, including psychoeducational evaluations, IEPs, report cards, and service plans.
  • Maintain consistent, compassionate, and professional communication with families throughout the process.

 

Evaluation Review & Admissions Decision Support

  • Review psychoeducational evaluations and related student records to assess academic profiles, learning needs, and overall program fit.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of common learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, specific learning disabilities, auditory processing disorder, and speech and language impairments.
  • Identify key indicators within evaluations (cognitive testing, achievement data, executive functioning, language processing, social/emotional factors) to inform admissions recommendations.
  • Collaborate with academic leadership, teachers, and student support staff to determine appropriate placement and readiness for enrollment.
  • Participate in admissions review meetings and contribute informed recommendations based on documentation and student interactions.
  • Communicate with families in a clear and supportive manner regarding program fit, next steps, and recommendations when New Way may or may not be an appropriate placement.

 

Admissions Process Coordination

  • Manage application workflow from inquiry through enrollment, ensuring all materials are complete and organized.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within the admissions database.
  • Coordinate with academic and student support teams to schedule student visits and gather internal feedback.
  • Prepare files and materials for admissions review and decision-making.
  • Assist with drafting and sending admissions decision letters and enrollment paperwork.
  • Support new family onboarding and communication once enrollment is confirmed.

 

Events & Outreach Support

  • Assist in planning and executing admissions events such as open houses, information sessions, and community tours.
  • Represent the school warmly and professionally at on-campus and occasional off-campus events.
  • Collaborate with school leadership, teachers, and the communications team to ensure admissions materials accurately reflect the school’s programs and student profile.
  • Maintain thoughtful follow-up with prospective families to support engagement and yield.

 

Operational Support

  • Track admissions metrics and assist in preparing reports related to inquiries, applications, and enrollment.
  • Support re-enrollment processes as needed.
  • Maintain organized digital and physical admissions files in accordance with confidentiality standards.
  • Assist with general admissions office operations and administrative tasks.

Characteristics & Qualities

  • Mission-Aligned Professional: Demonstrates genuine care and respect for students with learning differences and their families.
  • Knowledgeable Decision-Maker: Possesses a strong understanding of psychoeducational evaluations, public school eligibility, and special education profiles, with the ability to apply that knowledge to admissions decisions.
  • Warm & Welcoming Presence: Creates a positive first impression and fosters trust with prospective families.
  • Highly Organized: Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple applications and timelines simultaneously.
  • Clear & Compassionate Communicator: Able to communicate complex information about student fit and programming in a supportive, professional manner.
  • Collaborative Team Member: Works effectively with colleagues across departments to support thoughtful placement decisions.
  • Responsive & Proactive: Anticipates needs and follows through on tasks in a timely and reliable manner.
  • Confidential & Professional: Exercises discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive student and family information.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

  • Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate; occasionally works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate
  • Regularly uses close and distance vision
  • Works at a computer screen for extended periods of time
  • Works at a desk for extended periods of time and frequently moves around campus
  • Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 30 lbs. across campus
  • Effectively manages a wide variety of responsibilities, deadlines, and interactions with diverse stakeholders
  • Stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions
  • New Way requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment.

Education, Certificate, and Requirements

  • Hold valid fingerprint clearance card 
  • Bachelor’s degree required; degree in special education, psychology, speech/language, related field preferred
  • Demonstrated experience interpreting psychoeducational evaluations and student learning profiles required
  • Experience in special education, admissions, school counseling, or a related educational field strongly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of learning disabilities including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, auditory processing disorder, and speech and language impairments
  • Strong organizational and technology skills, including experience with databases and office system

Compensation

  • Competitive compensation based on experience in a range of $55,000 to $75,000
  • Full benefits including medical, vision and dental plans
  • Competitive 401K package
  • School lunch provided
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