School Coordinator / Business Manager

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Cape Town is seeking a School Coordinator/Business Manager to oversee strategic operations and governance. This full-time permanent position requires a strong leader with extensive experience in finance and HR, aligned with Waldorf education values. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the school's initiatives and community engagement while ensuring compliance with educational standards. Applications are open until July 13, 2025.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in leadership role guiding teams.
• 2–5 years in financial management.
• 5 years in human resources management.

Responsibilities

• Manage strategic operations and governance.
• Oversee finance and HR functions.
• Foster collaborative working environment.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Financial Management

Human Resources Management

Education

Professional qualification in management or leadership

Teaching qualification

Tools

School management software

Financial systems

Job description

Situated in the heart of the southern suburbs of Cape Town, Michael Oak Waldorf School is a beautiful small school community with children from nursery to matric. Michael Oak seeks to awaken the whole child towards creative responsibility and to develop confident, balanced individuals empowered to work with the challenges of today and tomorrow.

We invite applications for the position of:

SCHOOL COORDINATOR / BUSINESS MANAGER

Full-time permanent position to begin as soon as possible after 1 August 2025

The School Coordinator is a key leadership role responsible for managing the school’s strategic operations and ensuring the highest standards of governance, compliance, and planning to advance our educational mission. The individual will serve as a vital communication link between the College of Teachers, the Board of Trustees, and the wider school community. They will play an active role in shaping and driving initiatives that promote the school’s growth, vitality, and alignment with Waldorf principles.

The Coordinator oversees critical functions such as finance and human resources, and is expected to be a collaborative leader committed to servant-leadership, with a deep respect for Waldorf education’s values. The ideal candidate is someone who can work effectively with teachers, staff, and stakeholders, fostering a culture of shared purpose and continual improvement.

Who we are looking for:

This role is well-suited to an experienced educator who has stepped into a leadership position within a school — with exposure to managing multiple operational functions—with a strong focus on finances and HR—and who is passionate about school leadership. Alternatively, we welcome a skilled, calm, and confident leader with a strong background in managing diverse functions, humility to learn, and the drive to lead strategically.

The successful applicant must meet the following key selection criteria:

• Demonstrated leadership with at least 5 years’ experience guiding teams across multiple functions, inspiring staff, and fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with meticulous attention to detail — capable of juggling multiple initiatives and providing teams with the necessary support to succeed.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences within the school.
• Proven experience in financial management (minimum of 2–5 years), including budgeting, financial reporting, controls, and proposal development.
• Familiarity with compliance, accreditation, and regulatory requirements relevant to independent schools and the education sector.
• Extensive experience in human resources management (minimum of 5 years), including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, remuneration, contracts, and wellbeing.

Our preference would be to appoint a person who also has the following skills, attributes and experience:

• A professional qualification in management or leadership, ideally supplemented by a teaching qualification.
• Familiarity with Waldorf educational principles or prior experience in a Waldorf school setting.
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks regarding school operations and child safety.
• Registration with the South African Council of Educators (SACE).
• Proficiency with school management software and financial systems.
• Experience or training in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within education.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their CV along with a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role, a copy of their SACE registration (if available) and the contact details for 3 referees (or 3 written references) to [e-mail] . Please include “School Coordinator Application” in the subject line.

Closing Date: Sunday 13 July 2025

Michael Oak is committed to transformation. In accordance with our Employment Equity Plan preference shall be given, but not limited to, candidates from designated groups. Only suitably qualified candidates will be considered. If you do not hear from us, please consider your application unsuccessful. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview. Michael Oak reserves the right to not interview for or fill this position. Protection of Personal Information (POPI) disclaimer: Michael Oak is committed to ensuring confidentiality of personal information. Your information will be used for the sole purpose of recruitment and any required statutory reporting. All reasonable measures will be taken to protect the information of applicants. By applying for this position and submitting your personal details and CV, you acknowledge acceptance of this disclaimer.

Kenillworth, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa