Principal

PRINCIPAL – SOPHIA MUNDI STEINER SCHOOL
An opportunity to lead a progressive P–12 Steiner school in the heart of Melbourne. 

Sophia Mundi Steiner School seeks an experienced, values-aligned, and courageous leader who can work collaboratively with staff and community to guide our school with clarity, warmth, and authenticity.

Located in the beautiful grounds of the Abbotsford Convent on Wurundjeri Country, Sophia Mundi is a progressive, co-educational inner-city Steiner school offering a nurturing, creative, and contemporary educational pathway from Prep to Year 12. In P-10 we offer a Steiner curriculum and in 11-12 the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. .

We are seeking a steady, insightful, and compassionate leader who will uphold the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner while guiding the school with professionalism, wisdom, and vision. You will work closely with a committed Board, a dedicated and experienced staff team, and a warm, engaged community. The right leader will shape the future of our school and strengthen our commitment to values-based, whole-child education.

The principal will model ethical and inclusive leadership, foster a positive staff culture, and deliver strategic outcomes aligned with Steiner philosophy and contemporary educational practice. They will safeguard the school’s sustainable future with a strong commitment to wellbeing, collaboration, and community.

The successful applicant will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of Steiner/Waldorf education and pedagogy underpinned by a deep understanding of anthroposophy.
• A proven ability to lead collaboratively – building trust, fostering open communication, and empowering staff and community to work together toward shared goals.
• Demonstrated capacity to create and apply a shared vision, define and gain acceptance of school goals and set and communicate expectations for effective performance.
• Knowledge of educational frameworks, administrative systems and processes that underpin successful learning outcomes and school wellbeing.
• A strong understanding of neurodiversity, inclusion, and supporting a diverse student body in an affirming and holistic way.
• Demonstrated capacity to ensure that the school’s human, physical and financial resources are efficiently allocated and managed.

The successful applicant will have a deep understanding of (or openness to) Steiner pedagogy as well as the educational frameworks, administrative systems and processes needed to underpin successful learning outcomes and school wellbeing.

Experience:

• 3 years as either Principal or Assistant Principal (in a Steiner School preferred).
• Steiner trained or equivalent experience.
• VIT Registration.
• Desirable: Postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership, Wellbeing, or Applied Learning; training in Trauma-Informed Practice, Restorative Education, or Youth Mental Health.

This is an ongoing permanent position, with commencement in Term 2, 2026, however earlier can be arranged, and later can be negotiated.

More information can be found here: Sophia Mundi Steiner School – Principal Information Pack .pdf

To apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter outlining your leadership experience, service philosophy, and relationship to Steiner education to [email protected]. Applications will be processed throughout the advertisement period. For a confidential discussion, please contact the Board Chair at [email protected]. We are happy to chat prior to your application. All enquiries welcome!