Executive Director

ABOUT FIRE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

Fire Mountain School (FMS) is an independent nonprofit nature-connected school founded in 1983, nestled along the wild and beautiful North Oregon Coast. We serve children ages 4 to 11 in a small, intentional community rooted in place-based learning, progressive pedagogy, and deep respect for childhood. Our approach draws from Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Te Whariki, and project-based learning traditions to create a rich, emergent educational experience where magical things happen every day. We are a close-knit school community anchored in the rhythms of the natural world, seasonal celebrations, and the belief that children thrive when learning is joyful, meaningful, and connected to the living landscape around them.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director serves as the chief operational leader of Fire Mountain School, reporting to the Board of Directors. This is a hands-on, community-facing leadership role that requires equal comfort sitting on the floor with a four-year-old, facilitating a board meeting, and writing a grant application. The ED is the connective tissue of our school and the primary keeper of our culture, history, and mission. The ED holds overall responsibility for staff, programs, compliance, budget tracking and management, finances, community relationships, and the execution of the school's mission. The role bridges board governance, teaching staff, enrolled families, and the broader community of the North Coast.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Engagement and Children Serve as a warm, visible, and trusted presence in the life of the school community Interact meaningfully with enrolled children and maintain a safe, joyful, developmentally appropriate environment Welcome prospective families with school tours, one-on-one orientations, and enrollment conversations Organize and host open houses, family gatherings, May Day celebrations, and community work parties Act as Master of Ceremonies at school events and ambassador for FMS in all public settings Build and sustain relationships with community partners Maintain connections with the Council of Elders and pass down school history and traditions Administrative Operations Ensure compliance with Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (CCLD), including inspections, staff training, and licensing renewal Manage enrollment: applications, school visits, parent interviews, board approvals, contracts, and family onboarding Coordinate field trips, beach days, hikes, and outdoor programming with safety compliance Manage school calendar, newsletters, announcements, and all family and staff communications Oversee scheduling including swim at , after-school programming, and summer camps Maintain office operations: supplies, utilities, insurance, pest control, building and grounds awareness Coordinate volunteer roles, manage mailing lists, and file all organizational paperwork Serve as Treasurer of the Elk Flat Water Board including water testing and pumphouse maintenance Human Resources and Staff Support Provide direct supervision and support to teaching staff, assistants, and organizational contractors Facilitate open, clear communication between teachers, families, and board members Manage incident reporting, behavioral support protocols, and conflict resolution Coordinate HR functions with payroll administration Oversee teacher and board handbook development, staff reviews, and professional development tracking Support onboarding of new staff and board members Financial Management and Governance Work with the board, bookkeeper, and treasurer to ensure strong financial management and budget oversight Process payments, track donations in DonorDock, and manage accounts in QuickBooks Support board meeting preparation, agenda compilation, and governance documentation Monitor legal and regulatory compliance to ensure organizational longevity Lead fundraising campaigns including the annual Holiday Greens Sale (targeting approx. $25,000) and seasonal appeal letters Seek out and apply for grants with support from parent volunteers Public Relations and Communications Write and distribute community-wide newsletters, press releases, and social media posts (Facebook and Instagram) Maintain and update the school website and all public listings Coordinate publicity and outreach Utilize Square, Mailchimp, Google Workspace, and WhatsApp as primary operational tools Summer Camp and After-School Programs Hire, train, and support summer camp counselors and after-school instructors Plan and ensure quality programming rooted in FMS values and the natural environment of the Falcon Cove area Manage enrollment, waitlists, waivers, and family communications for all extended programs Greet campers and families at the start of each week and provide in-person support as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Genuine love of children and comfort in a school environment with ages 4 to 11 Demonstrated experience in nonprofit or organizational leadership and administration Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences (children, parents, donors, community members, and board) Experience with financial management, budgeting, and compliance in a regulated environment Ability to organize community events, coordinate volunteers, and build lasting relationships Proficiency with Google Workspace, social media, and general office technology Deep commitment to equity and inclusion Ability to meet Oregon CCLD Director qualifications or willingness to obtain required certifications Preferred Background in early childhood education, progressive pedagogy, or nature-based learning Experience with HR functions, payroll platforms, and staff supervision Familiarity with grant writing and major donor relationships Connection to or deep appreciation for rural, coastal Oregon community life First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain) Knowledge of or experience with Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia,Te Whariki or place and project-based learning approaches

POSITION DETAILS

Location:

Arch Cape, Oregon (6505 Elk Flat Road) with regular on-site presence required

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm

Paid Leave:

3 weeks vacation + 10 days PTO + standard holidays with +1 day PTO/year of employment.

Compensation:

$45,000

• 80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Reports to:

Board of Directors, Fire Mountain School Status:

Full-time, exempt

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, resume, and two professional references to firemountainboard@gmail.com with the subject line "Executive Director Application." We welcome applicants who bring warmth, creativity, organizational strength, and a deep love of children and community. Fire Mountain School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and families.

Pay:

$45,000.00

• $80,000.

