Friends Western School (FWS) is a cooperative Quaker elementary school that values inquiry, participation, examination, and reflection. We believe in each child’s natural curiosity and compassion and we work with students to nurture a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of integrity. Students of Friends schools grow into compassionate and responsible adults who recognize their interconnectedness with the world around them.

The Position The Head of School supports FWS in maintaining the mission, vision and goals of the organization. The Head provides cooperative and collaborative leadership by working with faculty, parent members, and the Board of Directors to manage the daily operations of the School.  The Head of School leads through collaboration and inclusivity, with a focus on tolerance and respect. The Head of School is expected to engage fully in the daily life of the school to foster a positive and safe school environment for everyone within the community.  

Supervisor The Head of School reports to the Personnel Chair or other designee from the Friends Western School Board of Directors. 

Hours This position is FLSA-exempt.

The Interim Head of School is expected to be present for all major school functions. In the summer months, there is some ad hoc school business that requires a timely response.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provides vision and leadership by fostering a dynamic school environment that strives to support, care for, and nurture each student and helps to develop each student’s academic and emotional growth. 

• Ensures the school's overall vitality and integrity, in collaboration with the Board of Directors and Friends Western School faculty. 
• Develops and revises the FWS Strategic Plan, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, faculty, and membership, and in accordance with the FWS by-laws.  
• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, develops a clear set of roles and boundaries for staff, faculty, and membership. 
• Coordinates with faculty and appropriate school committees to provide leadership and oversight for all-school events.
• Ensures that FWS maintains its status as a Friends Council on Education (FCE) member school through regular communication with FCE staff, attendance of workshops, and writing and submitting information and auditing materials to FCE, as needed and expected. 
• Develops strong, supportive relationships with parents and facilitates relationships between member families
• In collaboration with the Board and Committee Chairs, provides leadership to co-op members regarding the activities, labor, and talent needed to operate the school efficiently and effectively.

Admissions and Recruitment

• In collaboration with the Admissions Committee, promotes FWS to and represents FWS within the local independent and alternative elementary schools and preschools, professional networks such as NAIS, NAEYC and FCE, CAIS, and WASC? 
• Leads the Admissions Committee, including (1) recruiting an ethnically and socio-economically diverse student body; (2) developing relationships in the community with pre-schools, extra-curricular programs, and local elementary and middle schools; and (3) leading FWS school tours and informational events.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Social-Emotional Learning

• Supports faculty in developing, improving, and documenting curriculum and instructional models, providing on-site professional development and identifying appropriate off-site professional development opportunities.
• Oversees all assessment activities in classrooms, including selecting appropriate assessment tools, maintaining an assessment database for all students, conducting assessments when needed, advising faculty on small group placement, and writing bi-annual progress reports in collaboration with teachers. 
• Coordinates the Student Study Team process in all classrooms, including facilitating meetings with faculty and families, coordinating outside evaluations and services, and developing individualized assessments and intervention plans.

Faculty Development/Personnel

• Recruits, motivates and develops a vibrant, collaborative faculty committed to the FWS mission. 
• Provides direct supervision and coaching to all faculty and staff, including formal observations, assessments, and performance evaluations
• Collaborates with staff to assess needs and plan for professional development experiences relevant to their positions and aligning with the FWS values.   
• Maintains and updates personnel records in a professional and organized manner.
• Collaborates with the Board of Directors to update personnel policies, employee handbooks, and agreements, as well as address personnel concerns and issues.

Communications

•  Keeps the FWS community informed of activities and school events through regular written correspondence. 

Finance and Compliance

• Work with the Board of Directors, Treasurer, Business Manager, and the Finance Committee to ensure that the school is fully compliant with all state and federal requirements.
• Collaborates with the Treasurer to maintain financial records, organize information for tax filings, complete insurance renewals, collaborate on grant applications, and provide significant input on financial decisions for the school.  
• Lead the oversight and implementation of the school’s annual budget to ensure financial sustainability and alignment with strategic goals. 
• Develop long-term financial plans and provide projections to support decision-making. 
• Work with the Board of Directors to set tuition rates, manage tuition assistance, and ensure effective revenue collection. 
• Monitor and control expenditures, ensuring efficient allocation of resources while maintaining high educational standards. 

Community Conflict Resolution

• Engage in and support conflict resolution practices with students, faculty, and community members.

Board Collaboration

• Keeps the school board fully informed on major aspects of the operation of the school and maintains open, effective communication with the currently serving Board members. 
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors in matters of fiduciary responsibility, including but not limited to increasing enrollment and retention, practical and sustained marketing within and throughout our internal and extended community, fundraising, grant writing, and annual auditing of school goals and best practices. 
• Collaborate with the Board to create and execute agenda items for monthly membership meeting

Salary: $72,000

Inclusive Hiring Statement:

At Friends Western School we believe creativity thrives in diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. Even if you don’t meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply—your unique perspective and talents matter. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in educational leadership, or administration.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a classroom teacher. 
• Strong knowledge of curriculum development, student support services, and faculty management.
• Experience in budget management, fundraising, and school operations.
• Ability to create and implement a strategic vision for the school.
• Strong decision-making, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in hiring, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff.
• Capacity to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal education regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with students, parents, faculty, and community members.
• Ability to foster a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Experience in conflict resolution and team building.
  
  

Additional Expectations:

• Passion for education and a commitment to student success.
• Willingness to be actively involved in school events and community engagement.
• Adaptability and resilience in managing a small school environment.

About Friends Western School

Friends Western School (FWS) is a cooperative Quaker elementary school (K-5) in Pasadena, CA that values inquiry, participation, examination, and reflection. We believe in each child’s natural curiosity and compassion and we work with students to nurture a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of integrity. Students of Friends schools grow into compassionate and responsible adults who recognize their interconnectedness with the world around them.

Connections working at Friends Western School