Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO: MenloAdmissions@spencerstuart.com.
The Director of Admissions and Financial Aid is a key member of Menlo School’s senior administrative leadership team, reporting to the Head of School and leading the work of identifying, enrolling, and supporting a talented and motivated student body that will thrive within Menlo’s dynamic academic program and extensive extracurricular offerings. The Director will ensure that Menlo’s admissions and financial aid practices reflect the School’s mission and values, advance its commitment to academic excellence, belonging, and socioeconomic diversity, and respond thoughtfully to the changing demographics and enrollment landscape of the Bay Area.
At a school with significant demand and a transformative educational experience, the Director must bring a nuanced understanding of what makes Menlo distinctive and exercise sound judgment in discerning which students and families are best aligned with its culture, values, and educational program. Through close collaboration with the Communications team to develop marketing strategy, and authentic, relational engagement with prospective families, the Director will articulate what makes Menlo, “Menlo” while continuing to broaden the School’s reach among historically underserved communities and families for whom an independent school education may not initially appear accessible.
An experienced manager and collaborative institutional leader, the Director will develop and support the Admissions team while strengthening the office’s relationships and credibility across the School. Highly visible and engaged in daily campus life, the Director will build trust with faculty, staff, administrators, students, and families; create meaningful opportunities for community members to participate in the admissions process; and ensure that expectations and decisions are communicated with clarity, context, and care.
The Director will also steward Menlo’s substantial financial aid program in close partnership with the Chief Financial Officer. As a member of the Senior Administrative Team, the Director will bring an enrollment and financial aid perspective to broader conversations about institutional strategy, policy, and the long-term strength of Menlo.
This is a full-time role starting in July 2027. This position may require some travel, both locally and nationwide.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Admissions, Enrollment, and Financial Aid Leadership
Set and lead a comprehensive admissions, enrollment, and financial aid strategy aligned with Menlo’s mission, values, and institutional priorities, using data, demographic trends, and market insights to guide decisions and continually strengthen the program.
Recruit and enroll a kind, able, motivated student body best suited for Menlo’s dynamic curriculum and extensive extracurricular programs.
Direct and steward a generous financial aid fund, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, honoring established financial aid policies and overseeing the disbursement of all aid funds, including those for non-tuition expenses, to support the school’s growing commitment to socioeconomic diversity.
Develop marketing and outreach strategies that convey Menlo’s distinctive educational experience and identify, engage, and welcome a diverse community of prospective students and families.
Set the annual admissions calendar, in concert with other school offices and local peer independent schools, as needed.
Manage the re-enrollment process for current families (including calendaring, reviewing forms, s