Director of Outreach and Development

About the Washington Montessori Institute

The Washington Montessori Institute (WMI) is an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) training center focused on training and supporting future and current Montessori teachers who work with children from birth to twelve years old. Founded in 1962, WMI is the oldest training center in the United States with over 3,000 graduates. WMI is licensed by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). In addition to its flagship training center in Riverdale Park, MD, WMI delivers satellite courses at multiple locations along the East Coast, reaching a growing community of educators, families, and institutions committed to authentic Montessori practice. Through rigorous academic preparation, hands-on study, and a deep respect for child development, WMI prepares adults to lead Montessori communities that are liberating, research-supported, and accessible to all.

Position Summary

WMI is seeking a motivated and community-minded Director of Outreach and Development to expand WMI's reach, deepen relationships with partner institutions, and strengthen its financial foundation. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in growing one of the nation's first Montessori training organizations during a period of strategic expansion. The position begins as part-time with a pathway toward a full-time role as outreach and development activities scale.

Responsibilities

• Build and cultivate strategic partnerships with local and regional high schools, colleges, and universities to raise awareness of WMI's training programs and drive enrollment among prospective Montessori teachers and assistants.
• Develop and manage WMI alumni engagement programs, including communications, events, and networking opportunities that deepen lifelong connections to the WMI community.
• Build and grow a donor network through prospect identification, relationship development, and ongoing stewardship; design and execute fundraising campaigns to support WMI's mission and long-term sustainability.
• Represent WMI at conferences, education fairs, community events, and partner institutions across the East Coast.
• Collaborate with WMI leadership to develop marketing and communications materials that articulate the value of AMI Montessori training to diverse audiences.
• Track and report on outreach activity, enrollment pipeline, alumni engagement metrics, and fundraising progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in education, business, nonprofit management, or a related field is a plus.
• Minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in fundraising, development, business development, or institutional partnerships.
• AMI Montessori training or direct experience with AMI Montessori classrooms (e.g., as an educator, administrator, or parent of a Montessori child) is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including academic institutions, donors, alumni, and community partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to groups and engaging one-on-one with prospective partners and donors.
• Self-directed, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a small organizational setting.

Compensation and Work Arrangement

This position begins as part-time with a pathway to a full-time role as the outreach and development program grows. WMI offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience, along with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a mission-driven organization. The role is hybrid with weekly onsite administrative meetings as well as in-person requirements for community outreach and development events. The role may require minimal travel to engage with partner schools, colleges, and alumni networks.