Head of School

About the School

Founded in 1965, the Montessori School of Huntsville's (MSH) mission is to educate and prepare children for a life of purpose, integrity, and academic accomplishment. MSH strives to develop independent learners, critical thinkers, and tomorrow's leaders. MSH is an American Montessori Society (AMS) full member school that provides toddler, pre-school, elementary, and adolescent programs to around 130 students, led by trained Montessori guides in fully-implemented Montessori learning environments.  

Our school has two campuses in the greater Huntsville area totaling around 12 acres and supporting year-round outdoor learning. At MSH, we encourage a welcoming, open partnership with families and the larger community that embraces difference and celebrates connection, as well as continuous improvement. The school is owned by The Montessori Society of Huntsville and governed by a board of directors, elected by the community of parents at our school.

About the Head of School Role

MSH is seeking a passionate leader who fosters engagement among teachers, staff, parents and students, who personifies and advocates for our Core Values. The Head of School will oversee the successful operation of the programs, activities, and accreditation of the school and shall ensure consistency with the Montessori philosophy, principle, and methods. The Head of School will be ready to support the faculty on programs in place and will be eager to lean on the experience of the faculty for collaboration and continuous improvement. This position will work closely with, and report to, the Board of Directors. In partnership with the board, the Head of School is a key player in providing vision and strategic planning for the school. This position is to be filled for the 2023-2024 school year, with a potential Assistant Head of School or Head of School position for the 2022-2023 school year.  

Required Qualifications and Traits

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years experience as an Administrator or Head of School
• A passionate commitment to Montessori education  
• Proven leadership skills creating collaborative, positive work environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including community relations
• Familiarity with non-profit organization and operation
• Basic accounting and business skills
• Ability to meet Alabama DHR regulations for a Center Director
• Ability to manage a staff of between 20 to 25 team members
• Embodiment of the Montessori love of learning with a drive for continual betterment as a teacher, administrator, manager, and leader through continued education
• Readiness to complete training for programs specifically implemented within the school (Research based programs for supporting all children, such as: Non-violent communication, Collaboration and Proactive Solutions, and NCMPS Child Study and Lesson Study)

Desired Qualifications and Traits

• Completion of the Montessori Head of School training program
• Outstanding human resources skills (hiring, training, termination, etc.)
• Ability to identify and lead fundraising initiatives such as grant applications and donor stewardship, supported by the board
• Prior experience with planning, implementing, and balancing a school budget
• Previous experience working in a Montessori school
• Experience coordinating maintenance of school facilities

About Huntsville

Nestled in the Tennessee Valley of North Alabama, Huntsville is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and is host to NASA, the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal, and Cummings Research Park to name a few. Huntsville has been rated #3 Best Places to Live and #1 Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. and offers a wide array of outdoor and artist recreational activities. Learn more about Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley here.  

Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume in a single merged pdf to the MSH HoS Search Committee: hos-search@montessorihuntsville.org

The Montessori School of Huntsville shall not discriminate, endorse, or affiliate with those who discriminate on the basis of age, religion, genetics, race, creed, ethnicity, color, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation or national origin.