Athletic Director (2026-2027)
Waldorf Education, Denver, CO, United States
Job Category: Administration, High School: Grades 9-12, and Middle School: Grades 6-8
Opening Statement
The
Denver Waldorf School
(DWS) seeks a qualified candidate to join our faculty as a part-time Athletic Director (20 hours per week) beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The Athletic Director leads and coordinates the school’s middle and high school interscholastic athletic programs. This role is ideal for a coach, teacher, or athletics professional seeking a flexible, part-time leadership position in school athletics. The Athletic Director oversees the daily operations of the athletic program, including scheduling, compliance, coach coordination, and athletic events, while fostering sportsmanship, teamwork, and student development. This position works closely with the School Director, coaches, faculty, families, and league partners to ensure a well-organized and supportive athletic program aligned with the mission of the school and Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) guidelines. About
DWS is a friendly and lively urban preK-12 school with 300 students located in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1974, we are a fully accredited full member school of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, the Waldorf Early Childhood Association and the Association of Colorado Independent Schools. Essential Functions The essential responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Provide leadership and coordination for the school’s interscholastic athletic programs. Ensure compliance with CHSAA regulations, eligibility requirements, and school policies. Serve as the school’s liaison with CHSAA, league representatives, officials, and other member schools. Coordinate athletic schedules, including practices, games, transportation, and team travel. Manage athletic registration, eligibility documentation, and required forms. Coordinate the hiring, onboarding, scheduling, andpayment of coaches and game officials. Oversee athletic equipment, uniforms, and the safety and upkeep of athletic facilities. Attend and oversee home athletic events to ensure games run smoothly and create a welcoming environment for athletes and visiting teams. Communicate regularly with families, coaches, and faculty regarding schedules, expectations, and program updates. Monitor student academic eligibility in collaboration with teachers and coaches. Identify opportunities to appropriately support and finance the athletic program, including fundraising and community partnerships. Coordinate facility use for athletics, including gym scheduling and rentals. Qualifications
Education Requirements/Certification Experience teaching or working with students in grades 6–12. Knowledge of CHSAA rules and interscholastic athletics preferred. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach with arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Regularly required to stand, walk, and move throughout athletic facilities for extended periods. Ability to lift, carry, and move athletic equipment weighing up to approximately 40 pounds. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. Must be able to supervise athletic activities in gymnasiums, fields, and weight rooms and respond appropriately to emergencies. Working Hours The work schedule requires the employee to be at the school each day for the time necessary to accomplish responsibilities. This is a part-time, non-exempt position averaging approximately 20 hours per week. The role requires evening and occasional weekend availability, particularly during athletic seasons and for games and tournaments. Attendance at games, tournaments, and key athletic events is required. Work hours may vary seasonally based on athletic schedules and program needs. Laura Posusta Sharp
, special projects manager, found her way to Waldorf education and AWSNA years ago when her three daughters were young. With a BA in kinesiology from the University of Northern Colorado and a rich professional background ranging from law offices and government agencies to wellness spaces and early childhood settings, she meets the world with both practical skill and quiet reverence. Her talents are grounded in an intuitive sense for what is needed, and she likes to create spaces of calm, clarity, and quiet competence where others can thrive. Outside of work, Laura finds nourishment in nature—tending flower and vegetable gardens, puzzling out crosswords, and spending meaningful time with her husband and daughters. She believes in beauty as a form of service, presence as a form of wisdom, and a well-timed pause as a form of magic. Emily Cohen
is AWSNA's business manager, and brings more than two decades of dedicated expertise in accounting and financial management to the non-profit and education sectors. Her key specializations include grant fund accounting, financial reporting, payroll management, audits, and system implementation. In all her work, she is committed to ensuring compliance and executing effective process improvements. Having held both leadership and supporting roles, Emily has consistently contributed to streamlining financial operations and enhancing reporting. She earned her BS in accounting from Northern Arizona University. When not focused on work, she loves being outdoors with her children —paddleboarding, hiking, and cycling. She also pursues interests in amateur photography, exploring local history, and creating collaborative art with her family. Stephanie Rynas
