Job Description

Job Title: Interim Director of Education

Location: Emerson Waldorf School

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Start Date: August 1, 2025

Overview:

Emerson Waldorf School seeks a visionary and dedicated Interim Director of Education to lead our school in pedagogical and academic excellence. As the only direct report to the Board of Trustees, the Interim Director of Education will serve as the school's pedagogical voice, providing strategic leadership, ensuring the operational integrity of our educational programs, and fostering a thriving school community aligned with Waldorf education principles.

Specific opportunities for the school identified by the current leadership and the Board are to further the implementation of an integrated strategic plan, enhance faculty and staff support and professional development, continue to improve compensation for faculty and staff in the context of a balanced financial plan, continue our efforts to promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to continue exploring opportunities and strategies to grow mission-appropriate enrollment.

About Emerson Waldorf School:

Emerson Waldorf School is a vibrant and nurturing educational community that stands out for its comprehensive Waldorf curriculum, strong high school program, dedicated and experienced faculty, reputation for excellence, beautiful campus, commitment to community values, and focus on sustainability and inclusion.

• Comprehensive Waldorf Curriculum: Offering a rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit, our programs foster creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
• Strong High School Program: Our high school curriculum is balanced and challenging, grounded in the classics while engaging with the modern world, preparing students to face complex challenges with confidence and creativity.
• Dedicated and Experienced Faculty: Our passionate educators are committed to the Waldorf philosophy and provide a supportive and inspiring environment for all students.
• Reputation for Excellence: Emerson Waldorf School is renowned for producing well-rounded graduates equipped to lead and contribute positively to society. 
• Beautiful Campus: Our campus, situated on 54 wooded acres in Chapel Hill, NC, offers a serene and inspiring environment for learning and growth. The natural beauty of our campus provides an ideal woodland environment for indoor-outdoor, multisensory education, inspiring both students and educators.
• Commitment to Community Values: We emphasize collaboration, respect, and active engagement among students, families, and staff, creating a robust and connected community. 
• Emerson Waldorf Sustainability and Inclusivity: Our school is dedicated to ecological sustainability and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates all backgrounds and perspectives, in line with the values of Waldorf education.

Last year, the school celebrated its 40th anniversary. From a handful of students in 1984, it has grown into a robust student body of 300, comprising creative and talented faculty and staff, and a warm and welcoming community.

Some of the many successes of the school in the past few years include:

• Establishment of a one-million-dollar fund to provide long-term financial stability.
• Record-high enrollment in 2024-25.
• Smooth and successful accreditation process in 2022 with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and the Southern Association of Independent Schools, receiving re-accreditation through 2028.

Position Summary:

The Interim Director of Education at Emerson Waldorf School leads the pedagogical vision and ensures academic excellence across all grade levels, from early childhood through high school. This role involves strategic leadership in curriculum development, faculty support, and community engagement, all while upholding the school’s commitment to Waldorf educational principles. The Director will work closely with the Board of Trustees and the College of Teachers to advance the school’s holistic education, social justice, and sustainability mission, fostering a vibrant and inclusive school community.

The Interim Director of Education, along with the Director of Administration, oversees the school’s human resources and employment life cycle. 

Qualifications:

• A strong background in Waldorf teaching and pedagogical administration.
• Experience in school administration and familiarity with Anthroposophical principles and practices.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage faculty and staff.
• Commitment to holistic education, social justice, and collaborative relationships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively represent the school and engage with all stakeholders.

Living in Chapel Hill and the Surrounding Area:

Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas, including Carrboro and Durham, offer an exceptional quality of life, making it a wonderful place to live and work:

• Vibrant Cultural Scene: Chapel Hill has a thriving arts community, diverse cultural events, and a rich music scene. The area offers numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals that enrich the community’s cultural life.
• Top-Ranked Educational Institutions: Chapel Hill is known for its highly regarded public schools and is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, offering a wealth of educational resources and opportunities for professional development. Duke University is located in nearby Durham.
• Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation: The area boasts beautiful parks, green spaces, and nature trails, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities. The nearby Eno River and Jordan Lake offer scenic spots for relaxation and water-based recreation.
• Progressive Community Values: Chapel Hill and its neighboring towns are known for their progressive values, commitment to sustainability, and active engagement in social justice initiatives, aligning well with the ethos of Waldorf education.
• Excellent Healthcare: The region is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the nation, including UNC Hospitals and Duke University Medical Center, ensuring access to top-quality medical care.
• Convenient Access to Urban Amenities: Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, and Durham offer easy access to urban amenities, including shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, while still living in a community-oriented and family-friendly environment.

Nondiscrimination Policy:

The Emerson Waldorf School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or national origin in its employment policies, educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-related programs.

How to Apply:

Please click to apply here with:

• Letter of introduction.
• Current resume.
• Contact information for a minimum of three professional references with your relationship to the reference, e.g., subordinate, colleague, supervisor, etc. Note: the references will be contacted at the finalists' stage of the hiring process after contacting the applicants directly.

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