About Ronald Knox Montessori:
Ronald Knox Montessori School, located in the heart of Wilmette, IL, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching Montessori education for children from early childhood through kindergarten. Our school is committed to fostering an environment where each child can achieve their full potential through a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and respect for oneself and others. Our campus includes 7 active classrooms with Parent Child, Toddler, Primary and Kindergarten programs for around 130 children.
Ronald Knox Montessori School is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Job Description:
Ronald Knox Montessori is seeking a dynamic, compassionate, and visionary leader to serve as its next Head of School. The Head of School will be responsible for upholding our high standards of educational excellence and nurturing a vibrant school community that reflects our Montessori values. This individual will lead with passion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the Montessori philosophy, guiding our school into its next chapter of growth and development.
Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college / university in education or related discipline
● Montessori Administrator / Teacher Certification from an AMS or AMI affiliated Montessori Teacher Education Institution/ program
● Five+ years of Montessori experience as teacher or administrative leader or assistant head of school curriculum coordinator
● Previous classroom experience as a teacher in Montessori or traditional
● Previous leadership experience that included curriculum, staff, parent and budget management with any early childhood establishment
● Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, and organizational development
● Meets all requirements of local and state regulatory agencies
● Physical ability to work around small children – including sitting, standing, climbing stairs
● Strong organization skills and attention to detail
● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills
Responsibilities:
● Oversee all aspects of the school’s operation, ensuring it runs smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with our mission and Montessori principles
● Establishes an effective manner of leadership and appropriately involves members of the administration and faculty in decision making
● Manages faculty and staff including attracting, recruiting, hiring, developing, and managing qualified faculty and staff, including training of new staff. Staff resources includes admissions, administrative, finance and accounting and IT
● Provides written job descriptions for all positions within the school
● Implements an annual equity-based evaluation system that sets goals for professional growth for all teaching and administrative personnel
● Internally publishes an organizational chart that clearly defines roles, lines of authority, relationships, and accountability that is assessed regularly through a DEI lens
● Maintains an employee handbook that includes, but is not limited to, the following: a code of ethics, an organizational chart, a non-discrimination policy, an anti-harassment statement (including sexual harassment), an anti-bias, antiracist statement, a discipline policy, description of employee conduct expectations, a grievance procedure, and a policy and procedure for termination
● Maintains active membership in the American Montessori Society and network of local schools
● Oversees the shaping of the school’s academic program and the quality of life in the school community including extended day and summer programs
● Develop and implement strategic plans, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, for the school’s continued growth, improvement, and financial sustainability
● Serves as liaison to the Board of directors, keeping them informed on all aspects of the school operation; represents the Board to the faculty, staff, students and parents
● Ensure the school’s compliance with all regulatory requirements and accreditations standards
● Oversee financial management, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support the school’s goals and priorities
● Is responsible for the maintenance of the physical plant
● Ensures that every element of school life reflects the principles of equity, justice, and the dignity of each individual
● Works to ensure that the principles of good practice of all school operations, especially those of admission, marketing, faculty recruitment, and fundraising, demonstrate integrity at all levels of the school
● Is physically on-site Monday- Friday during the school year and summer programs as required
Benefits:
● Health insurance (health, dental, vision, life/ AD&D, long & short-term disability included)
● Paid professional development
● Significant tuition discounts
● 403 (b) retirement with matching contribution
● Paid time off
Salary Range:
- $90,000 to $120,000 annual, commensurate with experience
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a statement of educational philosophy to the Search Committee of the Board of Directors at: HOSsearchRKMS@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted until the end of the summer with the aim of filling the position before the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.
Ronald Knox Montessori is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in our community and workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