brings a deep commitment to human development, organizational health, and educational access in her role as executive director, operations & member resources. Before joining AWSNA’s executive team, Stephanie served for ten years as administrator at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula, where she also taught woodworking and supported Northern California schools as a leadership council member. Prior to entering the education field, Stephanie spent two decades in marketing and management in Silicon Valley, experiences that continue to inform her thoughtful and pragmatic leadership style. She is known for her collaborative approach, her ability to balance vision and execution, and her steady commitment to organizational integrity and care for people. Stephanie holds a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Santa Clara University. She earned her Waldorf teacher training certificate from Rudolf Steiner College and maintains professional certification through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP). Pam Leland
brings a diverse and unique background to her role as AWSNA's Information & Systems Manager, where she has managed the organization's technology platforms since 2011. As a graduate of Macalester College with a B.A. in German, her career path started in education as a German language teacher and Fulbright scholar in Germany, teaching in public and private schools across the Midwest. Her journey then led her to the field of leadership development, where she served as a certified Master Integrative Life Coach, a corporate leadership coach, and an adjunct faculty member in the University of Minnesota's Leadership Minor program. She discovered Waldorf education while homeschooling her own two children, which ultimately brought her to AWSNA, where her varied skills support the broader Waldorf community. Pam is an avid organic gardener, balancing her work screen time with hands in the dirt, appreciating birdsong, buzzing bees, butterflies, and the occasional garden snake. Andrea Cooper
manages the Teacher Education Loans and Grants program, is the accreditation administrative assistant, and notetaker for various meetings including the leadership council, teacher education delegate and institute circle, and all-association. During Andrea’s first 33 years, she maintained a 200-km radius in Ontario where she was born, raised, and then attended university to receive a BASc (University of Guelph), followed by a BEd (University of Toronto). After a decade of living in Toronto working with newcomers and refugees to Canada, Andrea headed west across the continent. It was in Seattle after her son was born where she discovered Waldorf education and then began working for AWSNA. Andrea loves playing flute in Irish traditional music sessions and banjo in old-time Appalachian string bands. Siân Owen-Cruise
brings 35 years of deep and varied experience in Waldorf education to her current role as director of accreditation for AWSNA. Her career has spanned numerous key roles, including class and high school teacher, as well as administrator for both the Minnesota Waldorf School and the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor. Her leadership experience also includes serving as the director of the Waldorf Institute of Southeast Michigan, a board member at two Waldorf schools, and a colleague in the "Leading with Spirit" leadership training program. This extensive background is further enriched by her experience in public and higher education. Siân holds a BS in technical communication, along with an MA and a PhD in rhetoric and argumentation. A Waldorf alum parent, her personal interests include long-distance hiking and running, traveling with her husband, and various forms of handwork. Beverly Amico
, executive director, advancement for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), is a seasoned leader with 25 years of dedicated service to Waldorf education. Her extensive experience encompasses roles as a teacher, administrator, and specialist in communications and strategy. Beverly holds an MA in strategic innovation and change from the University of Denver and a marketing certificate for organizational leaders from Cornell University, complementing her formal university education and teaching certification. An active contributor to the broader educational landscape, she serves on the board of the American Council of Private Education and on the National Council for Private School Accreditation. She had previously served as a commissioner on the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Council on Accreditation. Outside of her professional life, Beverly is an avid long-distance trail runner and thru-hiker. Melanie Reiser
is the executive director, membership for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). In this role, she guides schools and institutes through membership processes, ensuring that the foundational philosophy of Waldorf education, anthroposophy, permeates every aspect of each institution. Before joining AWSNA, Melanie spent eight years as a class teacher at Detroit Waldorf School where she led a group of students from first through eighth grade. Her extensive experience in Waldorf schools also includes leadership roles such as faculty chair and service on various committees, from finance to personnel, as well as directing outreach and enrollment. Melanie holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver, an MEd in Waldorf education from Antioch New England Graduate School, an MEd in value creating education for global citizenship, and a BA from the University of Virginia.
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The
Denver Waldorf School
(DWS) seeks a qualified candidate to join our faculty as a part-time Athletic Director (20 hours per week) beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The Athletic Director leads and coordinates the school’s middle and high school interscholastic athletic programs. This role is ideal for a coach, teacher, or athletics professional seeking a flexible, part-time leadership position in school athletics. The Athletic Director oversees the daily operations of the athletic program, including scheduling, compliance, coach coordination, and athletic events, while fostering sportsmanship, teamwork, and student development. This position works closely with the School Director, coaches, faculty, families, and league partners to ensure a well-organized and supportive athletic program aligned with the mission of the school and Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) guidelines. About
DWS is a friendly and lively urban preK-12 school with 300 students located in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1974, we are a fully accredited full member school of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, the Waldorf Early Childhood Association and the Association of Colorado Independent Schools. Essential Functions The essential responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Provide leadership and coordination for the school’s interscholastic athletic programs. Ensure compliance with CHSAA regulations, eligibility requirements, and school policies. Serve as the school’s liaison with CHSAA, league representatives, officials, and other member schools. Coordinate athletic schedules, including practices, games, transportation, and team travel. Manage athletic registration, eligibility documentation, and required forms. Coordinate the hiring, onboarding, scheduling, andpayment of coaches and game officials. Oversee athletic equipment, uniforms, and the safety and upkeep of athletic facilities. Attend and oversee home athletic events to ensure games run smoothly and create a welcoming environment for athletes and visiting teams. Communicate regularly with families, coaches, and faculty regarding schedules, expectations, and program updates. Monitor student academic eligibility in collaboration with teachers and coaches. Identify opportunities to appropriately support and finance the athletic program, including fundraising and community partnerships. Coordinate facility use for athletics, including gym scheduling and rentals. Qualifications
Education Requirements/Certification Experience teaching or working with students in grades 6–12. Knowledge of CHSAA rules and interscholastic athletics preferred. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach with arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Regularly required to stand, walk, and move throughout athletic facilities for extended periods. Ability to lift, carry, and move athletic equipment weighing up to approximately 40 pounds. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. Must be able to supervise athletic activities in gymnasiums, fields, and weight rooms and respond appropriately to emergencies. Working Hours The work schedule requires the employee to be at the school each day for the time necessary to accomplish responsibilities. This is a part-time, non-exempt position averaging approximately 20 hours per week. The role requires evening and occasional weekend availability, particularly during athletic seasons and for games and tournaments. Attendance at games, tournaments, and key athletic events is required. Work hours may vary seasonally based on athletic schedules and program needs. Laura Posusta Sharp
, special projects manager, found her way to Waldorf education and AWSNA years ago when her three daughters were young. With a BA in kinesiology from the University of Northern Colorado and a rich professional background ranging from law offices and government agencies to wellness spaces and early childhood settings, she meets the world with both practical skill and quiet reverence. Her talents are grounded in an intuitive sense for what is needed, and she likes to create spaces of calm, clarity, and quiet competence where others can thrive. Outside of work, Laura finds nourishment in nature—tending flower and vegetable gardens, puzzling out crosswords, and spending meaningful time with her husband and daughters. She believes in beauty as a form of service, presence as a form of wisdom, and a well-timed pause as a form of magic. Emily Cohen
is AWSNA's business manager, and brings more than two decades of dedicated expertise in accounting and financial management to the non-profit and education sectors. Her key specializations include grant fund accounting, financial reporting, payroll management, audits, and system implementation. In all her work, she is committed to ensuring compliance and executing effective process improvements. Having held both leadership and supporting roles, Emily has consistently contributed to streamlining financial operations and enhancing reporting. She earned her BS in accounting from Northern Arizona University. When not focused on work, she loves being outdoors with her children —paddleboarding, hiking, and cycling. She also pursues interests in amateur photography, exploring local history, and creating collaborative art with her family. Stephanie Rynas
