Executive Director

Innovation Montessori Ocoee, an educational organization in Ocoee, Florida, serving a private Montessori pre-kindergarten program and a public Montessori charter school for grades K-12 on two campuses, is seeking a visionary and dynamic Executive Director to lead our community in the development and implementation of our mission, vision, and core values.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual committed to authentic public Montessori education, who will work closely with two experienced building Principals to ensure that our school continues to nurture curiosity, creativity, imagination, and responsible citizenship in our population of over 1,000 children. The Executive Director will play a key role in developing our vision for the future and maintaining the integrity of our Montessori approach, fostering an environment where each student and adult is respected and supported in their academic, professional, and personal growth.

As the leader of this unique educational community, the Executive Director will also be responsible for the financial sustainability of the organization, collaborating with the district, securing additional funding, and managing marketing and enrollment efforts to ensure continued growth and success.

Strong administrative skills, coupled with a deep understanding of Montessori philosophy, are essential in guiding this organization to thrive in both its private and public charter school settings.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of the school’s vision, mission, and Montessori philosophy across all grade levels.
• Work closely with the principals to create an environment that reflects our core values: individuality & diversity, lifelong learning, respect, work ethic with passion & mission, grace & courtesy, and building community.
• Oversee financial management, collaborate with the district, and secure additional funding for long-term sustainability.
• Direct marketing, enrollment strategies, and community engagement to expand the impact of the organization.
• Advocate for and uphold the integrity of authentic Montessori education at every level.
• Work collaboratively with the school leadership team and board of directors to create a positive, cohesive, and thriving school culture.

To succeed in this role, the Executive Director will need to be dedicated to continuous learning, including a willingness to be trained in all Montessori levels. You will be a passionate advocate for Montessori education, ensuring its philosophy and values are woven into every aspect of the school’s operations.

The maximum salary for this position is $120,000.00 with a comprehensive benefits package. The final salary will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the Board's criteria.

Join us in this unique opportunity to help lead an educational organization that truly believes in the potential of every student and adult in our community. Together, we will continue the work of supporting and growing a community that nurtures curiosity, fosters respect, and prepares our children to become responsible citizens of the world.

Position: Executive Director

Reports To: Board President

Position Type: Salary / Exempt

Work Schedule: 12-Month Position, Full-time

Salary Schedule: Administrative Pay Schedule

Job Purpose:

The Executive Director is responsible for the effective management of all operational, financial, and business aspects of the organization. This includes overseeing budgeting, resource allocation, enrollment, marketing, and securing additional funding to support the needs of a fully implemented Montessori program while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. In collaboration with the principals, the Executive Director ensures academic programs remain true to Montessori principles, fostering a vibrant and cohesive environment where every child’s development is respected and nurtured.

Qualifications:

• Florida certification as either School Principal or Educational Leadership required within the first two years of employment.
• Five (5) years of senior administrative experience including significant expertise in budgeting, resource allocation, and staff management. Experience in overseeing a large educational organization or district, with responsibility for managing multi-million-dollar budgets, is strongly preferred. Experience in Montessori education is a plus.
• Master’s or Specialist’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Business Administration (with a focus on Education Management), or a closely related discipline.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision:

• Lead the development and execution of the organization’s vision and strategic goals, ensuring alignment with Montessori principles. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages growth, innovation, and the effective implementation of these goals.
• Guide and collaborate with the Principals to ensure that academic programs remain true to Montessori pedagogy and state standards. Ensure that principals are supported in their leadership roles.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the school, ensuring effective communication by providing regular reports and updates on the organization’s progress, challenges, and opportunities. Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Financial & Operational Management:

• Manage all aspects of the organization’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and effective resource allocation across all programs in collaboration with the Finance Director.
• Oversee financial operations, including securing funding, managing expenses, ensuring compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, and managing bond financing and repayment. Work closely with the Finance Director to ensure financial oversight, transparency, and effective bond management. Ensure that all bond-related financial activities comply with applicable laws and regulations and maintain clear documentation of bond funds usage.
• Collaborate with the HR Director to develop and execute policies and procedures ensuring the school adheres to best practices in business strategy, staff management, and compliance. Align staffing and organizational strategy with the school’s goals including workforce planning, compensation structures, and benefits packages.
• Oversee enrollment efforts by leading the development and execution of marketing strategies aimed at attracting new students to ensure long-term viability and success.
• Work with the Operations Director to implement marketing campaigns, student recruitment strategies through non-academic programs, and facility management to ensure long-term growth and success.

Educational Oversight:

• Support the Principals in the continuous development and implementation of Montessori curriculum across all grade levels, from Pre-K to 12th grade, ensuring consistency and alignment with both Montessori principles and Florida B.E.S.T. Standards effectively integrating the two frameworks.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that supports the intellectual, emotional, and social development of children. Ensure the school culture is aligned with Montessori philosophy, including diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
• Guide the professional development of faculty and staff in collaboration with the HR Director and Principals, ensuring opportunities for continuous learning and growth by fostering a culture of collaboration and self-improvement through targeted training programs and mentorship.

Community Engagement & Advocacy:

• Advocate for Montessori education at the local, state, and national levels by promoting its benefits and securing support from community organizations, government entities, and educational foundations.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, including grant applications, partnerships, and collaborations with the parent-teacher organization to ensure financial support for the school’s mission and programs.
• Represent the school at community events to enhance public relations and foster engagement with diverse stakeholders. Ensure the school’s values are consistently communicated and upheld.

Governance & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and accreditation standards, maintaining the integrity and reputation of the organization.
• Collaborate with the HR Director to develop and implement policies that support the school’s mission and strategic goals. Lead regular policy reviews and ensure policies reflect the school’s evolving needs.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of all required reports, tax filings, and other documentation to maintain the school’s status as a non-profit and tax-exempt organization. Ensure that all necessary legal and financial documents are submitted on time to meet regulatory requirements, in collaboration with the Finance Director.

Physical Requirements/Activity:

• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently.
• The position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, lift (up to 20 pounds), finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing acuity, and visual acuity.
• Indoor and Outdoor: the executive director is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary amounts are set annually by the Board of Directors.
• Competitive performance-based compensation and benefits package in alignment with Florida statute.
• 10 paid holidays
• 12 PTO Days
• 20 Paid non-workdays

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated with provisions of the board’s policy on evaluation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person