Executive Director

Executive Director

Missoula Community School

At Missoula Community School, we inspire children to explore, create and care.

At Missoula Community School we inspire children to explore their worlds, to create as they develop joy in learning, and to care about themselves and others.

We are seeking an engaged leader to join our school community as Executive Director. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive an excellent early education program, inspire a team of passionate teachers, and collaborate with a supportive Board of Directors to enrich our school.

About MCS: Missoula Community School is an independent early childhood school grounded in social-emotional learning and progressive education. Located in the heart of Missoula, Montana, we offer a nurturing learning environment for around 75 children ages 2-6. Our inquiry-based curriculum fosters curiosity and creativity, encourages kindness and community building, and promotes the growth of the whole child.

Please visit our website for more information on our organization - https://www.missoulacommunityschool.org/

As Executive Director, you’ll contribute to our school in these important ways:

Staff Leadership & Development

• Guide teaching staff on curriculum, serving as a mentor and collaborator
• Plan professional development and training for teaching staff that advances the school mission and builds camaraderie
• Evaluate teaching staff performance, offering ongoing support and feedback for retention and growth
• Provide support to teaching staff in assessing student development and addressing behavioral issues
• Directly supervise the overall and day-to-day functions of the Administrative Coordinator
• Maintain open lines of communication with all staff, facilitating conflict resolution and fostering a positive work environment

Program & Curriculum Development

• Ensure the school’s pedagogical framework prioritizes inquiry-based learning, mindfulness, and the Reggio Emilia approach
• Collaborate with the Curriculum Coordinator to develop meaningful special programs and school events in alignment with MCS vision.
• Prioritize best practices in social-emotional learning and early childhood development
• Ensure consistent, equitable delivery of school curriculum across all classrooms

Staff Hiring & Management

• Hire qualified teaching staff and manage staff schedules to meet classroom needs
• Maintain a pool of substitute teachers
• Exemplify staff conduct policies, facilitating staff disciplinary actions and termination when required

Family Enrollment & Communication

• Keep a consistent, active and engaged presence at school, developing relationships with students and their families
• Communicate regularly with families, remaining available to address sensitive matters or resolve conflict
• Manage enrollment process for both the school year and summer programs
• Lead informational sessions, open houses and school tours, and communicate with prospective families

Safety & Security

• Serve as chief security officer, leading deployment of all school safety and emergency protocols when needed
• Ensure all staff are trained on and regularly rehearse safety and emergency protocols

Financial Administration

• Advise the Board on the development of the annual operating budget and wage scale for teaching staff
• Administer the Board-approved operating budget and tuition scholarship fund, in collaboration with the Board treasurer

Advancement & Fundraising

• Engage the school with the Missoula community and liaise with community partners
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop an annual development plan
• Represent MCS at school-sponsored community events and fundraisers

Compliance & Records

• Ensure school-wide compliance with licensing and accreditation regulations, health and safety standards, and other legal requirements
• Communicate and implement all school policies and procedures with staff, students and families

Qualifications & Areas of Expertise:

At MCS, we believe in building a diverse school community. We invite applicants who might not yet meet all listed qualifications, and who are inspired to build skills and grow in this role. We also encourage candidates from historically underrepresented communities to apply.

As Executive Director, you’ll bring these qualifications to MCS:

• Leadership or management experience in a non-profit organization, early childhood education setting, or related field.
• Familiarity of best practices in early childhood education, with special focus in social-emotional & inquiry-based learning, and eagerness to continue professional development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including collaborative communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and community building.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• Post-bac study or Master’s Degree in relevant field welcome
• Emergency or crisis response training or experience welcomed
• Proficiency in or ability to learn Quickbooks Online, Brightwheel software, and Google Drive

In order to comply with our licensing regulations, our Executive Director must:

• Complete a background check
• Provide documentation of immunizations as required by the state licensing agency
• Complete approved CPR and First Aid courses within 30 days of hire
• Complete required licensing training within 90 days of hire
• Register with the Early Childhood Project and complete required annual training

Schedule: Full time, year round, Monday-Friday

Start: Late May / Early June 2025

Compensation Package:

Salary range: $52,000 - $58,500, based on experience.

Benefits Include:

PTO & paid school holidays/breaks

Participation in staff healthcare reimbursement program

Professional development opportunities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $58,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Missoula, MT 59801 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Missoula, MT 59801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,000 - $58,500