Organization Description

Hmong American Partnership (HAP) is a social service and community development organization whose mission is to empower the community to embrace the strengths of our cultures while achieving our potential. HAP accomplishes its mission by:

• Improving the lives of individuals and families in our diverse communities by providing culturally sensitive social services.
• Strengthening neighborhoods by providing housing, community, and economic development opportunities.
• Promoting the rich heritage of our ethnic communities.

HAPs vision is to reach out to the world with profound social, economic, and educational transformation.

Primary Function of the Position

The Head of School will lead HAP Academy OIC's Montessori-based childcare center. This position is responsible for implementing the academic vision, overseeing operations, and ensuring compliance with licensing and accreditation standards. The Head of School provides leadership to staff and partners, fosters a nurturing and culturally responsive environment for children, and serves as the primary liaison between families, staff, and the community. The ideal candidate is a visionary, Montessori-aligned leader with a passion for serving diverse communities and a deep understanding of early childhood education.

Position Responsibilities

• Devote full time and attention during normal working hours to Head of School duties.
• Abide by all HAP Board policies and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Ensure implementation of AMI-aligned Montessori curriculum and uphold pedagogical standards.
• Support student well-being through oversight of support services, extracurricular programs, health and safety procedures, and ethical development.
• Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion across student, staff, and parent communities.
• Lead and support instructional staff through hiring, professional development, and performance management.
• Supervise business operations, including budgeting and facility maintenance.
• Coordinate enrollment and marketing efforts to maintain strong student recruitment and retention.
• Cultivate community partnerships, parent engagement, and alumni relations.
• Provide transparent, regular communication to staff, families, and community members.
• Plan and support fundraising efforts, capital campaigns, and long-range institutional goals.
• Maintain strong safety and emergency preparedness protocols.
• Regularly observe classrooms and monitor program quality and AMI standards.
• Support staff development and promote a professional and ethical work culture.
• Other duties as assigned, and as needed, to further the goals of the program and in alignment with HAPs mission.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of Montessori pedagogy and early childhood development.
• Proven leadership in a school or early learning setting, preferably Montessori-based.
• Strong organizational and operational management skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to build trust with families and lead a diverse staff team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) child care licensing regulations.
• Competence in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Montessori certification (AMI/AMS/MACTE) required.
• Minimum of 3 years of school or program leadership experience.
• Experience working in diverse or immigrant/refugee communities preferred.

Essential Functions

The following position requirements are representative of those that will be encountered while performing the responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, phone and keyboard.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for sustained periods of time in an indoor setting.
• Ability to tolerate moderate noise levels (i.e. shared open office space with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Must have the ability to move about the office to access files and office equipment.
• Must have access to reliable transportation for occasional travel for meetings at other HAP office locations, events and offsite meetings.
• Occasional moving or lifting of boxes or files up to 20 pounds.
• Able to focus on data, analyze the information and draw conclusions.
• Frequent interactions with coworkers and participants requiring ability to communicate effectively.
• Frequent communication via email requiring ability to fluently read and write in English.

Benefits

All full-time (30 hours per week) Hmong American Partnership (HAP) employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, STD, LTD, Accident & Critical Illness, 16 Days of Paid Time Off (PTO), 11 Holidays, 401K, and more!
• Career Development: Training & Professional Development Opportunities!