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Head of School at Ikon Search Head of School at Ikon Search in Northbrook, Illinois Posted in about 12 hours ago.

Type:

full-time Head of School /

School Director Location:

Chicago, IL Area Job Type:

Full-Time Work Setting:

In Person About the Opportunity A growing private Montessori early childhood education organization is seeking an experienced and passionate Head of School / School Director to lead one of its Chicago-area campuses. This is an opportunity for an education leader who is passionate about Montessori pedagogy and creating an environment where children can develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. The Head of School will oversee the campus team, drive enrollment growth, develop staff, foster strong relationships with families, and ensure a consistently high-quality educational experience. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute a strategic plan for the campus, with a focus on growth and operational excellence. Build and maintain a strong campus culture aligned with the organization's educational mission. Foster a welcoming and collaborative community among staff, parents, and students. Ensure the highest standards of educational programming and classroom experience. Oversee campus operations and budget while meeting profitability and financial objectives. Partner with the Assistant Head of School to achieve enrollment goals. Recruit, hire, develop, support, and manage teaching and administrative staff. Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to the campus team. Maintain strong communication with families and create a positive parent community. Ensure compliance with applicable state licensing and educational requirements. Qualifications The ideal candidate will have: Relevant state qualifications for early childhood education leadership. Experience leading within an early childhood education environment. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. A results-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. A demonstrated ability to build a warm, supportive, and collaborative team culture. Strong leadership and decision-making skills, including the ability to make sound decisions in ambiguous situations. A genuine passion for early childhood education and the Montessori approach. A Bachelor's degree is preferred. Preferred Experience Candidates with the following experience are especially encouraged to apply: Prior classroom teaching experience in an early childhood setting. Experience as a School Director, Program Director, Administrative Director, or Admissions Director within a preschool or early childhood education organization. Familiarity with Montessori education and/or Montessori certification. Compensation & Benefits Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) and retirement benefits Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off and paid holidays Ongoing professional development Career growth and advancement opportunities Tuition discount for up to two children enrolled in the school's programs Supportive network of education leaders and mentors Opportunity to lead a high-quality program focused on the individual needs of each child Additional Information This is a leadership opportunity within a private, for-profit educational organization, so the role does not involve fundraising or managing a Board of Directors. The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining an inclusive workplace.