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Headmaster Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Preschool Director, Elementary Director, or Headmaster. We are currently hiring for our eight locations in the Bay Area. Almaden (19950 McKean Road, San Jose, CA 95120) Ardenwood (35487 Dumbarton ...

Preschool Director, Elementary Director, or Headmaster. We are currently hiring for our eight locations in the Bay Area. Almaden (19950 McKean Road, San Jose, CA 95120) Ardenwood (35487 Dumbarton ...

Headmaster information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$77.7K

$88.8K

How much do headmaster jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for headmaster in California is $77,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $86,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a headmaster do?

A headmaster is the principal leader and administrator of a school, responsible for overseeing all aspects of school operations. Their duties typically include managing staff, setting academic standards, ensuring student discipline, and acting as a liaison between the school, parents, and the community. Headmasters also implement educational policies, oversee budgeting and resources, and work to create a positive learning environment. Their leadership is vital in shaping the culture and success of a school.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a headmaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Headmaster, you need leadership abilities, educational expertise, and a background in teaching or school administration, often supported by a relevant degree and state certification. Familiarity with school management software, budgeting tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills help a Headmaster foster a positive school culture and motivate staff and students. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring academic excellence, operational efficiency, and a safe, supportive learning environment.

What is the position of the headmaster?

A headmaster is the senior administrator and leader of a school, responsible for overseeing academic programs, staff management, student discipline, and school policies. They typically hold a master's degree in education or a related field and have extensive teaching and leadership experience. The role involves setting educational standards and ensuring the school's smooth operation.

What are the duties of a headmaster?

A headmaster is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a school, including managing staff, developing educational policies, ensuring student discipline, and maintaining a safe learning environment. They also work with teachers, parents, and the community to support student achievement and school improvement.

What is the difference between Headmaster vs Principal?

AspectHeadmasterPrincipal
Required credentialsTeaching certification, administrative experience, advanced degreeTeaching certification, administrative experience, advanced degree
Work environmentPrivate schools, especially boarding schoolsPublic and private schools, K-12 institutions
Employer and industry usagePrimarily in private and independent schoolsCommon in public and private schools
Common search intentUnderstanding leadership roles in private schoolsComparing school leadership positions

While both Headmasters and Principals oversee school operations, Headmasters are typically found in private or boarding schools and focus on overall school leadership, often with a more traditional or historical role. Principals are more common in public schools and handle daily administrative tasks, student discipline, and staff management. Both roles require similar credentials and leadership skills, but their work environments and industry usage differ.

What are some typical challenges a headmaster might face in balancing administrative duties with educational leadership?

Headmasters often juggle a wide range of responsibilities, from managing school operations and budgets to setting academic goals and supporting faculty development. A common challenge is ensuring that administrative tasks do not overshadow their role as educational leaders who inspire teachers and students. Successful Headmasters develop strong delegation skills, foster collaborative decision-making, and prioritize regular communication with staff, parents, and students to maintain a healthy school culture. Building a capable leadership team can also help distribute workload and keep the focus on student learning outcomes.

How to become a headmaster?

To become a headmaster, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, followed by teaching certification and several years of teaching experience. Many schools also require advanced degrees such as a master's or doctorate in education or school administration, along with leadership skills and knowledge of school policies. Administrative experience and strong communication skills are essential for progressing to a headmaster role.

What are popular job titles related to Headmaster jobs in California?

For Headmaster jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Headmaster jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Headmaster jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Headmaster jobs?

Cities in California with the most Headmaster job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Headmaster jobs in CA?

For Headmaster jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Headmaster job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 15% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,718 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

$80 - $90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

About the PJCC:

For more than 75 years, the Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC) has worked to inspire a sense of community in San Mateo County, with over 37,000 Jewish residents. Situated between San Francisco and Palo Alto, the PJCC is among the top 10 JCCs in North America. With a 12-acre home in Foster City, the PJCC’s goal is to provide programs and services that reinforce the values and traditions the Jewish community embraces, while serving the broader community as well.

The PJCC’s Mission is that: We positively impact people’s lives, fostering belonging and meaningful connections with a diverse community, grounded in Jewish values and traditions.

Overview of the Role:

The role of the Beged Kefet teacher is to teach Hebrew to students and develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. In addition, the Beged Kefet teacher will also implement a Hebrew curriculum that will focus on Israeli Culture, songs, literature, art and Judaic holidays and traditions. The teacher teaches children in grades K-5.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Create and implement lesson plans for each class based on program goals
  • Assign, collect and evaluate appropriate homework assignments
  • Maintain accurate up to date records and grades based on completed assignments and upload information to school website so parents can view status and progress of the student(s)
  • Participate in regularly scheduled meetings with Headmaster to review lesson plan offerings, student progress and parent concerns
  • Attend teacher workshops as needed
  • Work with parents if a child is struggling with class material to review concerns and identify a solution; involve Beged Kefet Headmaster when relevant
  • Generate progress reports twice a year and communicate student progress to parents
  • Organize and host several parties during the school year focused on various Jewish Holiday themes
  • Post class summary documentation (feedback, photos, homework assignments and grades) on-line after each class to keep parents up to date with school progress
  • Create and actively promote a comfortable and welcoming environment where every participant is treated with dignity and respect, in a friendly, personalized manner
  • Be a role model to children and staff by maintaining a positive attitude when interacting with children.
  • Handle and address parent concerns and questions promptly and appropriately; informing Headmaster when relevant
  • Represent the PJCC in a professional manner and provides excellent customer service
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by mana
  • Associates degree or equivalent, BA/BS a plus
  • 1-2 years of teaching in a K-12 school
  • Fluent in Hebrew (Speaking, Reading and Writing)
  • Comprehensive understanding of Israeli Culture
  • Cleared Background Check (Fingerprints, Child Abuse Index Check and Medical/TB exam)
  • Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certified
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Ability to communicate information clearly (written and oral)
  • Ability and desire to work independently and as a team member with the community and other employees
  • Ability to multi-task and adjust priorities when required
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 2010
  • Positive, upbeat and enthusiastic about working in a non-profit environment
  • 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 may be required to:


Physical Demands:

  • Remain stationary
  • Frequently stand for long periods of time during events
  • Move within your work area
  • Operate a computer and office productivity machinery
  • Communicate across a variety of mediums
  • Transport items up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. While performing the duties of this job, the work environment can be noisy and you may be working in close proximity with others. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as phones, computers and printers. You will have access to restroom, copy room and break room facilities.

PJCC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Minority/Female/Veteran/Disability