Director of Administration at Nairobi Waldorf School

• The Director of Administration manages and develops the school's operational resources in service of its mission, working in a collaborative leadership model with the Director of Pedagogy. This position oversees the administrative, financial, legal, and operational aspects of the school to ensure effective and efficient functioning, allowing the educational programs to thrive across the school's three educational systems: Waldorf (Kindergarten through Class 10), International Baccalaureate (IB) (Classes 11-12), and BTEC. He/She implements policies approved by the Board of Trustees, oversees plans and budgets, and ensures the school's operational health while upholding Waldorf principles. The ideal candidate will embody the values and ethos of Waldorf education in their administrative approach, bringing both professional expertise and alignment with the school's spiritual and pedagogical mission while understanding the administrative requirements of multiple educational frameworks.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Operations & Facilities Management
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the school's non-pedagogical functions.
• Oversee management of school facilities and learning areas.
• Oversee and advise on the school transport and logistics.
• Oversee school security procedures and policies
• Oversee purchases and supplies for the school
• Coordinate use of facilities by school and external groups
• Develop and implement sustainability initiatives for the school facilities
• Financial Management
• Oversee budget development, implementation, and monitoring
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll
• Coordinate the annual audit and financial reporting
• Oversee purchasing and vendor relationships
• Report and advise regularly to the Board on financial matters
• Coordinate grant monies for programs and hires
• Ensure financial sustainability while supporting program needs
• Develop multi-year financial projections
• Human Resources
• Oversee talent acquisition and manpower planning for the whole school. 
• Oversee employee benefits administration
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations
• Coordinate comprehensive professional learning and development program for the entire school
• Oversee implementation of policies and procedures. 
• Oversee drafting and implementation of a robust staff performance evaluation criteria
• Develop competitive compensation strategies
• Safety & Risk Management
• Develop and implement comprehensive safety protocols for all school environments
• Conduct regular risk assessments and safety audits of facilities and practices
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Oversee emergency preparedness, including drills and emergency response procedures
• Collaborate with Director of Pedagogy on behavioral safety concerns
• Stay current with best practices in school safety and risk management
• Serve as primary contact for safety concerns from community members
• Develop. Maintain and implement child protection policies
• Advancement & Development
• Lead and coordinate fundraising and School development efforts
• Cultivate donor relationships and stewardship
• Oversee grant applications and reporting
• Develop capital campaign strategies when needed
• Manage alumni relations programs
• Coordinate with development committee of the Board
• Track and report on fundraising progress
• Marketing, Enrollment & Communications
• Oversee marketing and public relations across the school
• Oversee students admissions and enrollment process
• Provide strategic direction for the school's digital presence
• Track enrollment trends and metrics and give strategic advice to the Board
• Oversee Coordination of schools extra curricular and marketing calendar open house events and school tours
• Develop diverse revenue streams for the school.
• Legal & Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations for all educational systems
• Manage school licensing and registration requirements for all three educational programs
• Coordinate with legal counsel as needed
• Oversee insurance programs
• Coordinate non-pedagogical aspects of accreditation for Waldorf, IB, and BTEC
• Manage contracts and agreements
• Ensure all compliance paperwork is properly completed and submitted for each educational program
• Monitor changes in legal requirements
• Develop and maintain school policies in compliance with regulations
• Ensure data protection and privacy compliance
• Community & Parent Relations
• Address administrative concerns from parents
• Support organization of community events and festivals
• Manage parent volunteering systems
• Support the Parent Body in community building efforts
• Coordinate parent education events with Director of Pedagogy
• Collaborative Responsibilities (with Director of Pedagogy)
• As part of a co-leadership model, the Director of Administration works in close partnership with the Director of Pedagogy to ensure the holistic success of the school. Together, they:
• Engage in strategic planning and decision-making with the Board of Trustees to advance the school’s mission.
• Foster a strong, inclusive school culture aligned with Waldorf values.
• Collaborate on enrollment strategy, school communications, and parent engagement.
• Coordinate crisis preparedness and ensure student and staff safety.
• Co-lead diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) initiatives.
• Align operational and pedagogical resources in support of student learning and well-being.

The Person

You are a great fit for Nairobi Waldorf School Trust if:

• You believe in holistic education and are passionate about nurturing students' intellectual, emotional, and creative capacities. You see education as more than just academic success but rather the shaping of well-balanced individuals who can think critically, act with empathy, and engage meaningfully with the world.
• You thrive in a collaborative community and enjoy working closely with teachers, students, parents, and school leadership to foster a supportive and inclusive school culture. You understand the importance of relationships in education and lead with warmth, respect, and active listening.
• You appreciate the balance of structure and flexibility. You recognize the need for well-run operations to support a thriving school while also embracing the organic, evolving nature of Waldorf education. You’re adaptable and comfortable navigating both administrative and pedagogical landscapes.
• You’re committed to lifelong learning. Whether it’s engaging with new educational philosophies, refining school policies, or developing faculty leadership, you have a growth mindset and a deep respect for the art of teaching and school governance.

This position is perfect for you if:

• You have a Bachelor's degree in business administration, non-profit management, or related field
• You have a minimum 7 years’ experience in educational institutions or non-profit administration
• You have strong financial management and budgeting skills
• You have experience with operational management and systems development
• You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated collaborative abilities
• You have strong organizational and systems-thinking skills
• You have experience with student safety protocols and risk management
• You have evidence of flexibility and adaptability while maintaining sound practices
• You are willingness to learn about the administrative requirements of multiple educational systems (Waldorf, IB, and BTEC)