Head of School

Overview Casuarina Steiner School is a thriving independent school located just 3km from the heart of Coffs Harbour, NSW. Nestled among landscaped gardens and natural bushland, and within walking distance to the beach, Casuarina offers a nurturing environment for children from 18 months through to Class 6. Our vision is to develop creative young people with a passion for learning, an understanding of their unique contribution to the world, and a holistic sense of care for people and the environment. The Role Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Head of School holds responsibility for the leadership and management of Casuarina Steiner School, stewarding educational quality, cultural vitality and operational sustainability. This is a pivotal role that combines strategic vision with hands-on engagement across the school community. Responsibilities Lead with vision : Inspire and communicate a clear, future-focused direction aligned with Steiner pedagogy and Casuarina’s ethos. Champion educational quality : Oversee curriculum development, teaching programs and assessment, ensuring alignment with the Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework and NSW requirements. Guide strategic planning : Contribute to the development of the school’s strategic plan with the Board, College and Business Manager, and lead the implementation of agreed strategic priorities. Foster culture & community : Nurture an inclusive, joyful environment that honours rhythm, artistry and festivals, and strengthens parent and community engagement. Ensure governance & compliance : Work closely with the Board to implement policies, manage risk and uphold regulatory standards. Build capability : Mentor and support staff, lead recruitment and professional development, and cultivate a collaborative, high-performing team. Partner with the Business Manager on operations : Collaborate as peer leaders to steward finance, facilities and resources, ensuring sustainability, operational excellence and alignment with strategic goals. About You Deep alignment with Steiner pedagogy and ethos. Proven leadership of whole-school operations, with strong governance literacy. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders. Financial acumen and operational oversight, including risk and compliance. A growth mindset, integrity and a calm, inspiring presence. Experience as Head of School/Principal in a Steiner or independent school is desirable, plus familiarity with AIS NSW, SEA and AITSL frameworks, and capability in community engagement and brand stewardship. Apply APPLY NOW if you are an experienced and visionary educational leader eager to create a lasting impact during the next exciting chapter of Casuarina’s development. Gembridge is proud to partner with Casuarina Steiner School. For a confidential discussion, contact Michelle Varcoe or Jenni D’Orival at Gembridge on or Diversity statement: Gembridge Australia champions diversity and is committed to building an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation and genders. Gembridge holiday closure: Over the holiday period, Gembridge will be closed from Thursday, 18 December 2025 and reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026. During this time, feel free to leave a message on or email , and someone from the team will respond upon our return in January. Wishing you happy holidays and look forward to connecting in 2026 Job details Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Management, Education, and General Business Industry: Education #J-18808-Ljbffr