Executive Director
Opening Statement
The executive director serves as Sunbridge Institute’s chief executive officer, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, supporting its long-term sustainability, and safeguarding the integrity of its pedagogical principles in adult education. Working in close partnership with the Sunbridge Board of Trustees, the executive director oversees staff, program directors and programs, finance, operations, fundraising, and community relations.
This leadership role is a salaried, full-time position. Working remotely is largely permitted, but an on-site presence is required for major Sunbridge events, including:
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- On-campus programming during June, July, and one week each November and March.
- Student graduations, special events, and Institute milestones.
Occasional in-person or online evening and/or weekend commitments are required.
About
Sunbridge Institute offers world-renowned, low-residency Waldorf teacher education programs as well as professional development and general interest courses and workshops on Waldorf teaching, Waldorf education, organizational leadership, and the arts. Dedicated to the support of Waldorf education in North America, Sunbridge is a full-member institute of AWSNA and WECAN and an MEd/MALS partner of SUNY Empire.
Located in New York’s Lower Hudson Valley, Sunbridge is housed on the 140-acre campus of the historic Threefold Educational Foundation, affording its students, faculty, and staff a unique opportunity to become part of an anthroposophical community where many of Steiner’s ideas can be seen at work.
As Sunbridge prepares to celebrate its 60th year as the oldest Waldorf teacher training institute in North America, we invite dynamic, visionary leaders to apply for this rare opportunity to shape the future of Waldorf teacher education.
Essential Job Duties
Key Leadership Commitments
The executive director will:
- Attend all online and in-person board and executive committee meetings, including preparation of reports, updates, and strategic materials.
- Coordinate and collaborate with board and program directors to prepare for and attend annual joint program director/board/staff retreat.
- Lead regular staff meetings and participate in regular leadership team check-ins.
- Attend annual conferences and meetings as budget and schedule allow, including:
- TEDC meetings
- AWSNA Conference and regional meetings
- WECAN Conference
- International Waldorf Teachers Conference
- Sunbridge board retreat
Key Responsibilities
1. Mission & Strategy
- Ensure that all activities and initiatives further the mission and purpose of Sunbridge.
- With our guiding principles at the core, actively promote a collegial, professional, and engaged environment within the organization.
- Lead and implement a board-approved strategic plan.
2. Program Development & Implementation
- Oversee design, delivery, and evaluation of Sunbridge programs.
- Ensure programs meet the highest standards of quality and align with strategic goals.
- Support efficiencies, innovation, and expansion of programs to respond to emerging needs and opportunities.
- Actively engage, participate in, and comply with AWSNA and WECAN standards, principles, and practices.
3. Operations & Administration
- Establish and direct day-to-day operations, including ensuring compliance with state and federal nonprofit regulations, filing reports with external agencies, and establishing policies and systems to sustain smooth operations.
- Manage human resources to ensure compliance regarding staffing, salary, and benefits.
- Recruit, supervise, and evaluate program directors and non-academic staff, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and collaboration.
4. Finance & Budget
- Lead the implementation of the board-approved budget, programs, and strategic goals.
- Develop and manage the annual budget in partnership with the board finance committee.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of resources and compliance with all financial reporting requirements.
- Monitor cash flow, expenditures, and revenue to maintain fiscal health.
5. Fundraising & Development
- Direct all fundraising efforts, including grant writing, the annual appeal, diversity scholarship funds, and donor stewardship.
- Work with staff to identify and pursue new funding opportunities to diversify revenue streams.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners.
6. Outreach & External Relations
- Serve as the ambassador of Sunbridge.
- Enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation within the Waldorf and anthroposophical movements, among local educational institutions, and with like-minded schools nationally and internationally.
7. Board Relations
- Work in close partnership with the board of trustees to support governance, policy development, and strategic planning.
- Provide timely, accurate, and transparent reports to the board.
- Participate in board committees and task force work including, but not limited to, finance, development, strategic planning, and special projects.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with a deep understanding of the foundations of Waldorf education and adult learning, along with meaningful pedagogical expertise and experience in educational practice. They will bring demonstrated success in nonprofit leadership and organizational development, together with warmth, clarity, and integrity in their work, balancing strategic vision with practical expertise in finance, operations, fundraising, and human resources.
An inspiring relationship-builder, this individual works collegially with board members, faculty, staff, donors, and the broader Waldorf community. The successful candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, experience leading complex educational organizations, and the capacity to guide Sunbridge Institute confidently into its next chapter.
Employment Details
Start date: March 1, 2027
Salary: Commensurate with experience (Range: $75-90K)
Benefits:
- Health benefits
- Generous paid time off (20 vacation days and 14 holidays per year)
To Apply
Please send your résumé, letter of interest, and three recent professional references, including email addresses, to Jody Spanglet at board@sunbridge.edu. No calls, please.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
In all of its dealings, including its admissions, educational, and employment practices, it is the policy of Sunbridge Institute, its Trustees, officers, employees and other duly authorized agents not to discriminate against any individual or group for reasons of race, color, creed, gender, age, culture, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation or identification, or mental or physical disability.
