Employment

The Opportunity

Cate School seeks a visionary Head of Finance and Operations (HFO) to steward the distinctive boarding school community through its next chapter of growth and transformation.

This pivotal leadership role offers the rare opportunity to shape the financial and operational foundation of a distinguished four-year college preparatory institution serving 300 students in the idyllic setting near Santa Barbara, California.

With operating expenses of $35M and an endowment of $135M, the school requires an innovative financial steward who combines meticulous attention to detail with the creative vision to rethink significant cost structures and operational systems.

The ideal candidate will be a thoughtful listener and collaborative partner who thrives on investing in school communities, bringing both analytical rigor and imaginative problem-solving to drive sustainable excellence.

As a key member of the strategic leadership team reporting directly to the Head of School, the HFO will oversee the Business Office, Facilities & Plant Operations, People Operations, Technology, Food Services, and the School Store while supporting critical board committees in shaping Cate’s future.

Nomination and Application Process
Nominations and applications are invited for this position. Review of applications will begin immediately, and candidate material received by August 15, 2025, will be assured full consideration, although recruitment will continue until an appointment is announced.

Applications (including a cover letter and resume) must be uploaded to: http://lapovsky.hiringthing.com.

Compensation includes a salary between $275,000 and $350,000, depending on qualifications as
well as a generous fringe benefit package.

Lapovsky Consulting is assisting Cate in this search. For nominations, questions, or additional
information, please contact:
Lucie Lapovsky
Cate@lapovsky.com
917-690-1958

Full Job Description

Position: Registered Nurse
Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Reports To: Nursing Administrator and Medical Director
Pay Scale: $65.00-$70.00 per hour desk rate, $20.00 per hour on-call rate

Job Summary

A Registered Nurse at Cate School reports to the school administration and works under the direct supervision of the Nursing Administrator and the Medical Director. The Registered Nurse is responsible for providing and managing the Health Services program to promote students’ optimal physical, mental, emotional, and social development. This role includes supporting students’ health and well-being and ensuring that all activities align with the school’s Health Services protocols.

The work is primarily indoors in clinical and office settings. The role involves exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and infectious hazards, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.  General schedule overview includes 1-2 day shifts per week, 2 nights overnight call per week, and minimum one weekend per month.

Job Benefits:

Health Benefits – The School pays 90% of the monthly premium for all full-time employees for the base plan HMO option.  The School pays 90% baseline plan premium for a single employee, plus 40% for dependents.

Additional Benefits Include flexible spending, life insurance, long-term disability, voluntary benefits, accident insurance, accidental death & dismemberment: (AD&D), hospital indemnity insurance, commuter benefits, critical illness insurance, legal service, short-term disability, retirement plans, vacation, sick, and holiday time, on-site child care facility, and professional development funds.

Essential Job Functions:

The responsibilities of this position will include, but not be limited to the following:

Communication Skills

• Effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and electronically with students, families, staff, and external parties.
• Proficient in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive), Magnus Health, Veracross, and SimpleReport for documentation and communication purposes.
• Manage communication tools, including computers, printers, interfaces, and fax machines, with strong interpersonal skills.

Critical Thinking

• Apply clinical judgment and professional conduct in delivering safe medical care to multiple students.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and analyze clinical situations to identify causes and effects.
• Prioritize tasks, adapt to changing circumstances, and follow through on procedures independently.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies and apply critical thinking in assessment, administration, and interpretation.

Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills to effectively engage with individuals, families, and groups from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Establish rapport and build trust with patients, families, staff, faculty, and coworkers.
• Exhibit sensitivity to the needs of others and function as a cooperative team member.

Safe Conduct in the Work Environment

• Follow all safety protocols related to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and infectious hazards in the clinical setting.
• Properly use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, face shields, goggles, N95 masks, and gowns.
• Clean and disinfect student resting areas and equipment regularly.
• Participate in mandatory safety trainings.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with healthcare professionals and school personnel to coordinate student health plans and discharge procedures.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of nursing activities and health records.
• Participate in the development and implementation of communicable disease control policies.
• Provide health education and in-service training to faculty and staff.
• Counsel students, teachers, and parents on health-related issues.

General Nursing Requirements

• Conduct health assessments, monitor student progress, and detect changes requiring intervention.
• Oversee medication administration and adherence to treatment plans.
• Maintain comprehensive health records and analyze health data using Magnus Health.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standards.
• Deliver specialized health instruction appropriate to student developmental levels.
• Advocate for continuous improvements in school health services and programming.

