Employment Opportunities

Kennebec Montessori School in Fairfield, ME seeks an Interim Head of School. Kennebec Montessori School provides children with an educational program, rooted in the philosophy of Maria Montessori, that nurtures a love of learning and fosters respect for self, others, and the environment. Accredited by the American Montessori Society since 2007, KMS is privileged to have been serving Maine's children for over 40 years. Our current population includes ages 3 through 12. Grades 1 through 6 are licensed by the Maine Department of Education as an approved private school and provide the only non-denominational alternative school option in the area. While KMS is the oldest Montessori school in the state of Maine, we have recently undergone a period of growth adding grades 4-6 to our community.

The Interim Head of School is accountable to ensure KMS is an educationally vibrant, fiscally solvent, visible community organization. The Interim Head of School reports to the Board of Directors and s/he carries out the policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors and acts within the financial policy set by that body. Within these parameters, the Interim Head oversees a staff of 18+ people providing leadership and support; serves as the face of KMS to the community and donors; orchestrates external relations; and supervises business operations.

Responsibilities

● Board Relations - assist with board recruitment; attend all board meetings; communicate with board on school operations; act as chief liaison between board, staff, and school community;

● Operations & Finances - oversee budget and work with the finance committee; review operations to ensure compliance with all regulatory and accrediting bodies; and review, update and revise all school policy and procedure documents; ensure, at all times, KMS compliance with all state and federal licensing requirements and labor standards;

● Leadership & Supervision - effectively recruit, select and retain quality staff; prepare and deliver annual staff employment agreements; set annual goals for staff and conduct annual written performance reviews; encourage and provide time for staff development; and facilitate monthly staff meetings;

● Development, Admissions, & Community Relations - meet annual fundraising goals; cultivate community and alumni for fundraising; oversee admissions and marketing; maintain constructive communication with other educational institutions and associations; ambassador of school to community; and greet families at the door in the morning;

● Educational Duties - oversee student evaluation and assessment; observe in classrooms; manage special education needs including behavioral support, referrals and IEPs.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities Desired

● Bachelor’s in education, leadership, public administration or related degree or work experience. Master’s degree in the above fields preferred.

● 10+ years of leadership/direct supervision experience in an educational setting; strong preference for previous Montessori experience.

● Alternatively,10+ years of experience in non-profit or private-sector leadership.

● Solid understanding of and experience in budgeting and finances.

● Dedication to or willingness to learn the Montessori philosophy.

● Strong comfort level with public speaking with large and small groups, able to deliver a compelling message and engage with audience.

● Strong ability to move from vision to implementation to evaluation while examining many moving parts and perspectives.

● Servant leader who values employees, volunteers and partners and engages these stakeholders in decision making and strategy. We are seeking a leader who is skilled at building community and fostering a sense of collaboration and support.

● Integrity, professionalism, diplomacy, flexibility, teamwork, confidentiality, creativity, planning, organization and a sense of humor.

● Fluency in English with strong written and verbal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with the Board of Directors, staff, community members, families, and students as well as the general public.

● 5+ years experience with Microsoft Office, Quickbooks, CRMs and/or general comfort with learning new technology.

Additional Information

● Position based in Fairfield, Maine.

● Salaried, full time position estimated at 40 hours per week (M-F, 8am-4:30pm) with flexibility around special events and busier seasons.

● 1 Year Interim Position

● Salary commensurate with experience.

● Review of applications will begin on July 31, 2019

To Apply, please submit a cover letter and resume (in one file) to board@kennebecmontessori.org with “Interim Head of School” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on July 31, 2019. No calls please.  

ChildLight Montessori School in Berwick, ME seeks its next school leader to guide its daily operations while developing a plan to lead them through to a stable future. This Head of School position begins August 2019 and requires a warm, caring person who leads by example. He/she must possess people and organizational skills and the ability to be a flexible team player. The Head of School must recognize that the well-being of the school community, including the teachers, children and families, is an essential aspect of the position. In addition, the position requires a person with strong written and verbal communication skills and who listens actively. The Head of School must possess a knowledge and understanding of child development and the Montessori philosophy and always serve as an advocate for the child. A BA degree is required and experience within a Montessori environment and/or school leadership experience would be a plus.

The Head of School’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Modeling the mission and values of the school and the Montessori philosophy
• Administering the policies and strategic plan of the school as set by the Board of Directors
• Offering support to the teachers while overseeing hiring, evaluation and terminating, as necessary
• Ensuring the school is meeting legal and regulatory requirements
• Overseeing the financial operations of the school
• Coordinating the maintenance of the facility and grounds
• Overseeing the admissions, marketing, fundraising and community relations for the school
• Overseeing the programs of the school
• Assessment of the effectiveness of the various operations and programs of the school and reporting this information to the Board of Directors
• Maintaining the school’s presence as promotion on social media outlets

For a more detailed description of the position to include compensation, a profile of the school community, and how to apply, please contact Pat Haas, Board President Email: laura.childlight@gmail.com 207/384-0153 (school) 207/252-1080 (cell)

The mission of ChildLight Montessori School is to provide a loving, peaceful learning environment for children ages three through six using the philosophy and materials developed by Maria Montessori.