POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director is an integral component of the school’s governance structure. This leadership position holds fiscal, budgetary, and legal authority in management of the business affairs and day-to-day operations of the school and is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. Other duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.

The Executive Director works in close collaboration with the pedagogical leadership to develop, implement, maintain, and enforce policies and practices that foster the health of the whole school and support realization of the school’s strategic plan. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Board Governance: Works with board in order to fulfill the organization’s mission.

• Responsible for managing Sanderling Waldorf School in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors and Faculty.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.

2) Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.

• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of Sanderling Waldorf School, to include submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
• Responsible for fundraising and developing other resources necessary to support Sanderling’s mission, including grants, annual appeals, special events, capital campaign and restricted giving.
• Jointly, with the president and secretary of the board of directors, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents.

3) Organization Mission and Strategy: Works with board, faculty, and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, organizational communications, and community outreach.

• Responsible for implementation of Sanderling Waldorf School programs that carry out the organization’s mission.
• Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that Sanderling can successfully fulfill its mission into the future.
• Works with the Board and faculty committees to develop and define policies and procedures.
• Initiates annual reviews of administrative staff, including a parent survey, to assess strengths, weaknesses, and areas of concern for the school.
• Responsible for the enhancement of Sanderling’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
• Represents Sanderling Waldorf School at national, state, and/or regional meetings of Waldorf Administrators.

4) Organization Operations. Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.

• Responsible for effective administration of Sanderling operations.
• Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.
• Responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.
• Ensures that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.
• Encourages staff development and education, and assists program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.
• Maintains a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.

DAY TO DAY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishing employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of Sanderling.
• Supervise organization staff.
• Review and approve contracts for services.
• Strategic planning and implementation.
• Planning and operation of annual budget.
• Serving as Sanderling’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public.
• Establish and maintain relationships with various stakeholders and organizations throughout the community (internal and external) and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance Sanderling’s mission.
• Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising and outreach.
• Oversee fundraising, community relations, marketing and other communication efforts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate will:

• Be a diplomatic, empathetic, transparent, and high integrity leader.
• Have the ability to understand, accept, and promote the cultural values of this Waldorf School and convey a vision of Sanderling’s strategic future to staff, board, volunteers and donors
• Have ten or more years senior management experience, nonprofit or educational sector experience preferred
• Have solid, hands-on, budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting.
• Have strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
• Have a demonstrated commitment to collaboration, objectivity, relationship and consensus building as well as conflict resolution.
• Have the skills to guide and support the school through processes of organizational and cultural change.
• Be timely, well organized, and able to effectively manage multiple projects.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Hold a Master’s Degree or a related degree.
• Waldorf Management training is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to travel for meetings and conferences, both locally and interstate