Physical Abilities and Requirements

• Occasionally lift/move up to 40 pounds and perform repetitive upper body movements for extended computer use.
• Frequent walking, standing, light physical effort, and some kneeling, bending, reaching, squatting, and carrying within the medical office.
• Utilize manual dexterity, mobility, and good vision for testing and technical tasks.
• Assist with patient ambulation, transfers, and administer CPR as needed.
• Use computers, phones, and other medical equipment effectively.

Job Qualifications:

• Valid California Registered Nurse license.
• Current CPR certification (adult, child, infant) with advanced first aid knowledge.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Strong knowledge of child development, adolescent health, and school health operations.
• Proficiency in required software and electronic health record systems.

All Cate Employees live up to the following Essential Expectations:

1. Overtly support and act according to the school’s mission and values.
2. Foster a safe, predictable, and supportive environment for employees and students.
3. Interact with colleagues in a respectful and collegial manner that fosters a healthy culture for living, learning, and working together.
4. Demonstrate commitment and courage in service of building our school culture where diversity is affirmed and supported.
5. Demonstrate appropriate planning and preparation to meet the complex and evolving needs of your role.
6. Uphold professional standards of predictable presence, reliable responses, and relational trust.
7. Appropriately steward strategic and special projects associated with role or team.
8. Honor the confidentiality of School, student, and family information.
9. Comply with policies and procedures as articulated in the School’s Employee Handbook.
10. Authentically engage in self-reflection in service to professional growth and adapting to the evolving needs of the school.

At Cate, we often talk about the deep sense of community that attends the “spirit of this place.” While the “spirit” manifests in many ways, it is rooted in the full recognition of the dignity of each person. We encourage all members of the Cate community to share their background, interests, identities, and beliefs so that we can collectively work to broaden our perspectives, deepen our capacity for empathy, and strengthen our resilience. In doing so, we can continue the daily work of creating and building community

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Cate School is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender, gender identity, genetic information or any other category protected under federal or local law.

Position Description
Position: Early Learning Center Preschool Instructor
Reports to: Director of the ELC
Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Contact: Co-Directors of ELC: Diamond Gray-Diaz, diamond_gray@cate.org. Jessica Knapp,  jessica_knapp@cate.org
Pay Scale: $ 22.00- $25.00 DOE

Job Summary

The ELC Teacher position is responsible for all aspects of care while at the Cate Early Learning Center. Such responsibilities will include: physical caregiving, developmental assessments, development of age-appropriate/individually appropriate curriculum, and facilitating supportive relationships with parents.

Job Benefits

Health Benefits 
The School pays 90% of the monthly premium for all full-time employees for the base plan HMO option.  The School pays 90% baseline plan premium for a single employee, plus 40% for dependents.  The School pays 90% baseline plan premium for a single employee, plus 40% for dependents.

Additional Benefits Include flexible spending, life insurance, long-term disability, voluntary benefits, accident insurance, accidental death & dismemberment: (AD&D), hospital indemnity insurance, commuter benefits, critical illness insurance, legal service, short-term disability, retirement plans, vacation, sick, and holiday time, on-site child care facility, and professional development funds.

All Cate Employees live up to the following Essential Expectations:

1. Overtly support and act according to the school’s mission and values.
2. Foster a safe, predictable, and supportive environment for employees and students.
3. Interact with colleagues in a respectful and collegial manner that fosters a healthy culture for living, learning, and working together.
4. Demonstrate commitment and courage in service of building our school culture where diversity is affirmed and supported.
5. Demonstrate appropriate planning and preparation to meet the complex and evolving needs of your role.
6. Uphold professional standards of predictable presence, reliable responses, and relational trust.
7. Appropriately steward strategic and special projects associated with role or team.
8. Honor the confidentiality of School, student, and family information.
9. Comply with policies and procedures as articulated in the School’s Employee Handbook.
10. Authentically engage in self-reflection in service to professional growth and adapting to the evolving needs of the school.

Essential Job Functions

The responsibilities of this position will include, but not be limited to the following:

• At all times ensure the children’s safety in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Responsible for formulating relationships with parents and children that are respectful of individual differences, family styles, and cultural/socioeconomic diversity.
• Responsible for ensuring that all meal and rest breaks for the staff and the changes in the daily schedule for the children (outside time, meals for the children, diaper changes, etc.) are done in an organized manner to support a sense of routine in the environment for the children.
• Plan, supervise, and implement the Infant-Toddler program in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the ELC and the identified curriculum objectives.
• Strive to create an instructional program that meets the needs of each child with concern for his/her interests, individual learning style, and pace of learning.
• Provide appropriate guidance to support staff and substitute teachers, and actively facilitate their program development skills.
• Design a stimulating, consistent, and developmentally appropriate learning environment suitable for all children enrolled in the classroom.
• Responsible for doing routine evaluations of each child’s development.
• Adaptable to changes in daily routines and program needs.
• Strive to create a state-of-the-art childcare program.

