About Neighborhood Schoolhouse

The Neighborhood Schoolhouse is a small, independent school in Brattleboro, Vermont. We have been inspiring a life-long love of learning through an emphasis on the arts, nature-based environmental education, and social-emotional skills since 1980.

At Neighborhood Schoolhouse you will find few desks, but many tables, rugs, and learning stations where the students work and play together. The freedom we give students to move while learning aids their social development, builds community and trust, and boosts comprehension and retention.

Our campus adjoins a protected 400-acre forest, where even the littlest learners explore and play. Our grounds, our gardens, the surrounding Vermont forest, and our beloved community are all part of what make Neighborhood an ideal place to grow.

WE BELIEVE

That children require as much respect as adults;
That students need a say in what and how they learn;
That understanding oneself and finding a meaningful purpose in the world is the ultimate goal of education.

WE PROVIDE

A safe and non-competitive environment for exploration and risk-taking through play and inquiry-based learning;
Cultivation of individual passions and accommodation of each unique development path;
A multi-age learning community where children achieve self-awareness as well as communication and conflict-resolution skills.

WE FOSTER

Confident learners who celebrate mistakes as milestones on their journey to understanding;
Lifelong students who cherish their innate curiosity and natural love of learning;
Global citizens capable of perceiving and solving social and intellectual problems, both mundane and extraordinary.

The Role

The Executive Director leads the school day to day: supporting and supervising faculty, communicating clearly with families and the wider community, and overseeing the school's finances and operations. We are looking for someone who can bring professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm to a small, community-minded school.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-round position with an on-site presence, plus attendance at faculty meetings, monthly board meetings, and school-wide events. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Experience in teaching as well as program administration, and an educational philosophy consistent with that of Neighborhood Schoolhouse
Leadership and supervisory skills
Excellent communication skills
Experience with emergent curriculum and outdoor education
Northern Lights Step One Program Director Credential, or the ability to obtain it
Experience with nonprofit management, budgeting, and fundraising

Preferred Qualifications

Possession of or ability to obtain a Vermont AOE license in Early Childhood Education
Master's degree in education or similar, or equivalent work experience

ResponsibilitiesEducational Program & Staff

Lead with creativity and inspiration
Maintain a safe, healthy, and effective learning environment true to the school's philosophy
Supervise, support, and evaluate faculty, including hiring and professional development
Serve as the main point person on personnel matters
Oversee behavior support, special education, and compliance with state and local regulations

Communication & Community

Be responsible for communicating with current and prospective families, staff, the Board, and the wider community
Oversee enrollment, admissions, and outreach

Administration & Governance

Work with the Board to set vision and strategy for the school's long-term goals
Maintain accurate records and ensure legal and regulatory compliance
Manage employee benefits and day-to-day office operations

Finance & Development

Oversee payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and other financial operations
Develop the annual budget with the finance committee
Lead fundraising, including the annual appeal and grant writing

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours/week, full year. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30–4:30, on school days, in-service days, conference days, and school events, with additional hours as needed. Neighborhood Schoolhouse follows the WSESU calendar for school holidays.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range of 60,000–65,000
80 hours of paid time off (sick and personal), plus a paid day off in your birth month
Paid holidays and school breaks
3% employer retirement match
Vision, dental (individual or family), and Aflac group benefits, with possible monthly co-pay
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

To Apply

Send a resume and a cover letter of up to 2 pages to board@neighborhoodschoolhouse.com. In your cover letter, please share your educational philosophy and examples of supervisory experience.

Optional additional application materials may include examples of:

Communications pieces
Teaching or public speaking videos
Anonymized staff reviews
Lesson plans or curricular materials
Grant applications
Special recognitions or testimonials
Any other work products relevant to the required qualifications.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; for preferred consideration, please apply by November 13.

Neighborhood Schoolhouse

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