Position : Executive Director
Location : Washington, DC 20012
Position Type : Full-Time
Reports to : Board Members
Position Summary :
The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that the school's mission is fully supported and achieved as laid out in the school's charter. Through strategic planning, oversight of school operations, and clear communication with all stakeholders, the Executive Director ensures that the school and staff have the financial, political, and human resources needed to fulfill their roles in the school's mission. A key prerequisite for this role is an understanding of and passion for the Montessori approach.
The Executive Director is a 12-month position. Responsibilities include the following :
Leadership and Strategic Direction :
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the organization in alignment with its mission.
- Set strong organizational goals and metrics aligned with the school's mission and vision to guide decision-making and accountability.
- Develop and implement short-term and long-term plans to meet the organization's goals and objectives.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture.
- Lead school team in the collection, reporting and analysis of data to make strategic decisions.
Operations and Programmatic Oversight :
Work with the Principal and the Director of Operations to ensure ongoing programmatic excellence consistent with fiduciary and regulatory obligations, including but not limited to fiscal / budgetary / accounting; reporting, compliance, and accountability; facility and safety management; human resources; the development of additional systems as needed.Ensure the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services to meet the needs of the community and the organization's mission.Oversee compliance with all regulatory, legal, and accreditation standards related to programs and services.Monitor program outcomes and ensure continuous improvement based on data and stakeholder feedback as per ASPIRE requirements.Inclusive School Culture :
Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by respecting, affirming, and protecting the dignity and worth of each member of the school's community.Collaborates with the leadership team to periodically monitor and assess school culture and ongoing family outreach and involvement, recruitment, and retention efforts.Articulates the school's Statement of Values to all constituencies students, faculty, staff, parents, and community; and uses it as the floor for establishing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment that supports all children, supports all families, strives for equity, and educates for peace.Through impeccable integrity, openness, and humility, foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and accountability amongst families, children, staff, and Board.Communication and Public Presence :
Actively engage a diverse constituency (faculty and staff, students and family, volunteers, board members, partnering organizations, and financial supporters) within and outside of the School community to fulfill the school's mission.Serve as the organization's lead spokesperson; articulate and advocate the school's mission and goals to the family community as well as to donors, partners, and other resources, including prospective volunteers and funders; respond to requests for speaking engagements, including testimony at legislative or authorizing hearings.Represent the school at OSSE, DCPCSB, and other meetings.Support the Director of Equity and Engagement in outreach, enrollment, and family engagement.Grant Management and Fund Development :
Identify, pursue, and secure grant opportunities from government agencies, private foundations, and other funding sources.Oversee the preparation, submission, and management of grant proposals, ensuring timely reporting and compliance with grant requirements.Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and events.Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, donors, and community partners.Board Governance and Support :
Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop policies, set strategic goals, create financial and programmatic sustainability, ensure charter renewal, and provide updates on organizational performance.Act as a primary liaison between the Board of Directors and staff, ensuring clear communication and execution of board directives, as well as strong collaboration between the Board of Trustees and the staff.Prepare and present reports, including financial updates, program outcomes, and organizational challenges, to the Board of Directors.Qualifications and Competencies
Below is a list of desired, not required, qualifications. We do not expect candidates to have all of these qualifications, and we encourage you to apply if you have 5 or more of the following qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience :
Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management or a related sector, with proven experience in budgeting, grant management, and fundraising.Bachelor's degree in Education, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.Prior experience with Montessori educationEvidence of leadership and participation in anti-bias, anti-racist initiatives.Experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors.Experience with state licensing and accreditation requirements.Skills and Competencies
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.Proven ability to write, secure, and manage grants and fundraising campaigns.Demonstrated leadership skills, with a track record of managing diverse teams and driving organizational growth.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking.Proven ability to organize and analyze data and combine pieces of information to form conclusions and make informed decisions.Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable goals.Strong problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to the organization's mission.Ability to foster relationships and work as a team with diverse stakeholders, including staff, community members, funders, and regulatory bodies.Strong verbal and written communication, including public speaking.Preferred Qualifications
Education and Experience :
Master's degree or above in Education, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.Montessori credential or prior Montessori leadership experience.Experience working with the DC Public Charter School Board and OSSE.Strong networks within the DC metro area.Skills and Competencies :
Spanish-English or Amharic-English bilingualProficiency in financial management software, CRM systems, and grant management tools.
