Senior Associate Director of Admission & Director of Tuition Assistance Marin Academy
San Rafael, California
POSITION OVERVIEW
Marin Academy (MA) seeks a highly organized, relational, and detail-oriented professional to serve as Senior Associate Director of Admissions & Director of Tuition Assistance.
This role carries significant responsibility across two deeply interconnected areas: serving as a key operational and relational leader within the Admissions Office and overseeing the full administration of MA’s tuition assistance program. The role reflects the growing complexity and strategic importance of both enrollment management and access at MA.
The ideal candidate believes that access to an excellent education matters, finds deep satisfaction in efficient and effective systems, and is particularly adept at building relationships across different constituencies. This person will be a primary reason families feel welcomed, informed, and well-supported throughout the admissions process, from the first inquiry to becoming an enrolled student. This role is also essential to the success of the admissions office, connecting strategy to execution and ensuring that systems, timelines, and communications are carried out with care, precision, and professionalism across all stages of the recruitment and enrollment life cycle.
The Senior Associate Director of Admissions & Director of Tuition Assistance will join a close-knit team led by a Director of Admissions & Enrollment Strategy committed to mentorship, collaboration, and building a best-in-class enrollment operation.
ABOUT MARIN ACADEMY
Founded in 1971, Marin Academy (MA) is a coeducational, independent, college-preparatory day school enrolling 450 students in grades 9-12 in San Rafael, California, just north of San Francisco. A trailblazer in progressive and experiential education, MA continues to push the boundaries of what and how students learn. The school moved away from AP courses in 2016, is a founding member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, and has launched signature programs including the MA Research Collaborative (MARC) and the Transdisciplinary Leadership Program (TLP), both exemplifying its commitment to learning by doing.
MA's community reflects its values: 41% of students identify as students of color, 32% come from public schools, and 21% of families receive tuition assistance. The school recently completed a $32 million campaign, the largest in its history, with applications and yield at all-time highs. Leadership stability is a hallmark: only four heads of school in MA's history, with the current head in her 18th year. A disciplined endowment strategy has doubled the school's financial foundation from $15 million to $31 million over the past seven years.
The board of trustees recently approved Future-Ready, Human-Centered (2026-2034), MA's new strategic plan, which commits to integrating innovation with humanity so students are centered, grounded, and agile enough to flourish today and in the world they will help shape. Expanding access and attracting a thriving, diverse student community regardless of ability to pay is a central pillar of that plan. This role sits at the operational heart of that commitment.
THE MA PROMISE
The MA Promise Program supports the school’s historic commitment to ensuring that the most talented students in the Bay Area have access to an MA education. The program offers free tuition for all admitted students whose families earn less than $100,000 per year. For families whose income exceeds $100,000, the school continues to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted families who apply for tuition assistance.
MA awards over $5 million annually in need-based tuition assistance, with approximately 21 percent of families receiving support each year. Tuition assistance is not a peripheral program at MA, it is central to the school’s enrollment strategy, attracting a community that aligns with MA’s mission and values and reflects the diversity of the greater Bay Area, as well as how the school makes good on the promise that access to an excellent education should not be determined by a family’s income.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Admissions, Events & Community
● Support the Director of Admissions & Enrollment Strategy in the day-to-day execution of the admissions cycle: application processing, timelines, workflows, file review, Admissions Committee preparation, and family communications from inquiry through enrollment
● Interview prospective students and families and represent MA at on-campus and off-campus events throughout the recruitment season
● Partner with the admissions team to plan and execute campus tours, visit days, information sessions, and signature events including Open House, Revisit Days, and Welcome Day
● Collaborate with the Director of Institutional Research to ensure data accuracy and support enrollment reporting
● Maintain an active and visible presence in the school community, attending school events and contributing to campus life
Tuition Assistance Administration
● Own the full tuition assistance cycle: application collection, document verification, needs analysis, committee preparation, and all family
communication, with day-to-day administration via the Clarity platform ● Serve as the primary point of contact for families navigating the TA process, handling complex and sensitive cases with professionalism, confidentiality, and care
● Guide enrolled families through the annual TA renewal process, ensuring they are aware of all available support including incidental expense coverage ● Partner with the Director of Admissions & Enrollment Strategy and Director of Institutional Research to align TA execution with enrollment strategy and financial modeling
● Audit and maintain all tuition assistance communications across the website, Clarity platform, and family-facing materials
● Champion the MA Promise: serve as MA's lead presenter on affordability and ensure clear, equitable communication of tuition assistance opportunities to prospective families across the Bay Area
QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES
Professional Experience
● Bachelor's degree required
● Minimum 4-6 years of experience in independent school admissions, enrollment management, financial aid/tuition assistance administration, or a closely related field
● Proficiency with Google Workspace; experience with admissions platforms such as Ravenna and Clarity preferred
● Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities accurately and on time
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills across a wide range of audiences
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging Who You Are
● You run a tight operation and take genuine pride in it
● Families feel cared for and well-informed in every interaction with you ● You stay steady and focused when the pace is high and the stakes are real ● You bring good humor to the work and make the people around you better ● You believe access to excellent education matters — and you want your work to reflect that every day
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time, exempt, 12-month position. The anticipated salary range is $125,000–$140,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Marin Academy offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a retirement plan with employer contribution; generous paid time off and school holidays; and professional development support.
TO APPLY
Interested applicants should submit a résumé ,cover letter and contact information for three professional references, at least one of whom must be a recent supervisor to the ADP site on our web page: http://www.ma.org/careers
Marin Academy creates a community where everyone belongs and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and bring their full selves to this work.
Success Metrics (Year 1)
● Accurate and timely management of application and tuition assistance processes for applicants and enrolled families
● High level of satisfaction from prospective families regarding communication and experience
● Strong support of Admissions Committee and Tuition Assistance Committee workflows
● Effective coordination of admissions events and visit programs ● Seamless collaboration with the Director of Admissions & Enrollment Strategy and broader admissions team
Salary Range Benchmarks
● Dwight Englewood ( — $95,000–$110,000 (Director of Financial Aid; FA-focused with admissions support duties, NYC metro market)
● Lakeside School — $115,000–$125,000 (Director-level, dual admissions/FA role, Seattle market)
● Proctor Academy — $80,000 (Director of FA and Associate Director of Admission; rural NH, compensation supplemented by room and board)
● Bay School of SF — $110,000–$135,000 (Senior Associate/Associate Director of Admission only; no FA responsibility, SF market)
● Dexter Southfield — $85,000–$119,999 (Senior Associate Director of Admissions only; no FA responsibility, Boston-area market)
Title Comparison:
● Head Royce - Darlene Bell-Carson “Associate Director of Upper School Admissions and Director of Tuition Assistance”