Executive Director

Executive Director

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Employment: Full-time, year-round

Start: Preferred March 2026; no later than Spring Break 2026 per DMS calendar

Desert Marigold School is Arizona’s premier K-12 Waldorf-inspired public charter school, nestled on a vibrant twelve-acre campus near South Mountain Preserve in Phoenix. Serving approximately 250 students, DMS integrates intellectual achievement with imaginative, artistic, and moral development to educate the head, hands, and heart. Our campus includes gardens, orchards, a pond, and barnyard animals that support practical work, environmental stewardship, and healthy rhythms of learning.

As a member of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education, we blend the core principles of Public Waldorf with the requirements and accountability of an Arizona public charter. Families and faculty partner to create a school culture that is warm, purposeful, and oriented to craft, curiosity, and community.

The Executive Director is the chief executive and instructional leader for Desert Marigold School. The ED is responsible for strategic and financial leadership, operational excellence, compliance, facilities and safety, community engagement, and measured growth in alignment with the school’s mission and values

Public Waldorf education seeks to develop the head, hands, and heart of every student through an arts-integrated, developmentally informed curriculum. Learning is active and imaginative, with strong attention to practical work, nature, and community life. At DMS, we honor Public Waldorf Principles while meeting Arizona public charter standards

• Reports to the Governing Board
• Directly supervises the Leadership Team, including Curriculum Director, Human Resources, Enrollment Manager, Facilities Lead, and other roles such as Business Manager, Operations Manager, and Community and/or Marketing Directors
• Oversees all faculty and staff through the Leadership Team and approved organizational structure

• Full-time, year-round position based on campus
• Preferred start in March 2026; no later than Spring Break 2026 per DMS calendar
• Competitive salary aligned with Arizona charter market rates and experience, with comprehensive benefits including health coverage and professional development
• Exempt position with occasional evenings and weekends for meetings and events

• Lead annual and multi-year strategic planning aligned to mission and Board goals
• Develop balanced budgets and multi-year forecasts with clear assumptions
• Present monthly financial reports and recommend timely adjustments
• Grow sustainable revenue through enrollment health, grants, partnerships, and development efforts consistent with policy
• Maintain strong internal controls, audit readiness, and fiscal transparency

• Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, including special education, Section 504, Title I, and student safety
• Oversee accurate and timely reporting to the Arizona Department of Education, Arizona Corporation Commission, and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools
• Recruit, support, and evaluate staff in accordance with Board policy and applicable law
• Establish clear procedures for admissions, attendance, assessment, and records
• Build reliable systems for data, technology, procurement, and vendor management

• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming 12-acre campus and learning environments
• Lead emergency preparedness, drills, and safety training consistent with policy and law
• Oversee facilities planning, maintenance, and capital projects within budget
• Manage risk through policies, insurance, and training that protect students, staff, and community.

• Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration among students, families, faculty, and staff
• Communicate clearly and regularly with the community about school priorities, progress, and celebrations
• Partner with the Community Council to ensure effective communication and alignment with…