Head of School

About the role

The Montessori School of Durham (MSD) seeks a new Head of School to lead a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers committed to the joy of learning and educating the whole child. This next Head of School will succeed a respected leader who has served for over a decade, building a legacy of stability, thoughtful growth, financial strength, and deep trust across the community.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Board of Trustees to refine, articulate, and advance the school’s mission, ensuring alignment across all constituencies including students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community.
• Lead the development and execution of a forward-looking strategic vision, translating long-range plans into actionable priorities and measurable outcomes, particularly as the school considers its next phase of growth and sustainability.
• Ensure effective governance practices by supporting Board operations, serving as a non-voting ex officio member, and maintaining consistent, transparent communication on school performance and key issues.
• Provide leadership across the organization, establishing clear decision-making structures while honoring the school’s highly relational, faculty-centered culture and commitment to shared responsibility.
• Represent the school within the broader educational and Montessori communities, maintaining strong external relationships and contributing to the advancement of Montessori education.
• Ensure the delivery of a high-quality Montessori education that reflects the school’s mission and adheres to AMS accreditation standards.
• Oversee ongoing evaluation and refinement of curriculum and programs to ensure consistency, coherence, and excellence across all levels.
• Support faculty in maintaining strong student outcomes, including appropriate processes for monitoring academic social-emotional development.
• Lead enrollment strategy to attract, enroll, and retain a mission-aligned and increasingly diverse student body.
• Strengthen the school’s value proposition and market positioning within the competitive Triangle independent school landscape.
• Ensure enrollment targets are met while maintaining alignment with the school’s philosophy, program capacity, and individualized approach to education.
• Promote strong retention through a positive student and family experience, ensuring that student needs are met and outcomes are regularly assessed.
• Partner with the Board and leadership team to explore long-term growth opportunities, including potential program expansion or additional campus development.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a highly qualified and diverse faculty and staff aligned with the school’s mission and educational philosophy.
• Foster a culture of trust, respect, and professional autonomy, recognizing that “teachers are the heart of school” and central to MSD’s success.
• Provide ongoing evaluation, support, and professional development opportunities for all employees, with particular attention to retention, compensation, and engagement.
• Establish and evolve leadership structures and systems that support clarity, accountability, and organizational effectiveness as the school grows.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and responsive environment for students and their families.
• Maintain a visible and accessible presence within the school community, building trust and strong relationships through authenticity, consistency, and engagement.
• Oversee systems for gathering and responding to family feedback, ensuring that families feel heard and valued.
• Guide and support effective, thoughtful conflict resolution processes when needed.
• Establish and maintain clear, consistent, and high-quality communication with all stakeholders, including faculty, staff, families, Board members, and alumni.
• Strengthen internal communication practices to support transparency, alignment, and trust across the organization.
• Promote the school within the broader community, strengthening understanding of and appreciation for Montessori education.
• Partner with the Finance Committee and Director of Finance to develop and manage annual and long-term financial plans, including operating and capital budgets.
• Ensure sound fiscal management and stewardship of school resources, building on the school’s strong financial foundation.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

• A Master’s degree in Education, Administration, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in educational leadership, preferably in a Montessori setting.
• Experience with strategic planning and implementation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, families, and the broader community.
• Experience with enrollment management and strategic growth planning.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a team.
• Knowledge of Montessori education principles and best practices.

Benefits

Benefits package includes:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Generous vacation and sick leave.

Schedule

The Head of School reports to the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Executive Committee. The position is full-time, with a flexible schedule to accommodate the demands of leading a school community.