Headwaters School, a Pre-K through grade 12 independent day school serving 500 students across its three campuses in Austin, TX, is seeking an Elementary School Director for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Elementary School Director will serve as the primary leader of the Creek Campus (Kindergarten - 5th grade) academic program by creating a Montessori environment that delivers inspiring instruction, develops and encourages the growth of Elementary Montessori guides, supports students' academic growth, and cultivates parent relationships. In conjunction with the Head of School, the Elementary Director will develop a comprehensive academic vision for how our students will demonstrate their understanding of and commitment to our Purpose, Promise, and PACT. In addition, they will set Elementary program academic priorities and align program goals, facilitate professional development and assessments, provide instructional coaching, and oversee the performance of all Elementary faculty and staff.
The Elementary Director's primary objective is to uphold and advance the Purpose, Promise, and PACT of Headwaters School. Under the direction and in collaboration with the Head of School, the Elementary Director will assume general responsibility for the Elementary program while working collaboratively with faculty and other school administration. Effective communication, team building, and group leadership skills will be employed to draw the efforts of the faculty and staff, committees, parent volunteers, and students together in developing and implementing the Elementary program.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree, required
- 3-5 year administrative experience in a school setting including knowledge of school finance and budget practices, required
- Experience managing and coaching teachers, required
- Elementary teaching experience including classroom management and modifying instruction for various student needs, required
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and curriculum in the classroom
- Appreciation for and understanding of the development of elementary-age students
- Knowledge of Montessori philosophy and curriculum, preferred
- Skill in communicating effectively with others, both in writing and orally, and in providing presentations to large groups
- Experience in standard computer and software applications related to instruction, student data, email, internet programs, databases, spreadsheets, and the development of presentations
- Commitment to working in collaborative team-based environments
Essential Job Duties And Responsibilities
- Reports to the Head of School
- Provide effective leadership and management of a Montessori instructional program by providing purpose and direction for individuals and groups
- Oversee planning, implementation and evaluation of strategies that improve student experience within the Elementary Program
- Collaborate with the faculty and Learning Specialist to review and monitor student progress. This includes gathering and interpreting data from relevant sources related to program effectiveness in order to evaluate students' progress toward stated program goals; working jointly with committees and Guides to correct deficiencies and maintain and improve strengths; and utilizing test results in analyzing program effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement
- Collect and utilize data to inform improvements to curriculum, assessments, educational resources, and teaching support practices
- Support faculty professional development, evaluation of teaching, and teaching observation feedback structures
- Create detailed timelines for program initiatives; supervise and evaluate project progress regularly using various computer programs and tools; and drive project completion by holding others accountable for responsibilities and deadlines
- Work with the Elementary faculty and staff to explore and develop appropriately unified curriculum and packaging to provide students with seamless and learning across grade levels
- Meet regularly with the Head of School to oversee the operation of the Elementary program
- Collaborate with the the Human Resources Department in the recruitment and retainment of faculty, as needed
- Demonstrate continued personal growth through the participation in professional activities and organizations
- With the Senior Director for Finance and Advancement and the Creek campus manager, establish and maintain the safety and security of all program facilities and equipment as well as ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all students, parents and staff according to federal, state and local regulations
- Work with the Communications Team to develop and/or direct program marketing efforts
- With the Senior Director for Community & Enrollment and the Parent Volunteer Creek Campus Lead, support parent education, parent volunteerism, and community-building efforts
- Administer and monitor the Elementary Program budget in accordance with budget policies and legal requirements, and effectively monitor expenditures as well as ongoing communication with the Finance Department
- Manage student behavior in the classroom and on school premises
- Establish a positive relationship with parents of the community and maintain regular communication with regard to their student's specific needs, as well as helping to develop an understanding of the Headwaters curriculum
- Assist in the development of and participate in school wide events and functions
- Facilitate a regular evaluation process including classroom observations, peer reviews, student and parent surveys, interim and yearly performance evaluations, and an annual self-evaluation
Additional Duties Assigned To Employee
- Attend school events/meetings including:
- Admission Open Houses
- Campus and school-wide fundraisers
- Parent Education Events
- Parent/Teacher Workshops & Conferences
- Community-building events
- Other school functions as deemed necessary by the Head of School
- Develop and lead regular staff and department meetings.
- Abide by the Headwaters Employee Manual
Perform other duties, as assigned.
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position and compensation is competitive for the greater Austin area. The School offers a wide-range of benefits including generous paid time off, 100% paid medical insurance for the employee, a 401(k) retirement plan, on-going professional support and continuing education opportunities, 50% tuition remission for enrolled children of full-time school employees, and a unique working environment where you are able to share and receive ongoing feedback. This position reports to the Head of School.
Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and educational philosophy statement to Leslie Hirsch, Director of Human Resources at hr@headwaters.org or go to the Headwaters School Employment website to apply.
Headwaters School welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. As a 501(c)3 non-profit school, Headwaters provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination law. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, training, discipline,
