HEAD OF SCHOOL (PreK – 5)
Administrator / Full Time
Mission and History
Founded in 2000, the Nantucket Lighthouse School (NLS) is a small, independent Pre-K – 5 school that provides Nantucket children with a Waldorf-inspired educational alternative in a smaller, more individualized setting where staff and teachers have the opportunity to focus on meeting the child where they are.
The Nantucket Lighthouse School is a community of children, families, and educators that embodies the joy of learning. Students develop critical thinking and team-building skills through a project-based, integrated curriculum of literacy, math, science, history, and creative and performing arts. Compassionate teaching and social-emotional learning allow students to cultivate a sense of respect and responsibility for themselves, others, and their community.
The Position
NLS seeks a Head of School who will be enthusiastic about joining this established learning community. We are seeking an individual who is committed to the mission-centered educational programs, one who has experience in and/or understanding of Waldorf education, i.e. someone who respects the pace of childhood and understands the importance of modifying a “standard curriculum” to be hands-on, story-based, experiential.
Additionally, our best candidate is one who takes leadership in fundraising, administration, financial health, and professional development for faculty and staff. This position requires energy, passion, and a willingness to do “whatever it takes” to engage with the school community – students, families, teachers, staff, and the Board of Trustees. A successful candidate for NLS will be an approachable and compassionate leader, a reflective problem-solver, and an overall positive presence.
The position will report directly to the Board of Trustees, while all faculty and staff report to the Head of School (barring any conflicts of interest, which are to be disclosed to the Board immediately).
The Priorities
1. The Head of School will promote best practices in Waldorf-inspired project-based learning while honoring the long history of traditions that are so valued at NLS.
2. The Head of School will support a talented faculty and staff by working closely and collaboratively with lead teachers to review the curriculum and pedagogical practices to ensure an exceptional educational experience for students. This will include reviewing the professional growth opportunities for administrators, faculty, and staff (consistent feedback, assessments, and professional development).
3. The Head of School will work to clearly define outcomes for the students in order to enhance the retention of families through the fifth grade. The next Head of the School needs to be a confident and effective communicator with all stakeholders: The Board, administrators, faculty, staff, and families. The Head will pacify the school community during this transitional period while upholding the message that NLS is a progressive, holistic choice for whole-child education in Nantucket.
4. The Head of School will be responsible for the operating budget to ensure the viability of NLS by carefully weighing income and expenses, including tuition assistance, faculty and staff compensation, other revenue opportunities, and annual fundraising.
5. The Head of the School will have the executive responsibility to distribute leadership roles fairly and act decisively in a transparent fashion that builds trust, as well as a shared sense of purpose and vision for NLS.
Requirements:
1. Appropriate Master’s Degree in education, or a relevant field.
2. The desire to have an active involvement in the Nantucket community.
3. Prior teaching, leadership, and/ or school administrative/management experience.
4. Excellent organizational and operational skills.
5. Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
Compensation:
Salary and benefits commensurate with experience
To apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by January 31, 2023, to: admin@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Please include at least three references. Position to start on or before July 1, 2023
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nantucket Lighthouse School is an equal-opportunity employer. It is the school’s policy to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicap, military status, citizenship status and other status protected by federal, state or local law. The school provides equal opportunities in employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is our policy to make reasonable accommodations as required under the law.
