Description
Location: Nelson Waldorf School, Nelson, BC
FTE: Permanent, 0.5-0.6 FTE (20-25 hours/week)
Compensation: $43,775 annually ($3,648/month)
Benefits: Full NWS benefits plan, dependent tuition and childcare benefits
Reports to: NWS Governance Board of Trustees
Supervises: Principal, Childcare Manager, Facilities Manager, and Registrar
Role Overview
The Nelson Waldorf School (NWS) seeks an Executive Director (ED) to lead our school and childcare center. Reporting to the NWS Board of Directors, the ED will be responsible for leading longer-term strategy, conceptualizing and developing the guiding vision that drives the organization's excellence and success, and the roadmaps to implementing and executing these pathways across all areas of the NWS. This role works closely with the faculty and pedagogical staff, teaching assistants, facilities and bookkeepers. This role leads a direct team of 5, with an extended team of 40-50 staff across the NWS. This role requires strategic and financial acumen; empathetic communication and collaborative capacity; and a deep respect (even love) for Waldorf philosophy and the Waldorf approach to education.
Leadership Responsibilities
Collaborate with the Board to create and implement a long-term strategic plan to ensure organizational sustainability and growth.
Lead the development of a business plan that addresses financial stability and operational efficiency while aligning with the school's mission.
Guide the organization through ongoing change management efforts, ensuring supported transitions in leadership, organizational structure, and operational and financial processes.
Organizational Structure and Policy Development:
Establish job descriptions as needed.
Oversee the creation and implementation of organizational policies to support operations, compliance, and accountability.
Financial and Operational Oversight
Work with the Principal, Childcare Manager, and other department heads to prepare an annual budget for Board approval.
Work closely with the book-keeper to oversee invoicing, bill payments, and ensure that financial reporting is accurate and timely.
Monitor cash flow, operational budgets, and tuition revenue to ensure financial health.
Work collaboratively with the board to develop financial strategies that align with NWS’s mission, including budget forecasting and risk management
Administer the school's tuition modification program, ensuring that the process is transparent, equitable, and aligned with the school’s financial goals.
Leading a recruitment and retention strategy for NWS to ensure the School maintains and grows its enrolment and excellence in education.
Collaborate with staff and the Board to develop a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that enhances visibility, enrolment, and community engagement.
Administrative Oversight
Support and oversee the administrative team, ensuring the smooth operation of day-to-day activities such as payroll, billing, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Work closely with the Registrar to oversee the administrative aspects of the enrolment process, including registration, tuition invoicing, and managing family payments.
Address and resolve performance issues, making collective decisions about employment status when necessary, in alignment with organizational values.
Community Engagement
Serve as a key spokesperson for NWS, actively engaging with parents, staff, and community members to foster strong, trusting relationships.
Work with the Board and leadership to communicate regularly with NWS parents and the broader community, ensuring transparency and alignment with the school’s vision and goals.
Governance and Compliance
Report to and work closely with the NWS Governance Board to ensure the smooth operation of the school and alignment with the strategic plan.
Provide regular updates on the school's financial health, operational success, and long-term strategies.
Ensure compliance with all legal, financial, and regulatory requirements, working with the administrative team to maintain necessary documentation and reporting.
Support efforts to ensure NWS’s accreditation and other certifications are properly managed and renewed.
Qualifications, Experience & skills:
Proven experience in nonprofit or school leadership with a strong track record in operational and financial management.
Financial Acumen: Ability to manage budgets, oversee invoicing, and develop financial strategies.
Business Planning: Ability to implement a long-term business plan aligned with organizational growth and sustainability goals.
Change Management: Expertise in leading change initiatives and guiding teams through organizational transitions.
Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, the Board, staff, and the community.
Problem-solving and organizational skills, with the ability to implement strategies that improve operational efficiency.
Conflict resolution skills.
Self-reflection skills: Seeks feedback on performance and takes steps to change behaviour in response. Frequently employs self-reflection as a way to identify areas of improvement and takes steps to address findings (training, reading thought leaders, etc.).
Establishes trust by maintaining a high degree of personal integrity and authenticity.
Please submit your letter of interest and resume to:???
board.chair@nelsonwaldorf.org
Posting closing date: October 2nd, or when a suitable candidate is found
?
Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted
