Head of School
Thích Nhất Hạnh School of Interbeing (TNH SOI)
Onsite, Escondido, California (remote not an option)
The Thích Nhất Hạnh School of Interbeing is a new K-8 independent school opening with grades K-5 in August 2026, located at the foothills of Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, CA. Rooted in mindfulness, compassion, and ethical leadership, the School of Interbeing is cultivating emerging research partnerships with Harvard’s Project Zero on contemplative learning, a Happy Families online course in partnership with Dartmouth College, and the Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness at the Harvard School of Public Health through a School Meal Innovation Pilot, positioning the school as a demonstration site for culturally affirming, planet-forward meals. The school is being developed within an emerging village ecosystem alongside Happy Farm and a future senior care home, intentionally fostering intergenerational learning and a community rooted in wellbeing.
We are seeking a deeply grounded, experienced, and visionary Head of School to lead the launch and long-term development of this values-driven learning community.
About the Role
The Head of School will guide the school from the advanced stages of inception through formal launch through a phase of early growth, establishing strong academic, operational, and community foundations. This role is ideal for a seasoned independent school leader who brings both contemplative depth and practical leadership experience.
Important notes about this role:
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.
- Relocation support is not available for this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold the school’s vision, design and implement strategy, and oversee growth
- Oversee all core school operations, including admissions, budgeting, compliance, staffing, and facilities
- Develop and implement a multiyear enrollment strategy that sustains the school’s financial model by driving recruitment, yield, and retention through clear messaging, meaningful family engagement, and strong community presence
- Lead fundraising and external relationship development with support from the Board
- Recruit, support, and lead faculty in implementing and continuously evolving a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in mindfulness and social-emotional learning
- Foster a school culture rooted in compassion, belonging, accountability, and interbeing
Experience and Qualifications
- Prior senior leadership experience in an independent or mission-driven school (Head, Associate Head, Division Director, or similar) or aligned nonprofit.
- Demonstrated deep strategic experience, ability to hold the big picture while driving the detailed work that brings a school to life.
- Strong operational, financial, and enrollment management experience
- Demonstrated success building teams, systems, and school culture
- Comfort launching and leading a small, growing school
- Alignment with the teachings and practices of Thích Nhất Hạnh
- Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a school from the ground up; academically, culturally, and spiritually. The Head of School will play a defining role in creating a learning environment where children are supported to grow in wisdom, compassion, and responsibility toward the world.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $90,000 - $105,000, commensurate with experience
- Housing: Complimentary on-site housing
- Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, holidays
- Other: Additional opportunities to practice at Deer Park monastery and access to organic produce from Happy Farm.
The Recruitment Process
Applications open until end of day (PST) 23rd January, 2026 Applications will be shortlisted and review, and shortlisted candidates can expect the following:
- Interview with recruiter
- Hiring team interview with 1-2 members of the SOI’s Board
- Completion of a performance task designed to demonstrate key skills and experience for the role
- Panel presentation sharing the performance task with the hiring committee
- Monastic meet and greet/tea ceremony
- Background and reference checks
- Offer
Our Commitment to a Mindful and Equitable Process
In the spirit of mindfulness, equity, and right relationship, we ask all applicants to engage fully through the formal application process. To support fairness and collective care, please refrain from reaching out to Board members, monastics, or staff of the Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing outside of this process. This helps us meet each candidate with the same presence, care, and integrity.
If you have any questions about this please reach out to careers@tnhschool.org.
