Manager, Admissions

ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH NEW YORK

Breakthrough New York empowers motivated students from low-income communities to achieve a college degree and reach their fullest potential. Our tuition-free program supports over 500 students and their families from 7th grade through college. We accept middle school students who are furthest from high-quality educational opportunities yet show promise and potential: 99% of students identify as persons of color; 76% qualify for free or reduced lunch; and 66% will be the first in their families to graduate college.

As a ten-year program, Breakthrough New York supports students and their families through key transition points in their academic journeys. We provide academic enrichment through summer and after-school opportunities; coach students to gain admissions into selective high schools and colleges, and expose students to diverse interests and careers so they can shape their own trajectories.

In addition to nurturing individual talent, we cultivate a thriving community of like-minded peers and mentors who encourage each other’s ambitions and passions. Personalized mentorship and holistic support are signature elements of our model, with over 200 near-peer seasonal staff and volunteers who work with students at each stage of our continuum.

The Breakthrough model works: over 98% of Breakthrough students graduate from college preparatory high schools, and 100% are on track to graduate from college. Learn more at Breakthrough New York's website.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As the Manager, Admissions, you will lead the planning and execution of key admissions functions that identify and welcome the next class of Breakthrough New York (BTNY) students. Reporting directly to the Director of Admissions, you will own and drive the day-to-day admissions operations, and family engagement strategy to ensure that every family has a welcoming, transparent, and mission-aligned experience with our program from first contact through enrollment.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a people-centered, process-driven environment, can work independently to move priorities forward, and builds strong relationships with diverse groups of families, school partners, and internal teams.

You will set the vision and daily direction for your work, serve as a key liaison to both internal and external stakeholders, and ensure excellence in systems and service delivery across the admissions cycle. You will collaborate across departments and with external partners to help the organization meet its admissions and enrollment goals. Approximately 10% of your time will also support high school placement operations in collaboration with our High School Placement Director.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE

Family Engagement and Application Support (35%)

• Serve as the first point of contact for prospective families, responding to phone, email, and online inquiries in a timely, informative, and welcoming manner
• Plan and co-lead in-person and virtual family information sessions throughout the recruitment and admissions cycle
• Communicate clearly and consistently with families about their application status, next steps, and enrollment milestones
• Track family engagement data to improve touchpoints and outcomes

Admissions Operations and Data Management (30%)

• Own key administrative processes for the application cycle, including interview scheduling, decision notifications, and enrollment tracking
• Coordinate logistics and materials preparation for admissions events such as Family Info Sessions, Interview Days, and New Family Orientation
• Manage and maintain online records such as student applications, school referrals, event attendance, and partner activity
• Maintain accurate partner engagement and outreach records using Salesforce

Student Recruitment and Outreach Support (25%)

• Prepare outreach collateral and recruitment materials in coordination with the External Relations team
• Manage outreach to feeder middle schools, community-based organizations, and civic institutions to grow and sustain referral pipelines
• Co-lead the planning and execution of recruitment activities across NYC to identify students who are a strong fit for the program
• Represent Breakthrough New York at school fairs, and community events, as needed

High School Placement Administrative Support (10%)

• Provide administrative and logistical support to the High School Placement Director, including scheduling, data entry, and event operations
• Help manage student placement records in Salesforce, including tracking school recommendations, academic indicators, and family preferences

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 2 years of progressive experience in admissions, education, youth development, customer service, or related field
• Demonstrated success managing projects or systems independently
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – able to build trust with diverse groups of families and partners
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through
• Comfortable using technology tools such as Zoom, Google Workspace, and Salesforce or similar CRM systems
• Commitment to educational equity and Breakthrough New York’s mission

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language proficiency <strongly preferred>
• Experience working with New York City schools, students, or families
• Knowledge of selective public and private high school admissions landscape

COMPENSATION

BTNY strongly believes in selecting the top, qualified candidates. As a part of your offer you can expect to receive the following:

Annual Salary

• $60,000–65,000, commensurate with experience and skills

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits (90% employer-sponsored)
• 401K/Retirement Plan (with an employer-matching component)
• Commuter Benefit Plan
• Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off: holiday, vacation, sick, and personal time – plus paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day

Additional Perks

• Initial $800 annual professional development stipend
• Hybrid work schedule with 40-60% of work in office (role and season dependent)
• Two weeks of “Work from Anywhere” flexibility