brings a deep commitment to human development, organizational health, and educational access in her role as executive director, operations & member resources. Before joining AWSNA’s executive team, Stephanie served for ten years as administrator at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula, where she also taught woodworking and supported Northern California schools as a leadership council member. Prior to entering the education field, Stephanie spent two decades in marketing and management in Silicon Valley, experiences that continue to inform her thoughtful and pragmatic leadership style. She is known for her collaborative approach, her ability to balance vision and execution, and her steady commitment to organizational integrity and care for people. Stephanie holds a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Santa Clara University. She earned her Waldorf teacher training certificate from Rudolf Steiner College and maintains professional certification through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP). Pam Leland
brings a diverse and unique background to her role as AWSNA's Information & Systems Manager, where she has managed the organization's technology platforms since 2011. As a graduate of Macalester College with a B.A. in German, her career path started in education as a German language teacher and Fulbright scholar in Germany, teaching in public and private schools across the Midwest. Her journey then led her to the field of leadership development, where she served as a certified Master Integrative Life Coach, a corporate leadership coach, and an adjunct faculty member in the University of Minnesota's Leadership Minor program. She discovered Waldorf education while homeschooling her own two children, which ultimately brought her to AWSNA, where her varied skills support the broader Waldorf community. Pam is an avid organic gardener, balancing her work screen time with hands in the dirt, appreciating birdsong, buzzing bees, butterflies, and the occasional garden snake. Andrea Cooper
manages the Teacher Education Loans and Grants program, is the accreditation administrative assistant, and notetaker for various meetings including the leadership council, teacher education delegate and institute circle, and all-association. During Andrea’s first 33 years, she maintained a 200-km radius in Ontario where she was born, raised, and then attended university to receive a BASc (University of Guelph), followed by a BEd (University of Toronto). After a decade of living in Toronto working with newcomers and refugees to Canada, Andrea headed west across the continent. It was in Seattle after her son was born where she discovered Waldorf education and then began working for AWSNA. Andrea loves playing flute in Irish traditional music sessions and banjo in old-time Appalachian string bands. Siân Owen-Cruise
brings 35 years of deep and varied experience in Waldorf education to her current role as director of accreditation for AWSNA. Her career has spanned numerous key roles, including class and high school teacher, as well as administrator for both the Minnesota Waldorf School and the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor. Her leadership experience also includes serving as the director of the Waldorf Institute of Southeast Michigan, a board member at two Waldorf schools, and a colleague in the "Leading with Spirit" leadership training program. This extensive background is further enriched by her experience in public and higher education. Siân holds a BS in technical communication, along with an MA and a PhD in rhetoric and argumentation. A Waldorf alum parent, her personal interests include long-distance hiking and running, traveling with her husband, and various forms of handwork. Beverly Amico
, executive director, advancement for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), is a seasoned leader with 25 years of dedicated service to Waldorf education. Her extensive experience encompasses roles as a teacher, administrator, and specialist in communications and strategy. Beverly holds an MA in strategic innovation and change from the University of Denver and a marketing certificate for organizational leaders from Cornell University, complementing her formal university education and teaching certification. An active contributor to the broader educational landscape, she serves on the board of the American Council of Private Education and on the National Council for Private School Accreditation. She had previously served as a commissioner on the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Council on Accreditation. Outside of her professional life, Beverly is an avid long-distance trail runner and thru-hiker. Melanie Reiser
is the executive director, membership for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). In this role, she guides schools and institutes through membership processes, ensuring that the foundational philosophy of Waldorf education, anthroposophy, permeates every aspect of each institution. Before joining AWSNA, Melanie spent eight years as a class teacher at Detroit Waldorf School where she led a group of students from first through eighth grade. Her extensive experience in Waldorf schools also includes leadership roles such as faculty chair and service on various committees, from finance to personnel, as well as directing outreach and enrollment. Melanie holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver, an MEd in Waldorf education from Antioch New England Graduate School, an MEd in value creating education for global citizenship, and a BA from the University of Virginia.
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