Job Description

Thacher seeks an experienced admissions professional for the 2025/26 school year. This existing position reports to the Director of Enrollment and is part of a team of admissions professionals who oversee all enrollment related marketing and recruitment for the School.

In this process, we seek to interview candidates whose demonstrated excellence and enthusiasm encompass all aspects of boarding school life. Thacher faculty engagement entails a commitment to residential life and advising, to athletic coaching or other participation in the School’s afternoon program, and to helping co-lead backcountry camping trips. We seek faculty members who are dynamic leaders, lifelong learners, and compassionate mentors to adolescents.

Summary of Admission Responsibilities

• Plan and execute extensive recruitment travel in the fall and the spring.  Related responsibilities include visiting families, schools, and sending organizations and making formal presentations to small and large groups.
• Interview candidates and their parents; write an assessment of the candidates based on their findings.
• Act as the primary ambassador for families interviewed as they make their way through the admission process.
• Read all candidates’ files and serve as a voting member of the Admission Committee.
• Devise and execute recruitment strategies for targeted groups.
• Plan and execute admission related events, both on-and off-campus.
• Work on social media, web, and print projects.
• Take on additional projects as directed by the Director of Enrollment.

Additional Faculty Responsibilities

• Advise a grade-level group of between 4-6 students.
• Participate in the residential program through attendance at community dinner, as well as evening duty one weeknight/week and approximately 6 weekends/year.
• Participate in the afternoon program by coaching, running an activity or its equivalent for one of the three seasons/year.
• Partner with colleagues to co-lead two outdoor backcountry trips per year. These trips are most often true backcountry experiences, and many take place at high elevation (8000’+) on trails throughout California.
• Serve on at least one school-wide committee; participate in faculty meetings, provide timely written feedback to advisees and their families, and actively support school activities and events.
• Support the senior exhibition program as a research and/or presentation advisor to students.

Professional Qualities of Thacher Faculty & Staff

• Contribute to the delivery of the mission, vision, and values of the school community.
• Build, foster and participate in an inclusive school community.
• Model lifelong learning, flexibility and a growth mindset.
• Maintain a commitment to professional development.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism with students and colleagues.
• Manage time effectively and meet deadlines and commitments.
• Value collaboration with colleagues and active participation in a community of students and adults.
• Embrace and actively participate in signature Thacher programs, including the backcountry program.
• Exhibit flexibility and adaptability to change as needed.

Education & Experience

A bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent is required. Ideal candidates will have multiple years of experience as an admissions officer and faculty member at a selective private secondary school in the US and have a record of success undertaking significant recruitment-oriented travel. For this particular role, we have a special interest in interviewing candidates with experience and expertise in supporting applicants and families from diverse backgrounds through the admissions process.

To be successful in this position, an individual also needs to be comfortable presenting to large groups, functioning as a team player in a performance-oriented environment, and engaging with and relating to teenagers. This individual also needs to be organized, comfortable with spreadsheets and databases, and excited to live in a unique residential community.

Other Requirements

• Possession of (or ability to obtain) a current California driver license with a satisfactory motor vehicle record and ability to transport students in school-owned vehicles. A criminal background check must be successfully completed before employment can begin.

• Note: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. As prescribed by law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About The Thacher School

The Thacher School is one of the most selective and highly regarded boarding schools in the nation. Founded in 1889 by Sherman Day Thacher, the School serves academically talented students from over 20 states and close to 10 countries in a rigorous college preparatory experience. More than 54% of students identify as people of color. The faculty and students live and work closely together on a 427-acre campus nestled in the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest in Ojai, California (85 miles north of Los Angeles). Honor, fairness, kindness, and truth are the cornerstones of School life. Together, the School community commits to the belief that demands in the academic classroom, when combined with those of mountains and horses, of sports and the arts, produce independent minds, strong bodies, and powerful character. The School enrolls 250 students, has an operating budget of $25 million, and an endowment of $180 million. The Thacher School is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable law.

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