Executive Director
Desert Star Community School is a public, tuition-free charter school guided by the core principles of public Waldorf education. It is located in the beautiful high desert near the amazing red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. We are also surrounded by the Black Hills mountains and the lovely Verde Valley. Our team is filled with a mixture of ages and experience. We are forward thinking and constantly striving for excellence. We also provide a warm, supportive environment for staff, teachers, parents, and students. Current enrollment is approximately 150 students.
Summary:
The Executive Director is a key leader responsible for overseeing the daily operations and long-term sustainability of the Waldorf charter school. This individual works collaboratively with the faculty, board, and parent community to ensure that the school operates efficiently, remains mission-aligned, and adheres to applicable regulations. The Executive Director plays a vital role in fostering a thriving school environment that reflects the principles and values of Waldorf education.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Collaboration
Serve as the primary leader, coordinating with faculty and the board to uphold the mission and vision of the school.
Act as a liaison between the school community and external entities, including state charter authorities, regulatory agencies, and other partners.
Attend board meetings, providing updates on operations, compliance, and financial matters.
Coordinate distribution of school communications.
Maintain the school’s master calendar, ensuring all events and activities are scheduled and communicated effectively.
Educational OversightEnsure academic development and personal growth of all students through high-quality instruction which aligns Waldorf pedagogy with Arizona state standards.
Serve as the District Test Coordinator, overseeing all aspects of state testing to ensure compliance and effective execution at the school level.
Coordinate and analyze student performance data, including benchmarks, progress monitoring, and state testing results, to guide teachers in using data effectively for differentiated instruction and lesson planning.
Facilitate the application and management of federal grant programs, ensuring program systems are sustained and impactful.
Oversee the management and integration of computers and technology programs to support educational and administrative objectives.
Ensure classroom environment and student behaviors are supportive of positive education outcomes for all students.
Operational Oversight
Oversee all school functions, including finance, human resources, facilities, enrollment, compliance, and communications.
Coordinate contracted services, leases, insurance and lender relationships.
Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and charter school requirements.
Develop and implement school policies and procedures to support operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Financial Management
Work with the Business Contractor to develop and manage the school’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability.
Oversee school fees, grants and support fundraising, and other revenue streams in collaboration with a Board committee.
Participate in the finance committee and update the board, faculty, and parent community as needed.
Enrollment and Community Engagement
Support school in achieving enrollment goals and maintaining positive relationships with prospective and current families.
Foster a culture of transparency and collaboration among parents, faculty, and staff.
Represent the school in public relations efforts, including outreach events and communications with stakeholders.
Human Resources
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of all staff.
Ensure adherence to employment policies, including evaluations, contracts, and personnel records.
Support a positive and collaborative workplace culture that reflects Waldorf values.
Facilities and Safety
Oversee the maintenance, safety, and functionality of the school’s physical campus.
Ensure the implementation of sustainability practices in alignment with Waldorf principles.
Develop and maintain emergency preparedness plans and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education administration, business administration, or a related field preferred.
Proven experience in school administration, nonprofit leadership, or organizational management.
Capacity to maintain composure and effectively manage tasks under emergency or high-stress situations.
Strong skills to address conflict resolution with empathy, professionalism, and alignment with Waldorf principles.
Strong knowledge of Waldorf education principles and a commitment to the values of Waldorf pedagogy.
Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively, manage teams, and resolve conflicts effectively.
Proficiency in budgeting, strategic planning, and operational management.
Knowledge of Special Education, English Language Learners, Arizona Department of Education, Charter School Regulations
Preferred Skills and Attributes:
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
Familiarity with Arizona charter school requirements and compliance.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or community-building initiatives.
A visionary approach to leadership with an understanding of how to balance tradition and innovation.
Submit a resume and cover letter to board@dstarcs.org.
7th Grade Class Teacher
We are looking for class teachers with creative and innovative spirits ready to collaborate with colleagues, administration and the community. We are seeking teachers who will inspire learning, foster growth and success for each individual student and are excited to bring coherence to both the state standards and Waldorf Education.
Essential Job Functions: Develops learning objectives and lesson plans that meet state standards and are consistent with the core principles of Public Waldorf Education.
Engages students in creative, academic and meaningful learning activities.
Builds a culture of caring through positive and conscious discipline.
Communicates well with students, parents and staff.
Participates in student support meetings, IEP meetings, and child studies. -Maintains plans, student records/grades, and submits on time.
Works cooperatively with administration and colleagues.
Attends faculty meetings, professional development, festival, and other school functions as required.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree - required
2 years of teaching experience -Waldorf teaching experience (preferred)
AZ Highly Qualified Educator Status (within 1 year of hire)
AZ DPS Level One fingerprint clearance
Desert Star Community School Offers:
Competitive pay -School ends at 2pm
Generous class supply budget
Large performance space with stage
Professional development and Waldorf Teacher Certification stipend
Healthcare stipend
Beautiful campus adjacent to National Forest land with access to trails -Paid sick leave/time off -Regular planning time/days
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to hr@dstarcs.org website:https://www.desertstarschool.org