High School Principal at Nairobi Waldorf School

Key Responsibilities:

Educational Leadership & Teaching:

• Provide visionary leadership to develop and implement educational goals and objectives in the high school.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and academic excellence.
• Ensure alignment with curriculum standards (Waldorf, BTEC and IB) and educational best practices.
• Will teach equivalent of 4 lessons a day or will dedicate 50% of time teaching 2-3 class subjects.

Operations & Administration:

• Oversee day-to-day school operations, including student discipline, attendance, and safety.
• Manage the high school budget, allocate resources effectively, and collaborate with the Management Team.
• Supervise and evaluate teaching in the high school.

Community Engagement:

• Cultivate positive relationships with parents, Staff members, Board and students.
• Organize and participate in community events to enhance school-community partnerships.
• Promote the school's strategic goals and values.
• Student Development & Wellbeing:
• Implement and oversee student support programs to address academic, social, and emotional needs.
•  Ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment that promotes student well-being.
• Collaborate with Faculty members to address individual student needs.

Faculty Support & Professional Development:

• Foster a culture of continuous professional development for teachers and staff.
• Provide opportunities for ongoing training, mentoring, and collaboration.
• Stay current with educational trends, research, and best practices.

Policy Compliance & School Governance:

• Ensure compliance with school policies, state regulations, and educational laws.
• Interpret and communicate policies to staff, students, and parents as needed.
• Work collaboratively with the Management Team in the implementation of school policies.
• Interact with the Board on a regular basis to share updates not only of the performance of the high school, but also your strategies for improvement and growth of the High School
• Identify and mentor potential leaders to ensure continuity in high school leadership.
• Regularly assess policy outcomes and adjust based on data and feedback.

The Person

• You are a great fit for Nairobi Waldorf School Trust if:
• You believe in wholistic 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.
• You lead with integrity and transparency. People trust you because you communicate clearly, make thoughtful decisions, and foster an environment where open dialogue is encouraged.
• You value sustainability and connection to nature. Whether in school design, curriculum development, or operational decisions, you recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and creating a learning environment that respects and engages with the natural world.

This position is perfect for you if:

• You are a fully qualified teacher with a valid TSC number and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field. A Master’s Degree in Educational Administration will be an added advantage.
• You are able to teach either of the following subjects: Physics or biology are preferred, but Kiswahili, history, geography, chemistry, or mathematics can also be considered.
• You have at least 3 years with a proven track record of leadership or management.
• You have at least 3–5 years of teaching experience within an IB programme, ideally at the Diploma Programme level, and have also held leadership roles in an IB school setting—such as DP Coordinator, Head of Department, or a similar position—demonstrating your ability to guide both curriculum and community in line with IB values. Prior leadership roles in a high school setting with BTEC and/or Waldorf exposure will be an added advantage.
• You are an exceptional communicator with strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, capable of fostering trust, clarity, and cohesion across teams and situations.
• You bring visionary and strategic thinking grounded in a deep commitment to student success, with a proven ability to translate long-term goals into meaningful, measurable outcomes.
•  You collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders—including board members, faculty, parents, students, and donors—building consensus and inspiring shared ownership of the school’s mission and direction.
• You stay current with educational trends and innovations, and actively integrate research- based best practices into teaching, leadership, and school development.
• You are comfortable with technology, data-driven decision-making, and are computer literate.
• You have worked in Waldorf or similar progressive education models, or you have a strong appreciation for and willingness to immerse yourself in its philosophy. Having completed Waldorf training modules would be an added advantage.