Interactions with Children

• Strive to create a language-rich program, encouraging positive and respectful interactions.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect.
• Help each child to become aware of his/her role as an integral member of the group.
• Help each child to become comfortable with him/herself.
• Encourage active involvement in problem-solving in the environment.
• Encourage children to be responsible for their actions to support the development of their roles as effective decision-makers.

Working with Parents

• Communicate with parents on a regular basis regarding the progress of their children in the program or specific issues as they occur on a day-to-day basis.
• Work with new parents to create an easy transition into the Program.
• Create an environment that embraces open communication between staff and parents.
• Provide Early Childhood/community resources as needed.

Employee Conduct

• It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, children, and parents.

Physical Requirements

• Continually able to observe and respond to children’s needs, emergencies and/or conflicts that might occur during the day (inside or outside environment).
• Continually able to lift children/materials 1-50 pounds from the floor to a waist high table.
• Continually able to kneel to maintain eye contact at child’s level.
• Continually able to sit on the floor to work with children.
• Continually able to react to a child that is 20 to 30 feet away within 30 seconds.
• Continually able to carry a child (1 to 50 pounds), up to 50-100 feet.
• Continually able to respond to children’s first aid needs (inside and outside) which may include cuts, bruises, blood/bodily fluids.
• Continually able to communicate clearly and calmly to children, parents, and co-workers.
• Continually able to deal effectively with the stress involved in working closely with children, parents, and co-workers.
• Continually able to do fine and medium hand manipulation.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• Minimum of one year’s experience working with young children, two preferred.
• Twelve (12) core units in Early Childhood Education.
• 6 Infant-Toddler units (or 3 units at time of hire with successful completion of 3 additional units within 12 months of hire).
• Preferred AS or AA in related fields.
• Successful completion of the fingerprinting process and or successful transfer of fingerprints from another program.
• Successful completion of the hiring packet, including current immunization record.
• Working knowledge of personal computers with experience in the use of such programs as Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Comfortable with team-based work structure; ability to demonstrate flexibility on the job.
• Demonstrates initiative, is conscientious and provides complete follow-through on areas of responsibility.
• Preferred bilingual (Spanish).
• Strong grasp of RIE philosophy.
• CPR/First Aid Certification, or able to acquire within 3 months of hire date.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds, using proper lifting techniques
• Ability to sit, stand, and/or move around the applicable working environment as needed
• Ability to travel safely and comfortably around our campus
• Ability to use a keyboard (or an alternative input device) and other office equipment
• Ability to read information in printed material, on a computer screen, and/or on a mobile device/laptop for extended periods of time

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Cate School is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender, gender identity, genetic information or any other category protected under federal or local law.

Position: Early Learning Center Support Teacher
Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Reports To: Co-Directors of ELC: Diamond Gray, diamond_gray@cate.org. Jessica Knapp,  jessica_knapp@cate.org
Pay Scale: $22.00-$25.00   

Job Summary

The ELC Support Teacher is responsible for all aspects of care while at the Cate Early Learning Center. Such responsibilities will include physical caregiving, developmental assessments, development of age appropriate/individually appropriate curriculum and facilitating supportive relationships with parents.

Essential Job Functions

The responsibilities of this position will include, but not be limited to the following:

Job duties

• Cleaning and folding laundry
• Making snacks in the morning and throughout the day
• Filling water bottles in the morning 
• Putting out nap mats for preschool and toddlers 
• Stepping in ratio if needed for supporting rest breaks and meal periods 
• At all times ensure the children’s safety in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Responsible for formulating relationships with parents and children that are respectful of individual differences, family styles, and cultural/socioeconomic diversity.
• Adaptable to changes in daily routines and program needs.

Interactions with Children

• Treat each child with dignity and respect.
• Help each child to become aware of his/her role as an integral member of the group.
• Help each child to become comfortable with their self 
• Encourage active involvement in problem-solving in the environment.
• Encourage children to be responsible for their actions to support the development of their roles as effective decision-makers.

Working with Parents

• Communicate with parents on a regular basis regarding the progress of their children in the program or specific issues as they occur on a day-to-day basis.
• Create an environment that embraces open communications between staff and parents.

Employee Conduct

• It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, children, and parents.