00 per year

Work Location:

In person Executive Director Fire Mountain School 6505 Elk Flat Road, Arch Cape, OR 97102 $45,000

• $80,000 a year
• Full-time $45,000
• $80,000 a year
• Full-time

ABOUT FIRE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

Fire Mountain School (FMS) is an independent nonprofit nature-connected school founded in 1983, nestled along the wild and beautiful North Oregon Coast. We serve children ages 4 to 11 in a small, intentional community rooted in place-based learning, progressive pedagogy, and deep respect for childhood. Our approach draws from Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Te Whariki, and project-based learning traditions to create a rich, emergent educational experience where magical things happen every day. We are a close-knit school community anchored in the rhythms of the natural world, seasonal celebrations, and the belief that children thrive when learning is joyful, meaningful, and connected to the living landscape around them.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director serves as the chief operational leader of Fire Mountain School, reporting to the Board of Directors. This is a hands-on, community-facing leadership role that requires equal comfort sitting on the floor with a four-year-old, facilitating a board meeting, and writing a grant application. The ED is the connective tissue of our school and the primary keeper of our culture, history, and mission. The ED holds overall responsibility for staff, programs, compliance, budget tracking and management, finances, community relationships, and the execution of the school's mission. The role bridges board governance, teaching staff, enrolled families, and the broader community of the North Coast.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Engagement and Children Serve as a warm, visible, and trusted presence in the life of the school community Interact meaningfully with enrolled children and maintain a safe, joyful, developmentally appropriate environment Welcome prospective families with school tours, one-on-one orientations, and enrollment conversations Organize and host open houses, family gatherings, May Day celebrations, and community work parties Act as Master of Ceremonies at school events and ambassador for FMS in all public settings Build and sustain relationships with community partners Maintain connections with the Council of Elders and pass down school history and traditions Administrative Operations Ensure compliance with Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (CCLD), including inspections, staff training, and licensing renewal Manage enrollment: applications, school visits, parent interviews, board approvals, contracts, and family onboarding Coordinate field trips, beach days, hikes, and outdoor programming with safety compliance Manage school calendar, newsletters, announcements, and all family and staff communications Oversee scheduling including swim at , after-school programming, and summer camps Maintain office operations: supplies, utilities, insurance, pest control, building and grounds awareness Coordinate volunteer roles, manage mailing lists, and file all organizational paperwork Serve as Treasurer of the Elk Flat Water Board including water testing and pumphouse maintenance Human Resources and Staff Support Provide direct supervision and support to teaching staff, assistants, and organizational contractors Facilitate open, clear communication between teachers, families, and board members Manage incident reporting, behavioral support protocols, and conflict resolution Coordinate HR functions with payroll administration Oversee teacher and board handbook development, staff reviews, and professional development tracking Support onboarding of new staff and board members Financial Management and Governance Work with the board, bookkeeper, and treasurer to ensure strong financial management and budget oversight Process payments, track donations in DonorDock, and manage accounts in QuickBooks Support board meeting preparation, agenda compilation, and governance documentation Monitor legal and regulatory compliance to ensure organizational longevity Lead fundraising campaigns including the annual Holiday Greens Sale (targeting approx. $25,000) and seasonal appeal letters Seek out and apply for grants with support from parent volunteers Public Relations and Communications Write and distribute community-wide newsletters, press releases, and social media posts (Facebook and Instagram) Maintain and update the school website and all public listings Coordinate publicity and outreach Utilize Square, Mailchimp, Google Workspace, and WhatsApp as primary operational tools Summer Camp and After-School Programs Hire, train, and support summer camp counselors and after-school instructors Plan and ensure quality programming rooted in FMS values and the natural environment of the Falcon Cove area Manage enrollment, waitlists, waivers, and family communications for all extended programs Greet campers and families at the start of each week and provide in-person support as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Genuine love of children and comfort in a school environment with ages 4 to 11 Demonstrated experience in nonprofit or organizational leadership and administration Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences (children, parents, donors, community members, and board) Experience with financial management, budgeting, and compliance in a regulated environment Ability to organize community events, coordinate volunteers, and build lasting relationships Proficiency with Google Workspace, social media, and general office technology Deep commitment to equity and inclusion Ability to meet Oregon CCLD Director qualifications or willingness to obtain required certifications Preferred Background in early childhood education, progressive pedagogy, or nature-based learning Experience with HR functions, payroll platforms, and staff supervision Familiarity with grant writing and major donor relationships Connection to or deep appreciation for rural, coastal Oregon community life First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain) Knowledge of or experience with Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia,Te Whariki or place and project-based learning approaches

POSITION DETAILS

Location:

Arch Cape, Oregon (6505 Elk Flat Road) with regular on-site presence required

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm

Paid Leave:

3 weeks vacation + 10 days PTO + standard holidays with +1 day PTO/year of employment.

Compensation:

$45,000

• 80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Reports to:

Board of Directors, Fire Mountain School Status:

Full-time, exempt

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, resume, and two professional references to firemountainboard@gmail.com with the subject line "Executive Director Application." We welcome applicants who bring warmth, creativity, organizational strength, and a deep love of children and community. Fire Mountain School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and families.

Pay:

$45,000.00

• $80,000.

00 per year

Work Location:

In person