Head of School

AWSNA: Assoc. of Waldorf Schools of N. America; Phoenixville (Chester County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kimberton Waldorf School (KWS) seeks a strategic Head of School to lead day-to-day operations, uphold the mission, and advance equity across the school community.

The Head will collaborate with the Board, GT, and Core Teams to manage finances, accreditation processes, and strategic planning while coordinating teaching assignments and ensuring high standards of pedagogy and governance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated administrative and/or management skills.
• Leadership and mentoring experience.
• Strong organizational and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and boards.
• Understanding of the pedagogy at Kimberton Waldorf School and Waldorf schools.
• Bachelor’s degree required; higher degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, coordinate, and finalize decisions in day-to-day operational, administrative, and pedagogical life of the school.
• Uphold the mission of Kimberton Waldorf School and lead implementation of plans to strengthen the school.
• Lead the school with respect for every individual and a focus on equity.
• Work with business office and Finance Committee for budget preparation and salary planning.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and community partners.
• Provide support for and evaluate staff department heads and oversee performance reviews.
• Serve as liaison to the Board by attending monthly Board meetings and reporting on school operations.
• Coordinate annual class schedule and teaching assignments.
• Consult with Board Chair on legal issues and engage GT members as needed.
• Collaborate with Board and GT on strategic planning and accreditation renewal.

Skills

Administrative experience

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Communication skills

Collaboration

Waldorf pedagogy knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Master's degree or higher preferred

Job description

Opening Statement

Kimberton Waldorf School (KWS) offers a developmentally appropriate, experiential approach to education. With more than 270 students enrolled, we integrate the arts and academics from preschool through 12th grade, seeking to inspire a lifelong love of learning. KWS uses a collaborative governance structure which includes a Board of Trustees, Head of School, Governing Team (GT), and Core Teams for the Upper and Lower schools.

The Head reports to the Board and is mandated by the Trustees, faculty, and staff to carry the management and visionary leadership of the school. The Head serves on and is supported by the GT which is responsible for the management of the school as a whole and oversees the Core Teams, which are responsible for management of their sections of the school.

Essential Job Duties

• Oversee, coordinate, and finalize decisions in all matters concerning the day-to-day operational, administrative, and pedagogical life of the school
• Uphold the mission of KWS and lead implementation of plans to strengthen the school for future generations of students
• Lead the school with respect for each individual and a focus on equity and active incorporation of every area of the school
• Work with the business office and the Finance Committee of the Board for budget preparation, compliance, salary planning, and implementation
• Communicate effectively and frequently with faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and community partners and address concerns or issues that come to the Head or school administration
• Provide support for and regular evaluation of staff department heads, including: Facilities, Food for Thought lunch program, Business office, Enrollment, and Development as well as oversee that the GT and Core Teams are handling performance reviews of teaching staff
• Serve as the liaison to the Board by attending monthly Board meetings, informing the Board on the operation of the school, and representing the Board to the faculty and staff
• Coordinate the annual preparation of the class schedule and teaching assignments
• Consult with the Board Chair on legal issues facing the school and engage GT members and attorneys as needed
• Collaborate with the Board and GT on strategic planning initiatives and lead regular accreditation renewal efforts
• Ensure that policies and procedures are maintained and revised as needed in line with the mission of the school
• Connect with other Waldorf schools and peer private schools on issues of enrollment, finances, and Human Resource practices as well as maintain membership in professional organizations
• Interface with community members as necessary, including the farm and community-supported agriculture (CSA) managers across the street from the school, county health department, and media outlets

Qualifications

• Demonstrated administrative and/or management skills
• Leadership and mentoring experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Understanding of the pedagogy at KWS and Waldorf schools
• Bachelor’s degree required, higher degree preferred

Employment Details

• Commensurate with experience – $75,000 to $100,000 range
• Benefits to be discussed during the interview process.

KWS is an equal opportunity employer.