School Operations & Engagement Manager
Reports To: Head of School
About The Leelanau School
The Leelanau School is a small independent boarding and day high school located on the shores of Lake Michigan within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. For nearly a century, we have helped students discover confidence, purpose, and a genuine passion for learning.
Our mission is to ignite a passion for learning, celebrate the unique learning style of each student, and prepare young people for higher education, careers, citizenship, and service. We believe relationships matter, community matters, and that students thrive when they are known, valued, and supported.
As a small school, our work extends beyond job descriptions. Faculty and staff are active members of a collaborative community that values flexibility, creativity, kindness, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed. We seek professionals who enjoy building relationships, solving problems, and being part of something larger than themselves.
Position Summary
The School Operations & Engagement Manager serves as a key operational partner to the Head of School and is often one of the first people prospective families, donors, alumni, and visitors encounter.
This position helps connect admissions, communications, development, and business office functions, ensuring that both people and systems receive thoughtful attention. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety in their work, takes pride in organization and follow-through, and understands that relationships and details are equally important.
In addition to supporting several operational functions, the School Operations & Engagement Manager is expected to be an active and engaged member of the school community who enjoys interacting with students, families, faculty, alumni, donors, and guests.
Primary Responsibilities
Admissions & Community Engagement
- Serve as the first point of contact for admissions inquiries
- Respond promptly and thoughtfully to prospective families
- Coordinate campus visits, shadow days, and meetings in partnership with the Head of School
- Conduct campus tours when the Head of School is unavailable
- Maintain admissions records and communications in Salesforce and related systems
- Coordinate “Today at Leelanau” social media posts and other community engagement efforts
Development & Communications
- Acknowledge gifts and donations in a timely and personal manner
- Maintain donor records and mailing lists
- Record and track gifts in Salesforce
- Assist with newsletters, announcements, mailings, and communications projects
- Support communications efforts in partnership with contracted marketing services and the Head of School
School Operations
- Manage petty cash and routine deposits
- Review and route incoming business office mail
- Assist with business office procedures and documentation as directed
- Provide general administrative support to ensure smooth daily operations
- Support special projects and administrative initiatives
Data & Systems Management
- Maintain accurate records in Salesforce and related systems
- Support reporting and information management
- Ensure consistency and integrity of admissions and development data
Events & Hospitality
- Assist in coordinating logistics for special events and campus programs
- Assist in creating a welcoming experience for families, alumni, donors, and visitors
- Support community-building efforts throughout the year
Desired Qualities
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong organizational skills and follow-through
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Good judgment and discretion
- Comfort managing multiple priorities simultaneously
- Attention to detail
- Initiative and self-direction
- A collaborative spirit
- Genuine enjoyment of working with people
- Flexibility and a willingness to contribute wherever needed
Preferred Experience
- Experience in education, nonprofit organizations, or small businesses
- Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM systems
- Comfort with navigating school social media platforms
- Experience coordinating events, projects, or customer-facing services
- Administrative, admissions, development, or communications experience
Employment Requirements
- Successful completion of all required State of Michigan, federal, and FBI background checks
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a school vehicle when appropriate
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment
- Eligibility to work in the United States
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits Include:
- Health, dental, and life insurance premiums fully covered for employees
- Long-term disability insurance
- Optional family health coverage available at employee expense
- 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match through TIAA-CREF
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Complimentary meals during working hours when school is in session
- Generous paid time off
Work Environment:
The Leelanau School offers a supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven professional community where relationships, creativity, and student-centered work are highly valued.
Additional Information:
- This is a year-round position.
- Campus housing is not included with this position.
Why This Role Matters
This position sits at the center of several important functions within the school. The School Operations & Engagement Manager helps ensure that prospective families feel welcomed, donors feel appreciated, alumni remain connected, and administrative systems operate effectively.
Most importantly, this role helps strengthen the relationships and sense of community that define The Leelanau School.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to:
Rob Hansen, Head of School
Email: rhansen@leelanau.org
Because this position serves a unique role within a small, mission-driven school, applicants are encouraged to submit a specific letter of interest describing why they are drawn to The Leelanau School and how their experience, skills, and interests align with the responsibilities outlined above.