Admissions Specialist

Oeiras International School (OIS) is seeking an organised and student‑focused Admissions Specialist to join our team immediately.

About OIS

Oeiras International School (OIS) is a dynamic international school located near Lisbon, Portugal, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and well-maintained environment that reflects our values of care, responsibility and community.

Role Overview

The Admissions Specialist manages and coordinates the student admissions process. As the first point of contact for prospective families, this role plays a key part in representing the school’s ethos, ensuring a high‑quality admissions experience, and supporting students at the start of their educational journey.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the end‑to‑end admissions process, ensuring a clear, efficient and family‑friendly experience for prospective students and parents.

• Handle enquiries via email, phone and in‑person visits, maintaining timely, professional and transparent communication.

• Conduct school tours, open days, information sessions and virtual visits.

• Plan and coordinate admissions tests and interviews, working closely with academic staff and IT.

• Maintain and update applications, decisions and waiting lists using OpenApply.

• Communicate admissions decisions and follow up with families throughout the process.

• Analyse admissions data, trends and KPIs to support enrolment planning and continuous improvement.

• Prepare reports and data for Admissions Committee meetings, senior leadership and Board reporting.

• Manage and coordinate scholarship programmes, including communication, interviews and decision processes.

• Maintain accurate applicant records, withdrawal information and required documentation.

• Collaborate with Marketing, Accounting and IT teams to ensure accurate data management and aligned communications.

• Support educational fairs, events and partnerships with universities and external organisations.

• Contribute to departmental planning, budgeting information and ongoing process improvement.

Profile and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

• Minimum of three years of experience in admissions, education, or a customer‑focused role; experience in a school environment is an advantage.

• Strong customer‑service orientation with an empathetic and professional approach.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Data‑driven mindset with experience using analytics to track performance and improve processes.

• Proactive, detail‑oriented and solutions‑focused.

• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with OpenApply or similar admissions systems is preferred.

• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information.

We thank all applicants in advance, but only a short-list of candidates will be contacted in order to move forward with the process. 

OEIRAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IS COMMITTED TO THE PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN. ENHANCED BACKGROUND CHECKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON ALL EMPLOYEES IN ALL OF THE COUNTRIES IN WHICH THEY HAVE LIVED AND WORKED SINCE THE AGE OF 18.

Equal opportunities employer: OIS is proud to be an equal opportunities workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown.

GDPR: Please be aware that by submitting your CV and documentation, you authorize us to keep it for future recruitment activities (for 12 months).