Wilmington Outdoor Microschool Director

The Mission

Traditional education is broken. At Wilmington Outdoor Microschool (WOM), we’ve ditched the desks for a learner-driven community set in the coastal woods. We believe kids grow through autonomy, grit, and real-world challenges. We are looking for a Director to be the "Master Builder" of our daily operations. You aren’t a Principal; you are a veteran operator who knows how to cultivate a culture where adults get out of the way so that kids can find their calling.

You are the "Chief Operating Officer" of the student experience. You manage the chaos so the magic can happen.

• Guide Leadership: You recruit, train, and mentor our Guides. You are their coach, ensuring they stay true to the learner-driven model.
• Family Partnership: You own 100% of the school family relationships. You are the face, the voice, and the bridge for our community.
• The Daily Flow: You architect the schedule, the quests, and the logistics. From morning launch to afternoon close, the rhythm of the school is your masterpiece.
• Site Stewardship: You ensure the "stage is set." Whether it’s coordinating facility maintenance, managing subs, or personally clearing a trail, you ensure the environment is safe and inspiring.
  

Required (The Non-Negotiables)

• Logistical Command: You’ve successfully directed a summer camp, wilderness program, or high-stakes youth operation. You eat "logistics" for breakfast.
• Team Architecture: You have a proven track record of managing and developing staff in high-autonomy environments.
• The "Janitor" Mindset: You are a high-level leader who isn’t above grabbing a shovel. You do what the mission requires.
• Radical Problem Solving: You don’t need a manual. You see a gap and you fill it.

Preferred (The "Extra Grit")

• Wilderness Medicine: WFA or WFR certification (we play in the woods; we value safety).
• Construction/Trade Literacy: You know your way around a tool shed and can speak the language of contractors and subs.
• Montessori Exposure: You understand the "Guide on the Side" philosophy and the "Hero's Journey" framework.
  

• Compensation: $70k – $110k based on experience and right-fit
• The Vetting: We move fast. Top candidates will be invited for a 2-3 day "Trial Run" on-site in February to lead a project and meet the community.
• Timeline: Official start date at the end of Summer 2026.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to build something that actually matters, send your resume and a short note—tell us about a time you had to lead a team through a crisis with your own two hands—to travis@wom.school.