Melissa Providence

Education and Non-Profit Organizational specialist with 15+ years of experience in creating, developing and executing robust policies and practices for recruitment, enrollment, and retention efforts, in line with institutional endeavors, financial goals, and mission-alignment directives. Diverse and impactful career hallmarked by dynamic cross-functional team leadership and the successful implementation of customized strategies designed to advance organizational priorities, goals and objectives.

Brooklyn Friends School Brooklyn, NY     

Director of Enrollment Management 

7/1/2022 – Present (40 hrs/week)

● Develop and execute short and long-term strategic goals within the full scope of Enrollment, including efforts around admissions, retention, and financial aid

● Oversee and manage all systems and procedures relating to Enrollment Management and Financial Aid

● Serve as member of Brooklyn Friends Leadership Team (BLT), Senior Leadership Team

● Managed budgetary resources effectively to support strategic enrollment initiatives and optimize financial aid allocations

● Leader of 4-person financial aid committee tasked with determining final award recipients and packages within the limits of a fixed budget and in line with Board directives for enrollment and financial stability

● Championed a culture of continuous improvement within the Enrollment Management department through regular assessments and feedback loops

● Managed and support a team of enrollment professionals utilizing strict structures for professional

● Growth and engage leadership strategies for the shepherding of careful professional proficiency, growth and career development

● Directed assessments of prospective Pre-K to 11th grade students and parent/guardian interviews to determine academic ability, social-emotional disposition, and appropriate mission-aligned fit

●Engaged and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including divisional directors, teachers, parent and student ambassadors and board members to execute enrollment events and efforts, and plan for smooth transition of all newly enrolled students.

Enrollment Management Association Brooklyn, NY

Associate Director of Member Success 

7/2/2018 – 3/4/2022 (40 hrs/week)

● Served as EMA expert to school members in my regions to guide and educate about enrollment management-related services

● Built and nurtured member relationships by providing exceptional service

● Managed new member onboarding and training

● Sustained maximum member retention through team and self-directed strategies and initiatives

● Provided support, training, industry capital and resourceful means of approaches designed to enhance customer engagement

● Served as volunteer staff member for Company DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) Think Tank

Speyer Legacy School New York, NY    

Director of Secondary School Placement/ Associate Director of Financial Aid/ 8th Grade Advisor/ Varsity Track Coach

8/1/2016 – 6/8/2018 (40 hrs/week) 

● Led senior class of 8th grade scholars through the high school admissions process, including counseling on tailored school searches, editing application essays, and advocating for families in securing admission and financial aid

● Worked closely with Admissions team to direct and execute financial aid packages to new and returning students

● Planned informational meetings and programming for scholars and families in grades 6, 7 and 8 on admissions and placement directives

● Created and developed relationships with partner schools in effort to expand the Speyer Legacy School network

● Served as Advisor for senior class and worked closely with Upper School Head on grade-wide service-learning engagement and other programming

Oliver Scholars Program New York, NY 

Director of Placement/Dean of Students

9/8/2014 – 7/1/2016 (40 hrs/week)

● Guided 8th grade scholars through the high school admissions process, including counseling on tailored school searches, editing application essays, and securing financial aid

● Managed the Director of Admissions and oversaw all admissions and recruitment endeavors

● Created curriculum and instructed ISAP (Independent School Application Process) classes for rising 8th grade scholars

● Created and developed relationships with partner schools and companies in effort to expand the Oliver Scholar network

● Demonstrated ability to lead with diplomacy, collaboration, discretion and resolute work ethic

● Proficient in: Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom, Salesforce, Slack, Clickup, Calendly

● Fluent in: Blackbaud, Ravenna, SAO, Clarity, SSS (School & Student Services)

● Experience in: Quaker education, International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, Single-sex education, Unionized schools, Community Based Organization partnerships

Regularly Attended Conferences and Workshops

● New York School Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Admissions Directors Conference, (Presenter)

● The Enrollment Management Association (Formerly SSATB) Annual Conference, (Host/ Presenter)

● The Enrollment Management Association Admission Leadership Council Seminar Series (Host/ Presenter/ Panelist)

● NAIS People of Color Conference/ Student Diversity Leadership Conference (Attendee/Chaperone)

Prep for Prep, New York, NY

A highly selective leadership development program that incorporates a rigorous 14-month academic component to prepare students for placement in leading independent schools and continues to work closely with the students through high school graduation and beyond.

Interschool Leadership Institute (ILI), New York, NY 

A selective leadership program developed to provide professional development for educators of color looking to grow their social and emotional IQ and to support the next generation of leaders of color in independent schools.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Mu Iota Chapter of Philadelphia/ International

An internationally recognized, historically Black sorority and non-profit organization founded on the principles of service, charity, scholarship, civil and cultural endeavors, sisterhood and Finer womanhood.