[YEP-DC] Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS Seeks New Executive Director

Job Description

Executive Director, Shining Stars Montessori Academy

The Board and parents of the Shining Stars Montessori Academy (SSMA) are seeking a dynamic leader to guide this innovative public charter school in Washington, D.C., through its second year of operation and beyond. SSMA was awarded a charter in 2010 by the D.C. Public Charter School Board to operate as a school that integrates a Montessori method of instruction and a cultural empowerment curriculum. By infusing the holistic developmental approach created by Maria Montessori with culturally empowering pedagogy, SSMA nurtures the intellectual curiosity of its students and supports their academic success.

SSMA's inaugural class included children from the ages of three to six years old. The school will add one grade level in each of the next five years, eventually reaching a total enrollment of 178 in the next five years. Critical components of SSMA's mission include (a) providing students with an educational environment that allows them to fall in love with learning, (b) closely attending to students' holistic development, and (c) encouraging academic success. The job description for the Executive Director is below. 

Executive Director (full-time 100%): 

SSMA's Board of Directors seeks a successful educator, business owner and/or community development specialist to serve as the organization's Executive Director. The Executive Director will serve as the "face" of the school and will report directly to the Board, provide outstanding management, vigorously fundraise, and oversee the efficient and effective implementation of the school's mission. The Executive Director is responsible for the oversight and supervision of all staff, the coordination of the day-to-day management of the school, and the fidelity of implementation of the school's mission and vision. The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring that the school is effectively managed as well as financially sound and sustainable. The Executive Director will collaborate on a regular basis and effectively with the SSMA administrative team. The ideal candidate for Executive Director will have a successful track record of managing schools or related non-profit organizations as well as a passion for the education of children.  

Other duties, responsibilities and qualifications include:

·         Ensure exceptional management of the school in accordance with the policies set forth by the Board.

·         Work vigorously with the Board to develop and implement an aggressive fundraising plan to meet the school's funding needs.

·         Ensure that the Board's decisions are implemented with fidelity and vigor by the SSMA staff.

·         Act as an ex-officio member of the Board.

·         Implement D.C. Public Charter School Board and D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) policies and regulations.

·         Develop and maintain a positive and productive network of relationships with the community, other stakeholders, students, and parents.

·         Serve as the liaison between the SSMA Board and the school community, including staff, parents, and students.

·         Assume responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of students and staff.

·         Communicate a clear vision of excellence and continuous improvement to the staff as well as other relevant stakeholders and ensure that the school functions to the highest standard consistent with the SSMA mission.

·         Effectively manage the school's budgeting, finances, and accounting needs in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.

·         Provide effective leadership, supervision, evaluation and oversight for all of the school's activities. 

·         Ultimate responsibility for facilities management and maintenance.

·         Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local statutes and regulations (federal, state, and local) and Board policies.

·         Submit reports to SSMA Board, D.C. Public Charter School Board, and OSSE as required.

·         Oversee hiring and direct supervision of all non-academic support staff.

·         Contract with all non-academic service providers and work with Principal to contract with and evaluate academic service providers.

·         Maintain knowledge of best practices in human resources and organizational management.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree or other graduate degree in education, public policy, business administration, or other relevant area strongly preferred.

·         At least 8 years of professional work experience.

·         At least 3 years of experience in executive management of non-profits or business entities, including oversight of significant ($1M+) operating budgets.

·         Experience working in an educational or child development setting.

·         Skilled facilitator with strong communication, listening, and staff development skills.

·         Strong understanding of the effective use of technology, preferably in a K-12 setting.

·         Demonstrated success with fundraising and corporate networking.

 

Successful candidates also should have:

·         A proven track record of executive-level leadership and results.

·         Superb analytical and problem-solving skills.

·         Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

·         Ability to manage complex relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders.

·         Appreciation for, and/or commitment to, Montessori education.

·         Appreciation for, and/or commitment to, culturally empowering pedagogy.

·         Passion for improving public education.

 

Compensation:

Compensation is competitive with similarly sized schools and commensurate with education and experience. Generous benefits include health benefits and employer-supported 401(K).

*Please submit cover letter, resumé, and writing sample (not to exceed 5 pages in length) to our Smartsheet at http://bit.ly/NrNW5H.

Please feel free to contact SSMA (shiningstarsdc.org) with any questions.

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