Job Description
Position: Administrative Director, Lake Champlain Waldorf School (“LCWS” or the “School”)
Hired By: Hiring Committee Designated by Governance Council and the Board of Trustees
Reports to: Governance Council and Board
General Statement of Duties: Provides administrative leadership to the faculty, board, and office staff;
responsible for hiring, evaluation, and firing of office staff and support staff including Enrollment Director,
Development Director and Finance Director; assures coordinated communications between school
stakeholders, and guides the school toward its strategic goals.
Distinguishing Features of the Position: This position is a key leadership position, and as such
requires the depth and commitment expected of all school leaders. This means striving to keep the
spiritual foundations of the school intact. The essential nature of the work is resource management,
including but not limited to money and non-teaching personnel. Direction comes from the Governance
Council and the Board of Trustees, in the form of policies and procedures which must be executed. This
position is frequently the link between the school and public agencies. Internally, this position is entrusted
with responsibilities which are highly sensitive, such as interactions with parents regarding late payments
of bills, referring angry parents to the right place, etc. This position has considerable influence in many
areas, including the public relations image of the school.
Responsibilities of the Position: Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited
to, the following:
1. Lead and Manage the Administrative Staff
The Administrative Director shall, be the person with ultimate responsibility for the persons performing the
essential administrative functions of LCWS, whose responsibilities include fiscal and facility management
and regulatory compliance.
As such, all administration departments of LCWS shall report to the Administrative Director and the
Administrative Director shall have the ultimate authority, upon consultation with administrative staff and
other appropriate persons (including members of the Board, Governance Council, and faculty), to
determine the scope of work of individual administrative staff members and to allocate tasks among
administrative staff.
The Administrative Director of LCWS shall:
Meet regularly with the Board and Governance Council and committees that interact with administrative
staff to receive their input on staff work and the administrative function in general and make
recommendations for implementing the sound advice of these bodies.
Manage the Administrative staff and coordinate the work of the Administrative Branch.
Meet regularly with administrative staff and work collaboratively toward establishing goals for the staff
throughout the school year; monitor said goals; and report on said goals to the Board and Governance
Council;
Delegate duties to appropriate staff consistent, as much as possible, with the job descriptions for such
staff. Oversee and ensure that what administrative staff are doing is in line with their job description;
Initiate and follow through on annual reviews of all administrative staff; and
Make recommendations to the Board and Governance Council for changes to administrative staff and
administrative structure on an as-needed basis.
Require staff to give up duties where, in the determination of the Administrative Director and upon
consultation with administrative staff and other appropriate persons (including members of the Board,
Governance Council and faculty), such assumed duties are inconsistent with the orderly operations of the
School;
Select, supervise, train, procure professional development, and evaluate non-faculty staff; participate in
the selection and assignment of faculty staff.
As the chief administrator, the Administrative Director will administer all insurance plans, oversee the
implementation of new all-school systems and procure necessary technical resource (such as computer
training).
2. Work with the Board, Governance Council and Faculty to assure the clear communications
between all school interest groups/ stakeholders to facilitate smooth operation of the school,
including:
Serve on the Board, the Executive Committee of the Board, the Finance Committee of the Board and
Governance Council and be a bridge between all of these bodies as much as possible.
Participate in meetings with the faculty, and other groups and individuals having an interest or potential
interest in the affairs of the school.
Participate with and support the faculty in self governance
Represent the school in community and professional meetings as required, and to other agencies and
government.
Respond to the most difficult complaints and requests for information.
Interpret, analyze and explain policies, procedures and programs.
Respond to faculty queries and needs regarding the administration of the School;
Serve as the focal point for parents about any non-pedagogical issues relating to the School. (Many such
issues are resolved by other Administrative Staff and do not require further attention.) Assist the Branch
Coordinators with resolving parent concerns or student issues when requested by the Branch
Coordinators or a faculty/staff member;
Ensure the timely and accurate maintenance of the all-school school calendar and that all branches of the
school adhere to the process of building that calendar
Maintain a constant eye on the yearly rhythm of the school year, anticipating activities such as festivals,
events, graduations, etc. to ensure optimal administrative support and execution
Provide counsel and leadership to all of the branches, branch coordinators and core groups in all areas of
their work.
3. Guide LCWS toward the realization of a sustainable and healthy school community.
Participate, as a member of the Governance Council, in the development and direct implementation of
goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the school, including curriculum development, staffing
needs and program modifications.
Ensure that there is timely and relevant data maintained by enrollment, finance, and development to
enable the most accurate projections for future growth or attrition.
Work with the Board, administrative spheres, and pedagogic leadership to facilitate and oversee
implementation of strategic planning initiatives.
Build collaborations with partners that can help LCWS achieve its larger goals, i.e. municipal leaders,
members of Vermont and Waldorf educational communities, through face to face meetings, conference
attendance, and community events.
Required Knowledge and Skills: Considerable knowledge of Waldorf school philosophy, including
administrative and educational principles, techniques, and methods. Knowledge of principles of school
administration, including finance, budgeting, and personnel administration. Knowledge of principles of
effective public relations and interrelationships with community groups, private and public agencies,
parents, and the general public. Ability to work in an extremely busy environment, and to keep several
projects going at once. Ability to analyze, interpret, summarize and present administrative and financial
data in an effective manner. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to deal
with people tactfully and courteously.
Desired Training and Experience: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could
likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the
knowledge and abilities would be : Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in
administrative, managerial or possibly teaching capacity in a school organization involving responsibility
for the planning, organization, implementation and supervision of varied work programs. Education:
Masters degree preferred. Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
required. Completion of the two year Waldorf teacher training course is desirable.
Competencies and Attributes: A dynamic leader who brings joy, enthusiasm, warmth, and authenticity
to his or her role. Strong business and management skills. Excellent written and oral communication
skills. Ability to identify, prioritize, and delegate so that the time and energy of the administration and the
organization are best serving the school’s strategic goals. Ability to develop direct reports and others.
Accessible and approachable, deals with people in a welcoming and engaging way, and leads by
example and active involvement in the life of the school. Responsive and non-reactive, and leads with a
balance of inspiration and discipline, vision and practicality. Ability to deal with paradox. Integrity and
Trust. Commitment to Personal Development. Work/ Life Balance