Head of School (Preschool Director)

Company: Guidepost Montessori
Location: Burke
Posted on: May 27, 2023

Job Description:

Leaders who want to have lasting impact come to Guidepost. We're now hiring an experienced leader to join our team as Head of School in the Burke, Virginia area!Changing the world is in our DNA. Our organization was founded to do just that-a group of educators and likeminded individuals had caught a glimpse of what could be possible in education, and wanted to bring it to the world. Education today is filled with false alternatives. We disrupt them all. Our vision is a school where children plumb the depths of human knowledge and aspire to the height of intellectualism-and do it all at their own self-direction. Do you believe that there is critical, life-shaping knowledge that children desperately need-but also believe that they need to be in the driver's seat when they pursue it? Then Guidepost is the place for you.More than ever, we need strong leaders who are both big-picture thinkers capable of surveying our multi-faceted landscape - from children to staff to parents - and hands-on doers with the skills to quickly solve problems and scale a high-quality program. If you're excited about working in an entrepreneurial environment and being the quarterback for a school that enables widespread change in education, this role is for you.Our culture and approach takes work to learn, so you'll need to come in with that attitude. But anything worth doing is worth working for, and the people who thrive with us are the ones who know that. It will pay off, both with a school that brings you pride, and a career that brings you a future with a growing organization and all of the opportunities that offers.This is a full-time position, and requires the flexibility to work between the hours of 7am - 6pm as part of a three-person administrative team.Your RoleAs a Head of School, you'll own the success of your school community. Practically speaking, you will:Proactively quarterback the success of the school. This role is at the middle of everything. You will build a thriving community and bring it all together, from our Montessori programming, to hiring staff, to earning the trust of parents. As the overall integrator, every day is different, and it starts and stops with you. Taking a proactive approach and being comfortable with ambiguity and initiative-taking all both key. Leading your school through challenging staff situations, thoughtfully navigating relationships with parents, or handling a health and safety incident on campus could all be parts of your week.Deliver a high-quality program. We believe a thriving school starts with a great program. We're rooted in the Montessori tradition, which means we believe in an open-ended, free work period, where children choose what to work on and work at their own pace. As the Head of School, you'll be at the forefront of working with your staff to deliver a distinctive and high-fidelity program, drawing on our wealth of resources (from our accredited Prepared Montessorian Institute teacher training to hands-on classroom support).Drive enrollment and profitability outcomes. At Guidepost, we believe mission is margin. As the Head of School, attracting and retaining families is a top priority. You'll hustle to build our brand in New York, get plugged into the community, hold exciting events, and do whatever it takes to make sure your schools is on track with its revenue (enrollment) and expenses (staff, facilities, etc.).Lead and build a mission-driven, high-performing team. Our Heads of School are inspiring people leaders. You'll be managing and motivating a large team through the ups, downs, highs and lows and incredible personal and professional growth of building a school. We're looking for folks that love working with others and aren't afraid of a tough people challenge when and where it comes up. People who thrive in this role get energy from enabling others to achieve their best.We'd love to talk to you if you:Meet the Virginia Director Qualifications to lead an early childhood institution.5+ years professional experience with demonstrated success delivering both customer growth and operational improvement (inside or outside of education)Knack for developing talent and motivating teams, ideally with 3+ years of management experienceDrive to roll-up sleeves and build something special, including a propensity to build community, improve quality, and make big things happenDistinctive communication and writing skills, incl. attention to detail and ability to write persuasively, synthesize information, communicate with empathy, and diffuse tense situationsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, incl. ability to assess a situation by gathering facts and evaluating data (e.g., financial literacy, comfort with basic Excel)Experience managing a P&L or budgetA passion for educationWe'd really love to talk to you if you:Hold a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field of studyHave a resume indicating at least two years of lead teacher experience in a program for children less than six years of ageExperience in early childhood leadership education as an Admissions, Administrative, Program or School DirectorFamiliarity with the Montessori method of education or a Montessori certificationWhat we offer:Opportunity to do high-impact, mission-driven work in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environmentA network of supportive peers and mentors who regularly share best practices, push you to achieve your best, and help you growCompetitive compensations and benefits package (incl. health, dental, and vision insurance, and a flexible paid time off policy)100% tuition discount for two children at any school within our network (we serve children 3 months through 12th grade)Guidepost Montessori is a project of Higher Ground Education. You can learn more about our mission by visiting If this sounds like you, complete the application below!

Higher Ground Education, Guidepost Montessori, and Academy of Thought and Industry are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We will not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Our leadership is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy. When requested, we are committed to reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities or special needs that may require an accommodation.

Keywords: Guidepost Montessori, Burke , Head of School (Preschool Director), Executive , Burke, Virginia