The Waldorf School of Atlanta
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Founded in 1986 as a preschool/kindergarten program, The Waldorf School of Atlanta graduated its first 8th grade class in 2000. The School delivers preschool to grade eight educations for approximately 240 students, including rigorous academics, Spanish, Eurythmy, Movement, Music (Recorder, Strings, Chorus, Drumming), Handwork, Woodwork, Practical Arts, and sports programs.
The Waldorf School of Atlanta is fully accredited by four local and national accrediting bodies and is a full member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. Our sister Waldorf high school, Academe of the Oaks, opened in the fall of 2003 just five minutes from our campus.
In 2011, The Waldorf School of Atlanta implemented a new, innovative threefold leadership structure to hold the executive function for the School. The Leadership Team, consisting of the Faculty Chair, School Administrator, and Community Chair, is ultimately responsible for the health, vitality, and growth of all aspects of the School, including student life, parent engagement, community relationships, the pedagogical/academic programs, and the business of the School. The Leadership Team, working in close partnership with the Core Faculty and the Board of Trustees, guides and manages the Waldorf School of Atlanta in all of its many facets to be the beacon for Waldorf education in the Southeast.
Community Chair Criteria
As one of the School’s three-fold Leadership Team, the Community Chair shares the responsibility for all executive functions of the School. Together with the Administrator and Faculty Chair, the Community Chair delivers strong, collaborative leadership, dedicated to the principles of Waldorf education for the benefit of students, families and the wider Waldorf School of Atlanta community.
The Community Chair is responsible for working effectively within the Leadership Team to actualize the mission of the school. In so doing, the Community Chair provides balance and support to the Faculty Chair and Administrator in terms of perspective, temperament, skills, and area expertise. Just as the Faculty Chair focuses on the pedagogical sphere and the School Administrator in the business realm, the Community chair focuses on engaging and inspiring a vibrant school community and dynamic relationships with the broader world. Specifically, the Community Chair ensures a healthy school environment for all through the construction and maintenance of school organizations and communication structures that promote positive and fulfilling relationships, all in support of the mission of the Waldorf School of Atlanta.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- In conjunction with the Faculty Chair and School Administrator, fulfill all executive responsibilities of the Leadership Team
- Hold the “voice of the parent,” insuring that all parents are heard
- Develop and sustain a vibrant volunteer community
- Guide, develop, and facilitate volunteer organizations in the School
- Manage all communications to the School community on behalf of the Leadership Team
- Mediate discussions between conflicting points of view
- Coordinate the festival life of the School with Class Parents, Faculty and Staff
- Develop and coordinate the delivery of community education and enrichment offerings and programs
- Evaluate the effectiveness of community activities in supporting a healthy community
- Assist the Enrollment Director, marketing team, and Development Committee as needed
- Act as an ambassador for the School and Waldorf Education to the wider Decatur and Atlanta area
- Chair the Community Development committee
- Participate in Faculty and Core Faculty meetings as needed, providing perspectives and updates on the School community
- Serve as ex officio Trustee, attend all Board of Trustees meetings and retreats
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Commitment to Waldorf Education and its philosophy and methods
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially listening skills
- Conceptualization, foresight and stewardship capabilities
- Collaborative work style
- Knowledge of Anthroposophy and a commitment to self-development
- Ability to hold and balance the perspectives of different constituencies simultaneously
- Questioning skills to understand conflicting perspectives
- Mediation skills and techniques
- Knowledge of appropriate and meaningful adult education program structures
- Strong organizational skills, especially with volunteer organizations
Education and Experience
- 5+ years experience with volunteer and community development in non-profit settings
- Experience teaching or leading volunteers in a Waldorf setting preferred
- Bachelors Degree required
- Graduate degree and/or graduate coursework in Waldorf education preferred
This position is full-time. Full-time faculty and staff enjoy a competitive salary and generous benefits that include health, dental, life/disability insurance, tuition remission, and financial support for professional development.
To Apply
Please send a letter of introduction, resume, short biography, and three references to the attention of the Community Chair Search Committee at
jobs@waldorfatlanta.org.
