Executive Director Job Description 2013
Columbus Montessori Education Center (CMEC) is seeking an Executive Director who will lead and grow a dynamic Montessori center that provides early care and education for children six weeks through 6th grade, and a Montessori teacher education program. CMEC is a medium-sized non-profit organization in an urban community in Central Ohio that values socio-economic and cultural diversity. The ideal candidate will be passionate about the education of children, lead through influence and collaboration and have the ability to coach and develop staff into leaders. He or she should have strong business acumen, be an excellent communicator, skilled decision-maker and be able to create systems and processes to support and grow the organization.
Since 1984, CMEC has championed, provided and served as a national model for authentic Montessori educational programs. It is the mission of CMEC to nurture and develop the whole child through magnified learning and quality care in a diverse community.
The Executive Director carries out CMEC’s broad educational mission and policies as established by the Board of Trustees including:
· Embrace and champion CMEC’s mission
· Maintain licensing and accreditation requirements and compliance with all regulating agencies
· Lead and manage faculty and staff to continue nationally recognized standards of quality education and care
· Cultivate effective relationships with all constituents, including students, families, faculty, staff, board of trustees, community members and key stakeholders
· Demonstrate accountability for the operating budget and financial stability of CMEC
· Drive enrollment growth and student retention in all programs
· Foster a culturally and socio-economically diverse population
· Manage day-to-day operations of CMEC
Specific responsibilities for this position include:
1. Maintains an effective relationship with the Board of Trustees. Will work closely with Board of Trustees on matters affecting mission, strategic plan and fiscal matters.
2. Develops and leads the administrative team of CMEC. The Executive Director is expected to share and delegate to his or her immediate subordinates in a manner that promotes effective communication and works to produce smooth day-to-day internal operations.
3. Serves as a primary spokesperson for CMEC and promotes its programs to the public. Supports meaningful alumni, parent, past-parent and greater community participation in events that aid and support the goals of CMEC.
4. Effectively assess, manage and mitigate risks that will negatively impact the mission of the school. Recommends responses to regulatory and legislative actions that mitigate potential impacts.
5. Works closely with finance manager to prepare the annual budget for review and approval by the finance committee and presentation and approval by the Board of Trustees. Ensures that the available financial resources are carefully managed within the budgetary guidelines. Is responsible for the preparation of monthly financial statements to the Board on various matters concerning the Center’s financial health, including enrollment, outstanding accounts, income, expenditures, and cash flow projections.
6. Assumes ultimate responsibility for ensuring development and fundraising goals are met. Articulates the center’s unique mission and the value of the goals for which funds are being raised to constituents and community. Efforts include Annual Fund and Spring Gala.
7. Ensure CMEC meets and exceeds all regulatory requirements and pursues the highest level of quality care and Montessori education. Works with staff to identify curriculum needs and program support. Works with the faculty to develop and implement procedures for tracking student status and progress.
8. Advocate for quality care and education in Central Ohio. Find opportunities for the expansion of CMEC’s role as a model center for high quality, multi-age group settings and partnerships to increase the availability of quality care and education for all children.
9. Defines faculty and staff positions needed to implement CMEC’s programs, and recruits highly effective staff. Establishes productive working conditions, discipline, training and development of all staff. Determines standards and takes appropriate steps to measure and maintain reasonable performance and professional growth among all employees; dismisses those who fail to meet the standards.
10. Works to promote constructive relationships between students, faculty and administrators, recognizing the importance of developing each individual. Communicates CMEC achievements, progress and milestones to Board of Trustees, parents, constituents and community. Consciously works to establish an atmosphere of team building and planning.
Job Requirements
Education: Bachelor degree from accredited institution, preferably in the fields of Education, Public Policy, Non-profit or Business Management. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience: Montessori credential and/or experience. Independent school administration. Non-profit management.
Knowledge: Understanding of the academic, fiscal, social and advocacy responsibilities of an non-profit center and school. Montessori-based curriculum knowledge and program development. Business operational knowledge including leadership, management and budget. Customer relations (children, parents, community) and community building. Experience with state licensing and accreditation requirements.
Skills/Competencies: Able to manage the vision and purpose of Montessori education philosophy, while enhancing the diversity and inclusion of thought, experience and cultures within an educational setting. Strong business acumen with ability to make decisions and positively influence the customer experience. Effective leadership that will motivate the various constituencies to be strong stakeholders. High sense of integrity with ability to maintain composure and relate well to individuals of all levels, experiences, and backgrounds. Able to effectively manage conflict, set priorities and inform/communicate with proper constituents.
Technical Skills: Proficiency with MS Office products and ability to quickly learn and apply new technology skills.
A leader in quality care and education in Central Ohio, Columbus Montessori Education Center was the founding center for Champion of Children and part of the original development committee for Step Up To Quality. As a model resource in defining benchmark requirements for early care and education, CMEC has become a 4 star center under Ohio’s new star rating system.
Columbus Montessori Education Center is also a model school in the multi-year Caring Communities: Birth to Three Project with Early Care and Learning (ECAL) and Action for Children, a nationally cutting-edge effort to improve early care in urban child care centers drawing in large part on Montessori principles. As part of CMEC’s commitment to academic excellence, the Center is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), is an affiliate of the American Montessori Society (AMS) and administers a Teacher Education Program (TEP) accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). CMEC’s Elementary program is chartered by the Ohio Department of Education.
Please forward resume, cover letter and statement of your educational leadership philosophy (500 word limit) to Columbus Montessori Education Center, Attn: Search 979 S. James Rd., Columbus OH 43227.
CMEC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
