About Neighborhood SchoolhouseThe 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 RoleThe 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.
QualificationsRequired 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
ScheduleFull-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 ApplySend 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.
