We are Hiring!
Please email your resume to hello@santaluciaschool.org
Job Title: Director
About Us:
Santa Lucia School is a K-8 educational institution committed to
fostering holistic learning, promoting peaceful living, and nurturing
a deep connection with nature. We believe in the innate
brilliance and intrinsic motivation of every child. Our
approach seeks to cultivate deep bonds of connection between the
student, the earth, each other and learning itself. Educators
at Santa Lucia facilitate a profound respect for the developmental
phases of each child through deep connection with the natural world.
In addition to math, science, language arts, social science and
nature connection, we strive to instill values of creativity,
community building and peacemaking into all we do.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a passionate and visionary individual to serve as the
Director of our K-8 nonprofit school. As the Director, you will play
a pivotal role in upholding and implementing the school's mission,
values, and educational philosophy. This leadership position requires
a dynamic and innovative educator with a strong commitment to
holistic learning, peaceful communication, and fostering a profound
connection with nature. The ideal candidate would additionally have a
background in skillful academic instruction. The Director reports to
the school’s Board of Directors.
Key Responsibilities:
Educational Leadership
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Develop and implement a comprehensive educational program that
aligns with the school's holistic learning philosophy.
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Foster a positive and inclusive school culture that encourages
collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
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Lead, mentor, and support teaching staff in delivering high-quality,
student-centered education.
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Oversee curriculum that integrates holistic learning principles,
science-backed academic instruction, emphasizing the development of
mind, body, and spirit.
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Ensure the completion of Fall and Spring Grow & Glow assessments
by classroom teachers.
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Facilitate conversations with families and their teachers when
necessary.
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Ensure that innovative teaching methods, project-based learning, and
experiential activities that inspire curiosity and a love of
learning is being implemented in the classroom.
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Develop initiatives to connect students with nature, including
outdoor learning experiences, nature focused activities, and
environmental education programs.
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Collaborate with other organizations and individuals to create
partnerships that enhance students' understanding and appreciation
of the natural world and overarching curriculum.
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Attend and participate in professional conferences, lectures, and
other educational events.
Peaceful Communication
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Promote a culture of peaceful communication and conflict resolution
among students, staff, and families.
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Model effective communication skills, empathy, and emotional
intelligence.
Administrative Management
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Collaborate with the Office Manager to
co-manage the administrative and operational aspects of the school
to ensure its smooth functioning.
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Oversee school website, school virtual community, and social media
platforms.
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Use all software and technology established at the school. Improve
our website as needed.
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Lead staff meetings to facilitate communication, collaboration, and
professional development.
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Hold regular one-on-one meetings with staff and regular classroom
observation and feedback cycles.
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Join monthly Board of Directors meetings to provide a Director’s
Report.
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Maintain the Employee and Family Handbooks, keeping up to date with
current policies and regulations. Consult with Legal and HR as
needed.
Fiscal Responsibilities
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Collaborate with the Board Treasurer to draft the annual budget for
approval by the Board of Trustees.
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Meet with the Treasurer quarterly to review financial statements and
recommend any needed adjustments to the budget.
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Ensure the school operates within the budget.
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Coordinate with the Board to facilitate capital expenditure plans
yearly.
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Communicate with the Board/Fundraising Liaison to coordinate and
promote fundraising events.
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Serve as bank signatory with the Board President and/or Treasurer.
Health and Safety
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Manage the health and safety protocol for the school.
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Work with employees to be sure emergency protocols are in place and
reviewed annually or as needed.
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Arrange fire and earthquake drills.
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Keep the school current with current vaccination laws and reporting
when needed.
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Keep the health history records and physicians’ reports for
children and staff in accordance with privacy regulations.
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Manage protocols for accident reporting and ensure staff
communication with families about accidents and incidents that
occur.
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Stay informed of the school’s legal responsibilities and
liabilities.
Enrollment
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The Director is responsible for fulfilling the enrollment needs of
the school and is always aware of enrollment needs for the upcoming
and future years.
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Oversee and engage in marketing and outreach efforts.
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Offer tours and organize Santa Lucia Discovery Days for prospective
families.
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Orient families of newly enrolled students about school policies and
rhythms.
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Review and update enrollment documents as needed with the Office
Manager.
Greater
Community Engagement
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Cultivate positive relationships with families and the broader
community to create a supportive network for the school.
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Organize community events, workshops, and seminars that align with
the school's values and promote a sense of belonging.
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As opportunities arise, participate with other groups and in public
events that pertain to the growth of the school.
Collaboration
and Advocacy
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Collaborate with the Santa Lucia School community to promote the
school's mission and values.
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Advocate for the school's educational philosophy and principles
within the wider educational community.
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Seek opportunities to foster relationships with peer and
complimentary organizations.
Qualifications
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Valid teaching credential.
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Master’s degree in education preferred, child development, or
related field.
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Experience teaching or directing in a holistic learning environment.
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Experience leading a group of educators.
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Demonstrated expertise in holistic, nature-based educational
philosophies.
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Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
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Strong organizational and administrative abilities.
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Passion for fostering intrinsic learning and holistic child
development.
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Commitment to working collaboratively with the community of
students, staff and parents.
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Ability to inspire and lead a team of dedicated educators.
Schedule and Hours
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The position is a part-time, year-round position averaging 25 hours
per week. The position will likely grow as our enrollment
increases.
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The Director is expected to be on campus at least four days a week
when school is in session and one to two Fridays a month for
in-service staff days.
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The Director will hold staff meetings in person whenever possible.
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During summer break, the Director will be on campus as needed to
supervise summer camp programs, prepare for the upcoming academic
term, and coordinate in-service days with staff.
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The Director reports to the Board of Directors and will communicate
with the Board President for sick days, out of office periods,
leaves or significant schedule changes.