Steiner School Principal — Lead with Vision & Impact

Gembridge; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Little Yarra Steiner School in the Yarra Valley invites an experienced educational leader to become Principal, guiding a co-educational Steiner school from Preschool to Year 12. Reporting to the Board, you will shape strategy, oversee governance, finances, and operations, and nurture teaching excellence, student wellbeing and community partnerships.

This is a rare opportunity to sustain a well-regarded school with a strong arts program and Anthroposophical foundation, while guiding growth and

Qualifications

• Significant educational leadership experience within a school environment.
• Experience leading teaching excellence and student wellbeing outcomes.
• Proven ability to develop people and foster a collaborative culture.
• Expertise in governance, compliance, risk management and operational leadership.
• Experience building partnerships with families, staff and community stakeholders.
• Balance tradition and innovation while growing sustainability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to Steiner education and Anthroposophical principles.
• Ability to lead in alignment with Rudolf Steiner’s educational philosophy in a modern context.
• Eligibility to work within a Victorian school environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership aligned with Steiner education.
• Champion high-quality teaching, learning and student wellbeing.
• Lead the implementation of strategic priorities and organisational sustainability.
• Develop leadership capability across the school.
• Strengthen engagement with families and the broader community.
• Oversee governance, compliance, financial stewardship and operations.

Skills

Educational leadership

Strategic leadership

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Steiner education

Anthroposophy

Team building

Change management

Job description

• Lead a respected and established P-12 Steiner school
• Full-time leadership opportunity

Little Yarra Steiner School is a co-educational, non-denominational Steiner school located in the beautiful Yarra Valley, providing education from Preschool to Year 12 to approximately 270 students. The school is dedicated to educating the whole child through Steiner education and an Anthroposophical understanding of human development, fostering academic, creative, social and personal growth within a connected and vibrant community.

Little Yarra is a connected and vibrant community where students are supported to flourish as capable, confident and compassionate young people. Through a rich and balanced educational experience, the school nurtures intellectual, emotional, creative and practical development, enabling every student to reach their full potential. Complementing this approach is an outstanding music and arts program, including the renowned Little Yarra Ensemble, offering students unique performance, touring and international exchange opportunities.

Reporting to the Board, the Principal is the educational leader of the school and is responsible for its leadership, management, fiscal performance and overall success. Working collaboratively with staff, students, families, the College of Teachers and the wider school community, you will provide strategic and operational leadership aligned with the values and educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. You will champion high-quality teaching and learning, student wellbeing and a culture that enables students, staff and families to thrive.

This is a rare opportunity to become the steward of a well-established and highly regarded Steiner school. Following a decade of stable leadership under a respected Principal, you will work with the Board, staff, students, families and the College of Teachers to guide the next chapter of the school's development. Building on strong foundations, a thriving community and a distinctive educational offering, you will lead the implementation of strategic priorities, support organisational sustainability, develop leadership capability across the school and strengthen engagement with families and the broader community.

You will nurture and champion the qualities that make Little Yarra Steiner School unique, including its nationally recognised music and arts programs, while ensuring the school's educational philosophy remains at the heart of decision-making. You will also oversee governance, compliance, financial stewardship and operational excellence, balancing continuity with thoughtful innovation to ensure students and staff continue to flourish.

About You

You are an experienced, values-driven educational leader with the ability to inspire, unite and guide a diverse school community. You bring strong strategic capability, sound operational leadership skills and a genuine commitment to student-centred education.

You will bring:

• Significant educational leadership experience within a school environment, ideally spanning ELC through to VCE
• Experience leading excellence in teaching, learning and student wellbeing outcomes
• Proven ability to develop people, build leadership capability and foster a collaborative and thriving culture
• Demonstrated expertise in governance, compliance, risk management and operational leadership
• Experience building strong partnerships with families, staff and broader community stakeholders
• The ability to balance tradition and innovation, preserving the school's unique educational offering while positioning it for future growth and sustainability
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
• Integrity, authenticity, sound judgement and a reflective approach to leadership
• A demonstrated commitment to Steiner education and a deep appreciation of the Anthroposophical principles that underpin it, or the capacity to authentically embrace and lead within this educational philosophy
• The ability to provide leadership that honours the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner while responding to contemporary educational opportunities and challenges
• Eligibility to work within a Victorian school environment

APPLY NOW if you are an inspiring educational leader who is passionate about Steiner education and ready to lead a vibrant school community into its next chapter.

Gembridge is proud to partner with Little Yarra Steiner School.

For a confidential discussion, contact Michelle Varcoe at Gembridge on 1300 313 413 or [e-mail].