Head of School in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, US

Position Title: Head of School
Reports to: Children’s Tree Montessori School Board of Directors

Summary: The Head of School is to administer the implementation of the School’s broad educational mission and operating policies. He/she is an educational director who provides day-to-day leadership for the School.  The Head of School’s position is year-round.

Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Systems Leadership:
Drive and support the implementation of CTMS’ mission and values to ensure a positive, achievement-focused school culture among teachers, staff, students and families.
Manage and support the school leadership team; continually collect various forms of academic, culture, and team data to drive decision making and problem solving.
Create, manage, and evaluate operational processes to ensure consistency with the school goals.
Oversee family and community involvement in the school community.
Ensure systems and appropriate oversight is provided around compliance with state and federal regulations for education standards and requirements.
Develop and implement school policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Oversee daily operations and ensure the school runs efficiently.
Develop leadership capacities of direct reports and other school staff

Instructional Leadership:
Foster a supportive and inclusive Montessori learning environment.
Monitor student performance and implement strategies for improvement.
Collaborate with staff and parents to support student success.
Holds all staff accountable for meeting a high bar for student performance.
Manage Special Education needs to support students receiving appropriate interventions, modifications, and accommodations.
Assess curriculum and material needs and communicate to the appropriate team(s).

Cultural Leadership:
Foster a Montessori culture of respect, inclusivity, diversity and love where all students, staff, and community members feel valued and safe.
Build relationships, both internally and externally, to promote the Montessori philosophy.
Promote a sense of belonging and pride in the school community through regular celebrations and recognition.
Encourage open communication and collaboration among all stakeholders to address challenges and resolve conflicts constructively, creating a harmonious school environment.
Build a joyful and rigorous school culture focused on learning and academic success.
Coach and manage direct reports to support their management of the school in service of a strong student culture and responsive discipline systems.
Create a culture of achievement through celebrations of student learning and growth.
Creates and maintains an aesthetically attractive environment consistent with the school character.

Planning and Analysis:
Develops tactical plans for the School under the direction of the strategic plan as approved by the Board of Directors.
Benchmarks and compares the School with similar institutions using external analyses and critiques to remain competitive and a leading choice among parents and School staff.
Keeps abreast of trends and research in education, particularly those affecting independent school operation and educational leadership.
Constituent Relations:
Encourages meaningful alumni, parent, and past parent participation in events that aid and support the School’s goal.
Responds to special interest groups, giving them direction as needed.

Institutional Image:
Translates and explains the School’s vision and programs to the public, striving to personify the Institution.
Serves as a primary spokesperson for the School.

Fundraising:
Participates actively in planning for all fundraising efforts.
Actively supports and encourages the School’s fundraising efforts.
Assists in the fund raising effort by articulating, in many different settings, the School’s unique vision and the value of the goals for which funds are being raised.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and a complete Montessori Certification is the minimum requirement. The ideal candidate would have Montessori Leadership Training or the ability to complete it within one year of employment..

Language Ability:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software; spreadsheet software; internet software and database software.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Manages subordinate supervisors who supervise employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include defining and delegating needs for interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Physical Demands:
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 is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Email resume and references to the board; james@childrenstree.org

ChildrensTree.org