Founded in 1901, The Cathedral School is committed to academic excellence in a curriculum that integrates critical thinking, the arts, athletics, and leadership development. The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, or sexual orientation enhance the individual's sense of identity and broaden respect for others. Through curriculum and informal school experiences, students at The Cathedral School come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do. The School’s mission is brought to life on the idyllic 11-acre campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side through seven Core Values: Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Passion for Learning, Respect, and Responsibility. 

Cathedral offers a comprehensive benefits package, generous holidays and vacation time, and a supportive, inclusive work environment within a dynamic, diverse, and authentic school community that believes in the magic and genius of childhood.

As an independent K-8 day school rooted in the Episcopal tradition, The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine educates students to become articulate, confident, and responsible citizens of the world through rigorous academics, innovative approaches to learning, and the nurturing of their aspirations in a diverse community of all faiths.

The Seasonal Admissions Associate reports directly to the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management and is a key member of the Admissions team during the active admissions season. The Associate plays an important role in evaluating prospective Lower School students in Grades K–2, engaging families in the admissions process, and supporting the day-to-day operations of the department. A Bachelor's degree is required. Candidates must have prior professional experience conducting child assessments. Experience working directly with young children in a professional setting is also required. Previous work in an independent school admissions office, or as an independent school elementary classroom teacher or learning specialist is preferred. 

In support of The Cathedral School’s mission, the Seasonal Admissions Associate must be prepared to approach all aspects of the admissions process through a lens focused on equity and justice. A warm, nurturing, and professional demeanor is essential, as is a sense of humor.

Key responsibilities include:

Student Assessments:

• Administer play-based and structured assessments for Kindergarten through Grade 2 applicants, evaluating academic readiness, language development, social-emotional skills, and cognitive abilities

• Update all K-4 assessments as needed

• Create summer learning packets for all newly enrolled students, grades K-4

• Observe each child’s engagement, curiosity, and approach to learning during assessment sessions

• Prepare clear and thoughtful written assessment summaries to inform admissions decisions in close collaboration with the Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management

• Apply knowledge of child development and early elementary learning to evaluate applicants fairly and equitably

Parent Interviews & Family Engagement:

• Conduct individual parent and guardian interviews as part of the formal admissions evaluation process

• Lead campus tours for prospective families as needed, serving as a knowledgeable and welcoming ambassador for The Cathedral School

• Assist with incoming calls and emails to the Admissions department, responding to family inquiries in a timely, accurate, and professional manner

School Observations & Outreach:

• Visit feeder nursery schools and early childhood programs to conduct observations of applicant children in their current classroom settings

• Represent The Cathedral School at external admissions fairs and community outreach events

• Cultivate positive relationships with nursery school directors, placement coordinators, and educational consultants across the NYC independent school community

Applicant Visits:

• Schedule and coordinate assessment and classroom visits for prospective students in Grades 1–8, communicating schedules and logistics to relevant faculty and staff

• Assign appropriate student buddies to visiting children based on grade level, interests, and compatibility; brief buddies on their responsibilities and debrief after visits for feedback

• Ensure visiting students arrive at correct locations throughout the visit day; coordinate testing materials and spaces for assessment sessions as needed

• Distribute Visitor Feedback forms to classroom teachers and specialists; collect and return assessments to the Admissions Office in a timely manner

• Track visit outcomes and maintain accurate records in the admissions database; serve as liaison between the admissions team, faculty, and staff regarding all visit logistics

Admissions Events:

• Participate in Admissions department events including Open Houses, information sessions, and fairs - both virtual and in person

• Attend morning and evening admissions events as needed throughout the admissions season. Some weekend work may be required. 

Day-to-Day Operations:

• Support the daily operations of the Admissions office, including maintaining accurate and confidential applicant records in the admissions database

• Assist with processing applications, tracking application materials, and preparing admissions correspondence

• Contribute to a collaborative, organized, and mission-aligned admissions team

The Seasonal Admissions Associate is a seasonal, part-time, in-person role of 30 hours per week. Benefits are provided. The hiring hourly range for this position is $55–$65 per hour, depending on experience. Cathedral offers a comprehensive benefits package, generous holidays and vacation time, and a supportive, inclusive work environment within a dynamic, diverse, and authentic school community that believes in the magic and genius of childhood.