About the American Montessori Society 

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education, an innovative, child-centered approach to learning. AMS sets high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. A not-for-profit membership based in New York City, with more than 19,000 members world-wide, 1300 member schools and 112 Teacher Education Programs, AMS is the hub of all things Montessori: an information center for its members, the media, and the public; a voice in the public arena; and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community, through support services, accreditation, credentialing, and affiliation services, research, and professional development events and offerings.

AMS is classified as a 501(c) (3) (i.e., tax-exempt, nonprofit) organization.

AMS envisions a world in which quality Montessori education is widely recognized, highly desired, and accessible to all.

• To Apply: Only applications complete with a resume and cover letter detailing their experience and qualifications relative to the responsibilities and requirements stated in the job description will be considered.
• Key Contact:  Senior Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives
• Classification: Contract
• Frequency: 40 hours/month ongoing
• Worksite: Remote. Working in Eastern Time.

Note to the applicant: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. No calls please. 

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is devoted to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion principles, striving to cultivate an environment where members feel welcomed, respected, valued, and empowered. During the last five years, , we have made significant strides: updating our policies, revising committee charters, integrating equity protocols into evaluation/program rubrics, enhancing school accreditation standards, incorporating required Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist (ABAR) training into our teacher education program affiliation standards, and developing and publishing open-source, comprehensive resources like "Equity Examined - How to design schools and teacher education programs where everyone thrives" for individual institutional assessments. Furthermore, we’ve integrated equity protocols into various aspects of our operations, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive practices and ensuring that our organization better serves and uplifts our entire community.

As we embark on the next phase of our DEIB journey, we seek a dynamic consultant who possesses a deep understanding of navigating a diverse and complex community and is adept at advancing our initiatives within the international landscape we serve.

Position Summary:

AMS seeks a dynamic DEIB Consultant to guide our community and support various DEIB initiatives. This role is instrumental in cultivating a more impactful AMS by developing and enhancing ways for our members to engage deeply in social justice reflection, inclusion, global citizenship, humanitarianism, and professional development at multiple levels. The consultant will play a pivotal role in supporting AMS's DEIB efforts, identifying critical areas for impact, and fostering an inclusive environment where all members belong.

Key Focus Areas and Responsibilities:

1. New “Community-Centered” Committee Leadership:

   • Facilitate the newly restructured community/equity committee to strengthen member engagement, involvement, and advocacy in DEIB-related areas.

   • Lead initiatives to ensure AMS members can actively participate 

   • Enhance global citizenship and humanitarian efforts through strategic planning and effective member mobilization.

1. Organizational DEIB Support:

   • Collaborate in the creation of DEIB content for various platforms and purposes. 

   • Conduct editorial reviews to ensure DEIB accuracy and sensitivity across major communications.

   • Manage affinity groups, facilitating growth and belonging among members.

   • Facilitate focus groups and other participatory activities to foster inclusivity.

1. Strategic DEIB Implementation:

   • Identify DEIB initiatives that align with AMS's mission and long-term objectives.

   • Develop a roadmap for AMS's next phase in DEIB efforts, focusing on impactful and sustainable outcomes.

   • Provide expert advice and recommendations.

AMS is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of our organization. We believe in the power of community and the impact of our collective voices. Join us as we embark on the next phase of our DEIB journey, shaping an inclusive future for our members and the communities we serve.

• Proven experience and education as a DEIB facilitator or consultant, preferably within non-profit or community-based settings.

• Strong understanding of equity, belonging, social justice, global issues, and leadership dynamics in a multicultural, global context.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, both written and verbal.

• Experience in program development, group facilitation, and stakeholder engagement.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, changing environment.

• Montessori credentialed at any level / or deep familiarity with Montessori education and philosophy. 

The American Montessori Society is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, family responsibility, political affiliation or any other status protected by applicable laws.

No calls please.