Admissions Manager Colegio Vasco de Gama (Lisboa, Portugal)

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Admissions Manager leads the full admissions process with a focus on both exceptional customer experience and data-driven enrolment success. This role requires a professional who combines warmth, empathy, and relationship-building skills with strong organisational and analytical abilities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the admissions pipeline using a consultative approach—guiding families through their journey from initial enquiry to enrolment—while maintaining accurate and up-to-date records in the school’s CRM system.

Working as part of the administrative and leadership team, the postholder will ensure that every interaction reflects the school’s values and high standards of professionalism, contributing to a positive public perception and the continued growth of the school.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the admissions process from first contact to enrolment, providing a professional, consultative experience to prospective families.
• Manage interviews, tours, and meetings with new families, ensuring timely and effective follow-up.
• Use the school’s CRM to record and track all enquiries, ensuring data accuracy, timely updates, and regular reporting.
• Analyse conversion rates, enquiry sources, and competitor activity to improve strategy and performance.
• Coordinate entrance tests, evaluations, and other admissions requirements.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to design and support campaigns and events that promote the school.
• Provide clear KPI and performance reports to Central Office and the Leadership Team.
• Ensure excellent communication with families, colleagues, and stakeholders at all times.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The above details are not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake additional tasks or responsibilities reasonably assigned by the Leadership Team.

This may include assisting in the creation and design of marketing materials, organising open days and school events, and providing general administrative support where needed.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Essential:

• Native-level fluency in English and Spanish (spoken and written).
• Proven experience in consultative or relationship-based sales, ideally in education or service-oriented environments.
• Demonstrated experience using CRM systems or databases for lead management and reporting.
• High level of accuracy, organisation, and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A flexible, positive, and “can-do” attitude, able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable:

• Similar experience in a business, academic, or international school environment.
• Experience with marketing campaigns or event coordination.
• Competence in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets).
• Understanding of customer journey mapping or lead conversion strategies.

ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Approachable and empathetic with students, families, and colleagues.
• Able to balance warmth and professionalism in all interactions.
• Team-oriented and cooperative, with strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.
• Communicates clearly, effectively, and with empathy both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates integrity, reliability, and commitment to maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.