TITLE: Director
JOB TYPE: Full Time Employment
JOB LOCATION: On site at MSPI (not a remote position)
REPORTING: Reports to the MSPI Board of Directors
The Director of the Montessori School of Pawleys Island (MSPI) is a collaborative leader within the school and the local community, reporting to and working closely with the school’s Board of Directors. The Director will oversee all issues that concern the day-to-day operations of the school and will act as a liaison between Board members, parents, teachers, school staff, and the community. The Director will enlist the support of the Montessori community create an environment that fosters the success of all students and facilitates the development, implementation, and evaluation of a shared vision of excellence in education firmly grounded in the Montessori philosophy. Every aspect of the school, including its management structure, will be guided by Montessori principles, so it is vital that the Director understands and can articulate the essence of Montessori education.
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Visionary Leadership
- Thinks strategically about the direction and growth of the school, focusing on continuous quality improvement and always striving toward fulfillment of the school’s mission.
- Works with the MSPI Board of Directors on long-range planning while also inspiring teachers and staff toward a growth-mindset.
- Mission Ambassador
- Acts as an advocate for MSPI, establishing a safe and positive school climate.
- Builds strong partnerships with parents and the community through consistent communication and outreach.
- Stays informed of trends, legislation, and research that affects MSPI management, operations, and policy.
- Administers the implementation of the school's mission and operating policy.
- Recruits new students and families, leading prospective families on school tours.
- Staff Management
- Communicates with teachers on the development of new and existing curriculum.
- Ensures compliance with day-to-day Montessori philosophy.
- Interviews and hires new staff members.
- Implements instructional programs, determines and schedules continuing education for staff.
- Conducts annual employee performance evaluations.
- Communicates clearly and directly with staff regarding any challenges, infractions, complaints, and other disciplinary actions.
- Documents all performance infractions and disciplinary actions in a timely manner, including signatures from both Director and staff member involved and retaining in employee file.
- Operations Management
- Ensures a B rating or higher on the ABC quality rating scale.
- Assumes responsibility for upkeep of all school policies and sets enrollment target for each classroom.
- Ensures compliance with all regulations, making sure all licenses and certifications are renewed on time.
Financial Management
- Manages contractors including a CPA and bookkeeper, overseeing organizational finances.
- Determines annual budget and presents budget to Board of Directors annually for approval.
- Monitors revenue and expenditures against budget on a monthly basis.
- Writes grants to raise funds for school.
- Assists the Board of Directors and PTA in planning and executing fundraisers.
Board Engagement
- Attends all Board meetings and updates the Board monthly regarding the status of all school operations.
- Performs other functions deemed reasonable and necessary by the Board of Directors.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in a related field.
- Educational expertise including, but not limited to, knowledge of Montessori concepts and/or curriculums.
- Three to five years of prior teaching experience.
- Significant management experience, including hiring, training, and evaluating staff.
- Leadership experience, demonstrating successful staff motivation, staff development, and success in working toward common goals.
- Experience working with community organizations and strengthening community partnerships.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in current computer technology.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Certification as a Montessori educator.*
- Prior experience as a Director or Head of School.
- Significant experience working or teaching in a school, preferably with experience in a Montessori environment.
- Experience working with teachers, parents, and community volunteers.
- Knowledge of nonprofit management, including but not limited to administrative aspects such as fiscal operations, buildings and grounds supervision, maintenance of HR and personnel files, compliance with state and local regulatory agencies, detailed record keeping, etc.
- Prior fundraising and resource development experience, such as grant writing, event planning, donor cultivation and stewardship, capital campaigns, etc.
*Montessori certification can be obtained within 6-12 months of hire date if not already certified.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Email resume and letter of interest highlighting what makes you an excellent candidate for the position to:
MSPI Director Search Committee
boardofdirectors@pawleysislandmontessori.org
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- After school
- Monday to Friday
- Weekdays
- Weekends & holidays off
Work setting:
Ability to Relocate:
- Pawleys Island, SC 29585: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person