Seattle Waldorf School is seeking an Early Childhood Director, with teaching and administrative experience, and a rich understanding of child development and the art of teaching. We are looking for someone who has a passion for human and organization development and facilitation skills to inspire a culture of collaboration built upon trust and engagement. We need a leader who understands best practices in education and administration, and who is passionate about leading a Waldorf Early Childhood program. We are looking for staff and faculty who share our belief that a culturally rich and inclusive school community provides students with the best possible environment for a quality education. Seattle Waldorf School offers an excellent benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and an extraordinary work environment.

WHO WE ARE:

At Seattle Waldorf School, students become creative problem\-solvers—imaginative thinkers who journey toward intellectual excellence, human compassion, and artistic skill. Our modern curriculum is rooted in tradition—for children 18 months to 18 years. We lead students on a joyful journey that fosters critical thinking, synthesis, and creativity. Founded in Seattle in 1980, we are the only Preschool–Grade 12 Waldorf School in Washington.

Our Mission:

Daily we strive to inspire learning, courage, and joy in the developing human being.

Job Summary:

Under minimal supervision, works collaboratively to lead and address SWS needs, guides and oversees the early childhood branch program development, and upholds school\-wide working agreements, standards of professionalism, school policies and procedures among the early childhood faculty.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Acts as active member of the Pedagogical Council and Leadership Council, including attending board meetings, committee meetings, and supporting work outside of meetings

• Guides and oversees the early childhood program development in light of the mission, vision and strategic plan of Seattle Waldorf School, including, but not limited to:

+ Overseeing short and long term goals + Consulting with the faculty chair(s) to lead early childhood branch meetings + Developing educational support involvement in early childhood classes as needed + Coordinating parent education with the early childhood faculty + Communicating with parents, as the need arises + Supporting the Director of Advancement/ Enrollment in admissions events, retention activities, and building enrollment

• Supervises, provides support for, and upholds school\-wide working agreements, standards of professionalism, school policies and procedures among the early childhood faculty including, but not limited to:

+ Acting as chair of early childhood school hiring committees + Facilitating training for early childhood faculty + Overseeing mentoring and assessment of early childhood faculty + Periodically visiting classes + Meeting with parents and teachers, as the need arises + Working with the SWS facilities staff on early childhood site needs + Ensuring oversight of the early childhood budgeting process and monitoring spending + Helping to create and revise handbooks

• Teaching classes part\-time during the school year

• Maintains relationships with AWSNA, and guides early childhood portion of AWSNA and NWAIS Renewal of Membership Process

• Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open dialogue with all of the school’s constituencies

• Actively participates in the full life of the school

• Vigorously engages in their own professional development; is a life\-long learner who enhances their skills, using state\-of\-the\-art technologies to maintain high standards of performance to efficiently and effectively produce work products

• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents

• Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities

• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION \& EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of five years teaching experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four\-year college or university required\* (Education or a related field preferred)

• Waldorf Teaching Certificate required\*

• Advanced degree and State Teacher Certificate or WA ECE State Certificate preferred

• Experience in or potential for collaborative leadership

• Experience in or potential for mentoring, supervising, and evaluating faculty

• *Candidates who do not have a required degree/certificate may be considered with a commitment to complete them within a specified length of time from start of employment.*

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, \& ABILITIES

• Enjoys being an active team member of an administrative team; strives to continually build knowledge/skills and share expertise with others

• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills

• 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

• Possessing a level of cultural competency necessary for working with a diverse population in an inclusive and equitable community

+ We have a diverse student body, and we want all our teachers and staff to have the skills necessary to ensure that our classrooms are safe, inclusive places for everyone + We seek a leader who is aware of the racial, socio\-economic, gender, and other inequities present in education, and actively works to eliminate these in the school

• Strong organizational, communication, problem\-solving, and interpersonal 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, inspires respect and trust, displays passion and optimism

• Proficient at working in a Microsoft Windows 10 environment, using Office (version 2013 or higher); ability to master common automated systems for record keeping, and confidently learn new technology; proficient working with Google Docs and Google Sheets

• Comfortable videoconferencing with Zoom, Google Meets or other platform

• Ability, unassisted, to lift and carry children up to 50 pounds in weight

• Ability to travel locally and nationally

• Ability to work evenings and weekends occasionally

Benefits:

Please see our

Benefits Summary

which outlines the generous insurance, leave, and other benefits provided for SWS Faculty.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply through SWS Careers. Thank you for your interest in Seattle Waldorf School and this position. Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop\-ins please. www.seattlewaldorf.org

Waldorf School Association of Seattle

Job Details

Early Childhood Director

Job Description