Imagine this: You’re sitting in your office, staring at the enrollment numbers, and feeling that familiar knot in your stomach. You know you’re good at your job, but does your Head of School know it too?
Here’s the thing: Gaining your Head’s confidence isn’t just about hitting targets. It’s about showing them you’re not just reactive, but proactive. It’s about demonstrating that you’re not just filling seats, but strategically building the school’s future.
So, how do you do it? Let’s dive into nine strategies that’ll not only boost your own confidence but will have your Head of School singing your praises in no time.
1. Don’t Make Financial Aid Your Crutch
Picture this: You’re in a bind, enrollment’s down, and you’re tempted to ask for more financial aid. Stop right there!
If your Head had a secret stash of aid money, they’d have given it to you already. Asking for more aid when you’re in trouble doesn’t scream “I’ve got this!” Instead, it whispers, “Help! I’m drowning!”
Now, there are exceptions. If you’ve got a dozen empty seats and families who can pay half the tuition in higher grades, that’s a different story. But as a general rule, avoid using aid as your go-to solution.
2. Be the Strategic Mastermind
Here’s a secret: Many admission directors don’t give the impression they have a strategic plan for attracting full-pay families. Don’t be that person!
Develop a marketing, communication, or sales strategy and present it to your Head before they even ask. Show them you’re thinking ahead, not just reacting to problems as they arise.
And here’s the kicker: Don’t be afraid to ask for resources to improve your skills. Keep your Head posted on what you’re learning. It shows you’re always working to stay ahead of the game.
3. Work with What You’ve Got
Remember, you weren’t hired to overhaul the entire educational program. Your job is to sell what’s already there.
Think of it like a poker game. You’ve been dealt a hand, and your job is to play it brilliantly. Create your best marketing strategy based on your school’s current offerings. If you can’t make it work, either upskill or move on.
4. Become a Budget Whiz
Want to really impress your Head? Show them you understand the nitty-gritty of school finances.
Learn about net tuition revenue, discount rates, and how financial aid allocations are determined. Aim to generate more money than expected – your CFO will love you for it!
5. Know Your VIPs
Ever heard of a little thing called the Pareto Principle? In enrollment, it means 20% of your families might bring in 80% of your revenue.
Develop a system to identify and care for your VIPs – those families who can pay full tuition and contribute generously to fundraising efforts. The last thing your Head wants is a complaint from an influential person about the admission process.
6. No Surprises, Please!
Here’s a golden rule: Never let your Head get blindsided by your decisions.
Think about anything that might boomerang back and hit them. Any political situation should be on their radar. Even after you tell them, follow up to ensure the right steps are taken.
7. Wow the Board
Want to make your Head look good? Impress the board with your reports.
Keep them informed about enrollment trends and market insights. Share your marketing plan and wow them with your strategic thinking. When your Head sees the board nodding approvingly, they’ll know they made the right choice in hiring you.
8. Bridge the Faculty Gap
Happy faculty, happy Head of School. Simple, right?
Help your teachers understand the conditions under which you work. Get them on board with your marketing efforts. But remember, this is a team effort. Your Head needs to support you in communicating with the faculty and setting expectations.
9. Be the Enrollment Guru
Here’s the ultimate goal: You want your Head to think, “I don’t need to worry about enrollment. My admission director’s got it covered.”
Demonstrate that enrollment is always on your mind. Show them that you’re the expert, the go-to person for all things enrollment-related.
The Bottom Line
Building your Head’s confidence is an ongoing process. Every time leadership changes, you’ll need to start over. But if you’ve built confidence among the board, you won’t be starting from scratch.
Remember, the best Head for an admissions director is one who’s confident in your work and eager to team up with you. So be proactive, stay strategic, and watch as your Head’s confidence in you soars!
