Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Brian Barish

San Francisco,CA

Summary

Dynamic enrollment management and admissions leader with over a decade of progressive experience in K-12 independent schools and higher education. Expertise in developing and executing long-term admissions strategies, leading high-performing teams, and driving equity-focused enrollment growth. Proven ability to foster inclusive admissions processes, analyze enrollment trends, and enhance institutional reputation through strategic community partnerships and collaboration with the Board. Committed to creating accessible educational opportunities that reflect diverse community needs and aspirations.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Admissions

Charles Armstrong School
01.2019 - Current
  • Lead all aspects of admissions and enrollment for grades 2–8, collaborating closely with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team.
  • Increased applications by [X%] and enrollment yield by [X%] through targeted recruitment and personalized applicant experiences.
  • Expanded applicant diversity by [X%] via rebranding initiatives, feeder school engagement, and new outreach partnerships.
  • Reduced admissions processing time by [X%] through system modernization (Blackbaud, FileMaker Pro).
  • Maintained [X%+] family retention rate through onboarding improvements and community engagement.
  • Regularly present strategic enrollment reports to the Board of Trustees, shaping institutional policy and planning.

Assistant Director of Admission

Fay School
07.2018 - 01.2019
  • Supported admissions strategy and operations for day and boarding students, managing families from inquiry to enrollment.
  • Expanded international applicant pool by [X%] with focused outreach in the Middle East.
  • Boosted admissions event participation (tours, open houses, visit days) by [X%], improving yield outcomes.
  • Represented the school globally, strengthening feeder school and consultant partnerships.

Middle School Assistant Head & Admissions Committee Member

Head-Royce School
08.2012 - 07.2018
  • Served on admissions committee, redesigning admissions systems and rubrics to improve evaluation fairness and efficiency.
  • Helped increase applications from underrepresented groups by [X%] through DEI-driven outreach and affinity group engagement.
  • Acted as school ambassador at open houses, diversity nights, and prospective family events.
  • Managed academic scheduling, budgets, and student programming; supervised hiring and evaluation of faculty.
  • Collaborated with senior leadership on enrollment planning and long-term school strategy.

Science Teacher

Claremont Middle School
08.2009 - 06.2012
  • Selected for Oakland Teaching Fellows/AmeriCorps program to address achievement gaps in science education.
  • Designed and implemented STEM-focused curriculum and launched school-wide Science Expo to drive engagement.

Education

J.D. -

University of Miami School of Law
Coral Gables, FL
12.2006

B.A. - English & Psychology, Magna Cum Laude

College of The Holy Cross
Worcester, MA
05.2004

Skills

  • Strategic Enrollment Planning & Yield Optimization
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Admissions
  • Board & Trustee Collaboration
  • Admissions Systems: Blackbaud, Ravenna, FileMaker Pro
  • Staff Leadership, Mentoring & Professional Development
  • Event Planning: Open Houses, Tours, Diversity Nights
  • Market Analysis, Data Reporting & Policy Development
  • Cross-functional teamwork
  • Budget administration
  • Admissions management
  • Student recruitment
  • Change management

Affiliations

  • Inclusive School Group (ISG)
  • Founding Member
  • Board Treasurer, 2020–2025
  • Bay Area Directors of Admissions (BADA)
  • Peninsula South Bay Regional Rep, 2021–2023
  • Board President, 2023–2025
  • SF Pride Coordinator

Timeline

Director of Admissions

Charles Armstrong School
01.2019 - Current

Assistant Director of Admission

Fay School
07.2018 - 01.2019

Middle School Assistant Head & Admissions Committee Member

Head-Royce School
08.2012 - 07.2018

Science Teacher

Claremont Middle School
08.2009 - 06.2012

J.D. -

University of Miami School of Law

B.A. - English & Psychology, Magna Cum Laude

College of The Holy Cross

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