Head of School, Clementine Montessori School

Posted by Clementine Montessori School on May 30, 2016

Head of School
Job Description
(as of 5/1/16)

Clementine Montessori School Seeks a Head of School
to Start During the 2016-17 School Year

Clementine Montessori School (Clementine) is looking for a Head of School to lead a young, thriving Montessori community devoted to meeting the individual needs of every child through
careful attention to our classroom environments, the learning materials used, and our relationships with children and families.

Since our inaugural 2010 year as a single mixed-aged class of 15 students, Clementine has blossomed into a 3-classroom school of 46 students. Through this period of rapid growth, Clementine has remained an intimate, family-oriented community with exceptionally qualified professional faculty and an authentic Montessori learning environment. Located in Center City Philadelphia but tucked away from the busyness of big city life, we offer a vibrant setting for Montessori primary education. Our primary program, serving preschool children from 2 years, 9 months to kindergarteners up to 6 years of age, inspires children to explore the world, appreciate differences, and embrace challenges.

PRIORITIES
The next leader of Clementine Montessori School will build upon the school’s unique assets, while also growing and strengthening our school. The incoming Head of School, with the support of the
Board of Trustees, will focus on the following areas of leadership:
• Serving as an academic leader and mentor. Sustaining the principles of AMS Montessori education from the preschool through kindergarten continuum; establishing Clementine as
a regionally and nationally recognized AMS-accredited school; ensuring the retention of top-notch, Montessori-trained faculty and supporting their development.
• Serving as a community leader. Deepening the relationship between the school community and its constituents; representing the school’s mission to families, students, faculty, staff and the community; serving as an ambassador for Clementine to the community at large and all its constituents; reporting to and maintaining regular ongoing, open dialogue with the Board of Trustees.
• Providing sound financial stewardship. Sustaining the school’s financial health; administering the operating budget; preparing annual budget recommendations.
• Overseeing strategic growth. Assisting the Board with implementing a strategic plan for growth in both facilities and programs; helping to implement a robust marketing plan to attract and retain families and students well suited to Clementine Montessori School.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS
Our next Head of School will combine vision with academic expertise, administrative experience, and the interpersonal skills to maintain our high-quality educational programs and fully engage our
vibrant community. We seek an individual who is enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead a Montessori school early in its development and take it to the next level. Desired qualities and
qualifications include:

• A passion for Montessori primary education and service to children
• A collaborative, creative, and confident leader; prior leadership experience in a school or non-profit organization preferred
• Administrative experience; prior administrative experience in a Montessori school preferred
• Deep understanding of Montessori principles and practices; AMS certification and teaching experience at Montessori primary level highly preferred
• Outstanding communication skills
• Flexibility and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• High emotional intelligence: approachable, open, and compassionate

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested candidates are asked to submit as soon as possible, the following documents as email attachments to [email protected].
• Cover letter addressed to the Clementine Search Committee expressing interest in and qualifications for the position
• A current resume
• A statement of educational philosophy (1-2 pages) describing your fit with AMS pedagogy
• 3 references (including email addresses and telephone numbers) who can be contacted confidentially

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.