Physical Requirements

• Continually able to observe and respond to children’s needs, emergencies and/or conflicts that might occur during the day (inside or outside environment).
• Continually able to lift children/materials 1-40 pounds from the floor to a waist high table.
• Continually able to kneel to maintain eye contact at child’s level.
• Continually able to sit on the floor to work with children.
• Continually able to react to a child that is 20 to 30 feet away within 30 seconds.
• Continually able to carry a child (1 to 40 pounds), up to 50-100 feet.
• Continually able to respond to children’s first aid needs (inside and outside) which may include cuts, bruises, blood/bodily fluids.
• Continually able to communicate clearly and calmly to children, parents, and co-workers.
• Continually able to deal effectively with the stress involved in working closely with children, parents, and co-workers.
• Continually able to do fine and medium hand manipulation.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• Minimum of one year’s experience working with young children, two preferred.
• Successful completion of the fingerprinting process and or successful transfer of fingerprints from another program.
• Successful completion of the hiring packet, including current immunization record.
• Working knowledge of personal computers with experience in the use of such programs as Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Comfortable with team-based work structure; ability to demonstrate flexibility on the job.
• Demonstrates initiative, is conscientious, and provides complete follow-through on areas of responsibility.
• Preferred bilingual (Spanish).

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Cate School is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender, gender identity, genetic information or any other category protected under federal or local law.

Sous Chef (Full-Time)

This position will provide coverage for a temporary leave in the Fall-Winter and also includes operational support during the school year before and after that leave.

Position: Executive Assistant to the Head of School – Leave Replacement
Reports to: Head of School
Status: Exempt, Full-Time, August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Pay Scale: $65,625-$70,000 (prorated annual salary $75,000-$80,000)
Contact: hiring@cate.org                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Position Purpose:

The Executive Assistant to the Head of School plays a vital role in providing seamless support to the daily operations of the Head of School’s office. This position requires a proactive individual with a broad skill set, capable of managing diverse responsibilities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Serving as a trusted partner with unwavering integrity, this role demands the highest level of discretion, particularly considering the residential context of Cate. The Executive Assistant is an exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and innovative professional with robust communication and project management skills.

Operations Support tasks will include event planning, database management, budget management, campus operations project tracking, and other as-needed projects which will emerge during the school year. 

Description of Responsibilities:

• Schedule Management

• • • Create a productive and manageable schedule for the Head of School.
    • Prioritize and redirect meeting requests to ensure accessibility while allowing dedicated time for strategic issues and projects.

• Communication Excellence

• • • Represent the Head of School’s office through excellent written and oral communication, exercising independent judgment, initiative, and discretion.
    • Foster relationships with all offices throughout the school.

• Financial Oversight

• • • Manage the Head’s office budget.
    • Oversee all contracts and projects related to the Head of School’s office, such as consultants and searches.

• Travel and Event Coordination

• • • Coordinate the Head of School’s travel and professional development.
    • Plan events hosted by the Head of School for various constituents.
    • Serve as house manager for Head of School residence.

• Collaboration with Advancement

• • • Work closely with the Advancement office to coordinate donor engagement, communication, events, and travel.

• Marketing and Communication

• • Coordinate all Head of School communications with the Director of Marketing and Communication.
  • Ensure deadlines are met by allocating time for writing.

Board of Trustees Support Responsibilities

• Manage communications, support, and record-keeping, including meeting minutes, agendas, materials, address rosters, committee assignments, and meeting dates.
• Update and maintain the online Trustee Portal.
• Coordinate logistics for Board of Trustee meetings (4 per year) and Executive Committee meetings (4 per year), handling dates, locations, materials, and minutes.
• Support Board Leadership and committees, especially in scheduling and communication.
• Develop orientation schedules and materials for new trustees, maintain trustee term expiration information, committee assignments, and reference materials.
• Coordinate Board receptions, dinners, and special events.
  

• Personal Assistance

• • • Assist with personal tasks for the Head of School, including scheduling appointments, managing small projects, and handling various personal responsibilities.
      

• Additional Responsibilities

• • Undertake other duties as assigned, with occasional night and weekend hours required.

Qualification Standards, Skills, and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with administrative support experience, preferably in an executive office, ideally within an educational setting.
• Commitment to working in and fostering an inclusive community.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to cultivate strong, collaborative relationships internally and externally.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a commitment to follow-through.
• Proficiency in Google environment, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other database programs.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple demands.
• Experience in meeting, calendar, time, and event management.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and independent judgment.
• Ability to lift/push/pull at least 20 pounds. 

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Hiring@cate.org. 

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.