The Head of School is hired by the Board of Trustees, and is the sole employee of the Board of Trustees.  The Head of School is responsible to the Board and reports to the Board at meetings on the conduct, affairs, and operations of the school. The Head of School is responsible for the day-to day management of the school, for carrying out the policies and objectives established by the Board of Trustees, and for the development of the school’s program and policies, consistent with the school’s mission, philosophy and values. The Head of School shapes and fosters a school climate rooted in respect, trust, compassion, and creativity.

The Head of School directs and coordinates the educational and administrative activities of the school by executing the following functions either personally or through designated administrators.

Essential Functions: 

• Provide the school community with educational leadership consistent with Waldorf philosophy
• Articulate and advance a vision for the school and its future consistent with the school’s mission
• Manifest and advocate for a community that is diverse, inclusive and equitable
• Foster a school climate and culture that supports personal and professional growth, collaboration, and innovation among the faculty and staff
• Represent the school to all of its constituents, including faculty and staff, parents, students, alumni, neighbors, and the broader New York community
• Manage and balance the sometimes competing demands and interests of the various constituencies of the school
• Represent and/or oversee the school in its relations with state and federal agencies and with local, state, regional, and national educational organizations and accrediting agencies
• Define the teaching and non-teaching positions needed to implement the School’s programs, and select and employ competent personnel to fill those positions
• Determine standards and take appropriate steps to measure and maintain acceptable performance and professional growth among all employees
• Supervise and mentor members of the administration in execution of their responsibilities and leadership roles in the school
• In partnership with pedagogical leadership (Early Childhood mentors), develop the educational program of the school; monitor curriculum, student assessment and parent/guardian communications; prepare for and conduct periodic program evaluations; submit reports to external agencies as required; establish student disciplinary policies and standards of conduct
• Understand business and financial implications of decisions, work within approved budgets and allocate school resources wisely in support of the mission
• Hold general operating responsibility for the safety and well-being of all students and employees of the school; supervise the operation and maintenance of all school facilities
• Bring to the attention of the Board matters and data as are appropriate to keep the Board fully informed to meet its responsibilities. This includes annual budget, tuition, enrollment and fundraising recommendations, long term planning needs, suggestions for board policy and development, as well as strategies for institutional improvement.
• Maintain open communication with the Board’s leadership, attend Board meetings, Finance Committee, Fundraising and Development, and DEI committees, as needed serve on ad hoc committees, and act as an ex-officio member of all committees and task forces of the Board
• Function as chief advisor to the Board, guiding it in the full range of its activities and assisting in its development and growth to serve the needs of the school
• Serve as chief communicator between the Board and faculty and staff, represent the Board in its relations with all school constituencies
• Support the Board in its efforts to raise funds for the school
• Other duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees that may be required to meet the ongoing needs of the school.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution.
• Significant experience in or knowledge of nonprofit leadership. Ability to think strategically.
• Experience in or knowledge of Waldorf education and philosophy, or a commitment to develop an appropriate level of understanding.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations.
• Familiarity with current best practices in independent schools, including financial planning, risk management, governance, DEI, and fostering a healthy school culture.
• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills, with the ability to think strategically and synthesize complex information.
• Ability to generate creative solutions, meet challenges with resourcefulness.
• Ability to adapt to a continually evolving environment; be flexible.
• Ability to balance priorities and meet hard deadlines.
• Ability to work independently in a multi-tasking environment employing organizationally sound decision-making and flexibility.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation and written communication skills facilitating work with all constituencies of the school community.
• Ability to manage difficult situations, maintain confidentiality.
• Possession of a sense of humor and professional presence, inspire respect and trust, display passion and optimism.
• Enjoy being an active member of an administrative team.  Strive to continually build knowledge/skills and share expertise with others.

Salary Range

$125,000-$150,000 commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please send a copy of your resume, cover letter and 3 references to hiringdirector@newamsterdamchildhood.org