Priority Listing Executive Director

Mountain Sunrise Academy, a public Waldorf charter school serving students in grades K–6, is seeking an inspiring and experienced Executive Director to lead our growing community. This role is ideal for a visionary educational leader who is committed to child‑centered learning, operational excellence, and the thoughtful integration of Waldorf principles within a public school framework.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Mountain Sunrise Academy, responsible for strategic leadership, operational management, and the stewardship of our school’s mission. This leader ensures that Waldorf educational philosophy thrives within the requirements of public education, while fostering a warm, developmentally aligned, and inclusive school culture.

• Uphold and champion Waldorf educational philosophy within a public charter context
• Ensure curriculum aligns with both Waldorf principles and state academic standards
• Support teachers in delivering developmentally appropriate, arts‑integrated instruction
• Foster a school culture that honors each child’s natural developmental progression
• Oversee assessment practices that balance Waldorf approaches with public accountability

• Provide strategic planning and daily oversight of school operations
• Lead annual budget development and ensure sound financial stewardship
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local education regulations
• Oversee facilities, safety protocols, and campus operations
• Lead enrollment management and student recruitment efforts
• Perform additional duties as assigned

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, including preparing reports and presenting at monthly meetings
• Ensure compliance with charter requirements and authorizer expectations
• Oversee mandated reporting (IDEA, Title I, Title IX, and other federal programs)
• Maintain documentation for audits, renewals, and accountability metrics
• Ensure legal compliance across all school operations

• Recruit, hire, and evaluate faculty and staff aligned with Waldorf education
• Provide ongoing professional development in Waldorf pedagogy and public education requirements
• Manage faculty relations, contracts, and performance processes
• Support teacher certification and continuing education

• Build strong relationships with parents, families, and community partners
• Communicate the school’s mission, vision, and achievements to stakeholders
• Collaborate with district officials, charter authorize rs, and educational partners
• Represent the school at community events and professional conferences
• Oversee public relations and marketing initiatives

• Oversee the annual budget and ensure fiscal responsibility
• Monitor revenue streams including per‑pupil funding, grants, and fundraising
• Ensure financial controls and audit compliance
• Coordinate with the business manager on purchasing, payroll, and accounting
• Develop fundraising strategies for capital improvements and enrichment programs
• Perform additional duties as assigned

• Commitment to learning and implementing Waldorf educational principles
• Minimum 5 years of educational leadership experience (charter or alternative school experience preferred)

• Willingness to learn and thoughtfully apply Waldorf pedagogy
• Strong understanding of child development and public education standards
• Knowledge of public education law, charter governance, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with budget management and financial oversight
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Familiarity with educational technology and data systems
• Understanding of special education law and inclusive practices

• Visionary leadership balancing innovation and tradition
• Collaborative management style that honors teacher autonomy
• Cultural competency and commitment to equity and inclusion
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to navigate complex regulations
• Passion for child‑centered, developmentally…