Head of School

Head of School Waterfront Montessori - 1.0 Jersey City, NJ Job Details Full-time From $90,000 a year 20 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance Qualifications School experience Teamwork Program management Master's degree Education Parent-teacher conferences (communication methods) Full Job Description About Waterfront Montessori The mission of Waterfront Montessori is to nurture confident, curious, and creative self-starters through authentic Montessori education and the International Baccalaureate framework, preparing students to thrive as compassionate global citizens in an ever-changing world. At Waterfront Montessori, we believe that education is not merely about acquiring knowledge, but about developing the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our mission guides every decision we make, from curriculum design to classroom environments to our approach to each individual student. We aim to provide highest quality of well-rounded education, socially, emotionally, intellectually and artistically, for children from all over the globe and from all walks of life, so that they may achieve their fullest potential as critical thinkers, learners, explorers, inventors, artists, leaders, and, ultimately, citizens of the world. Waterfront Montessori, a staple of the Paulus Hook and Jersey City community for over 20 years, is seeking a new Head of School to lead us into our third decade and beyond. Position Overview The Head of School serves as the educational and community leader of the school, responsible for advancing its mission through strong governance, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to Montessori and IB philosophies. This role integrates strategic leadership with hands-on management of compliance, systems, community engagement, and program development. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and detail-oriented leader who can balance day-to-day operations with long-term vision, developing a thriving community environment based on Montessori and IB principles of respect, grace and courtesy, and open-mindedness. Key Responsibilities Governance and Compliance Serve as the school's primary compliance officer, ensuring full adherence to all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Oversee sensitive legal and regulatory matters. Enforce comprehensive health and safety protocols to ensure a safe school environment Institutional Systems & Operational Efficiency Maintain the digital record-keeping systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Ensure the integrity and compliance of all student and personnel records in alignment with independent Montessori and IB school's best practices. Program Leadership & School Operations Provide mentorship and support to new teachers, including guidance on parent-teacher conferences. Plan and oversee internal and external community events, ensuring alignment with Montessori traditions and philosophy. Collaborate with parent volunteers to support school initiatives and events. Lead and manage school tours for prospective families. Oversee relationships with accrediting bodies, including the IBO and NJMAC. Family & Parent Engagement Coordinate and oversee student improvement plans when developmental or academic gaps are identified. Review student progress reports and conference documentation to ensure quality and consistency. Participate in and support fundraising events and parent engagement opportunities. Develop inclusive family engagement strategies that foster connection and community. Gather and analyze family feedback through surveys and informal interactions; implement responsive improvements. Coordinate teacher participation in engagement and community-building events. Organizational & Strategic Leadership Financial Sustainability & Institutional Development Forecast financial trends and contribute to long-term budgeting strategies to support sustainable growth. Identify funding opportunities and lead or support grant writing and development initiatives. Assess organizational needs and implement improvements to strengthen financial health and operational sustainability. Strategic Growth & Organizational Leadership Guide enrollment strategy and evaluate marketing initiatives to support mission-aligned recruitment and retention. Develop and refine organizational structures to align with both current needs and long-term strategic goals. Identify risks and opportunities in the implementation of strategic plans and annual priorities. Community Leadership & External Partnerships Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the school within the broader community. Build and maintain relationships with local organizations, partners, and stakeholders. Promote awareness and understanding of Montessori and IB education to enhance the school's visibility and impact. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field (required); Master's degree (strongly preferred). AMS, AMI, or MACTE accreditation (preferred), or demonstrated depth of understanding of Montessori and/or IB pedagogy. Minimum of 2 years of experience in school leadership, administration, or management. Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities, with strong prioritization skills. Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism, respect, and positivity. Strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Enthusiasm for education and working with students and families at all ages! Compensation and Benefits Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off, supplemental health insurance, professional development, and more. Details will be shared during the interview process.

Pay:

From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person