Blue Oak Charter School in Chico California, is currently seeking an Executive Director to oversee the administrative responsibilities of the school.  Blue Oak is a Waldorf-methods public charter school in Northern California with a current enrollment of 200 students and continues to grow. The Executive Director would be part of our administrative team working under the guidance of the Charter Council to ensure Charter renewal, fiscal sustainability, full enrollment, state and county requirements are met, and to oversee the daily operations of the school.

Job Description: Executive Director

Position: Executive Director
School Type: Public Waldorf-Methods Charter School (TK–8, single-track ~200–300 students) Reports To: Board of Directors (Charter Council)
Work Year: 12-month, full-time (approximately 210–220 work days)

Job Summary:

The Executive Director serves as the Head of School for a TK–8 public Waldorf-methods charter school. In this role, the ED provides visionary leadership and operational oversight to ensure the school’s success. The Executive Director is ultimately responsible for all aspects of school administration – including academic programs, faculty development, finance, and compliance – in alignment with the school’s mission, charter, and familiarity with the core principles of public Waldorf education. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors, faculty, and parents to foster a thriving school community and to maintain compliance with California education standards and charter requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Educational Leadership: Guide the pedagogical direction of the school, ensuring that the Waldorf-inspired curriculum and instructional practices meet state academic standards while honoring Waldorf developmental methods. Support teachers in delivering a rich, arts-integrated curriculum and monitor student progress through appropriate assessments and evaluations.
  
  

• Strategic Planning: Work with the Board to update and implement the school’s Strategic Plan and long-term goals. Use data and community input to inform decision-making and school improvement initiatives. Continuously evaluate school programs and operations, and make strategic recommendations to drive improvement.
  
  

• Operational Oversight: Oversee and supervise all school operations – including academic programs, student services, business/finance, human resources, and facilities – in accordance with school policies, the charter, and applicable California Education Code and regulations. Develop and implement school-wide procedures that promote safety, efficiency, and compliance with state and federal laws (e.g. attendance accounting, health and safety mandates).
  
  

• Charter Compliance & Accountability: Ensure the school maintains good standing as a charter school. This includes overseeing adherence to all charter petition commitments and compliance with state and federal charter school laws (e.g. reporting, special education, and civil rights requirements). Lead the preparation of charter renewal applications as needed and ensure successful completion of accountability plans and reports such as the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), annual audits, and oversight reviews.
  
  

• Financial Management: In collaboration with the Business Manager/Chief Business Officer, develop the annual budget and multi-year financial projections. Monitor expenditures and revenue (including state funding, grants, and fundraising) to maintain the school’s long-term financial health. Ensure sound fiscal policies, oversee audits, and present regular financial reports to the Board.
  
  

• Personnel Management: Hire, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff in accordance with school and district guidelines. Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that supports professional development and high performance. Provide mentorship and guidance to teachers (in partnership with any pedagogical/educational directors) to uphold instructional quality. Address personnel issues and conduct evaluations consistent with charter school HR policies.
  
  

• Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the face of the school to parents, the authorizing district, and the broader community. Maintain transparent communication and consistent relationships with all stakeholders. Facilitate parent education and involvement consistent with Waldorf principles. Work with the Parent Council and community partners to support school events, fundraising, and outreach efforts.
  
  

• Governance and Board Relations: Act as a liaison to the Board of Directors (Charter Council), reporting on school performance and operations and providing information to support informed governance decisions. Implement Board policies and charters directives; collaborate with the Board on strategic initiatives, policy updates, and charter compliance matters. Ensure all required Board reports are maintained and Brown Act compliance is met.
  
  

• Regulatory Compliance: Retain up-to-date knowledge of laws and regulations affecting public charter schools (e.g. California Ed Code, Title 5, special education law) and ensure the school adheres to all legal requirements. This includes oversight of student services (special education in collaboration with the SELPA), English Learner programs, and other compliance areas.
  
  

• Advocacy and External Relations: Represent and advocate for the school’s interests with external organizations and the wider community. Build partnerships with educational networks (such as the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education), local districts, and community organizations. Seek out resources and opportunities (grants, collaborations) that further the school’s mission.
  
  

• Crisis Management: Lead the school’s response to emergencies and challenging situations. Develop and update emergency preparedness plans, and coordinate effective crisis communication to ensure student and staff safety at all times.
  (The Executive Director may perform other related duties as needed to fulfill the school’s mission and ensure its smooth operation.)
  
  

Qualifications:

• Education & Credentials: Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field is preferred. Valid California Administrative Services Credential. (Highly experienced teacher with Waldorf background could be considered as well)
  
  

• Leadership Experience: At least 3–5 years of successful educational leadership experience (e.g. as a principal, head of school, lead teacher, or program director) in a K–8 setting. Experience in a public school and/or charter school environment is strongly preferred. Prior teaching experience in elementary/middle school is a plus.
  
  

• Waldorf Education Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of Waldorf educational philosophy and methods. Training or certification in Waldorf education is desirable. The ideal candidate has knowledge or will obtain knowledge of the core principles of Public Waldorf Education and has the ability to integrate Waldorf methods with California state standards and curricula.
  
  

• Charter School Expertise: Working knowledge of California charter school laws, governance, and operations, including public school finance, special education, and accountability requirements. Experience with charter compliance reporting (LCAP, audits, etc.) and charter renewals is preferred.
  
  

• Strategic and Fiscal Skills: Proven ability in school financial management (budget development, fiscal oversight, and resource allocation). Capable of strategic planning and project management, with a track record of guiding an organization toward long-term goals.
  
  

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Able to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders – teachers, parents, board members, and community partners – and to build consensus. Effective public-speaking and presentation skills are required for community meetings and advocacy.
  
  

• Leadership & Problem-Solving: Inspirational leadership style with strong skills in team-building, staff development, community building, and conflict resolution. Demonstrated capacity for effective decision-making and crisis management in a school setting. Highly organized, with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and multitask in a dynamic environment.
  
  

• Commitment: A passion for holistic education and a commitment to the school’s mission of providing a public Waldorf inspired education. Must uphold high ethical standards and foster an inclusive, equitable school culture. Candidate should be prepared to meet all employment requirements, including Department of Justice fingerprint clearance and a clear TB test, as a condition of hire.

Salary and Benefits:

 

We offer a competitive salary contingent on experience and qualifications and an excellent  benefit package.