Job Title:

Lead School Director Reports To:

Board of Directors Location:

750 Witherly Ln., Fremont, CA 94539

Employment Type:

Full-time, exempt, 100% on-site

Compensation:

$120,000 - 135,000 plus benefits

Direct Reports:

Four (4) Directors (Director of Elementary School, Director of Middle School, Director of Early College, & Director of School Administration) About Alsion Alsion School offers a distinctive educational experience that combines Montessori principles and experiential learning, fostering whole-child development in an exceptionally close-knit community of approximately 120 students and 15 staff members across its Elementary, Middle School, and Early College programs. Alsion's intentionally small scale enables highly individualized attention while fostering independence, curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Through meaningful projects, real-world experiences, individualized academic pathways, and opportunities for advanced and college-level study, Alsion prepares students to become thoughtful, capable, and self-directed young adults. The Opportunity Alsion School is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and hands-on Lead School Director to lead the next chapter of the school's development. As Alsion's chief executive, the Lead School Director is responsible for program excellence, organizational health, financial sustainability, reputation, and long-term success of the entire school. Reporting to and partnering closely with the Board of Directors, the Lead School Director will translate Alsion's mission and strategic priorities into action across operations, finances, enrollment, marketing, academics, and talent. The Lead School Director leads a team of four Directors, including the Director of Elementary, Director of Middle School, Director of Early College, and Director of School Administration, and serves as a highly visible ambassador for Alsion among students, families, faculty, staff, prospective families, and the broader community. Key Responsibilities Strategic & Organizational Leadership Provide overall leadership for the school and translate the Board's vision, mission, and strategic priorities into clear goals, an excellent education program, and measurable results. Ensure the school's long-term operational and financial sustainability. Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing transparent reporting, thoughtful recommendations, and effective execution of Board-approved priorities. Serve as a visible and trusted leader within the school and as Alsion's principal ambassador to the broader community. Protect and strengthen Alsion's distinctive culture and Montessori-informed educational philosophy. Financial & Operational Leadership Own the school's annual budget, revenue performance, expense management, and overall financial health. Lead school operations and ensure effective systems, policies, procedures, facilities, and technology are in place to support students and staff. Develop, implement, and maintain appropriate school policies in partnership with the Board. Maintain compliance with applicable requirements and accreditation standards, including those of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Lead fundraising and development initiatives that strengthen the school's programs and long-term sustainability. Enrollment, Marketing & Community Engagement Develop and execute an integrated enrollment, marketing, and brand strategy designed to increase awareness, strengthen Alsion's position in the community, and grow enrollment. Lead the admissions process from initial inquiry through enrollment, ensuring a thoughtful and responsive experience for prospective students and families. Strengthen digital marketing, community outreach, open houses, information sessions, and other enrollment-building activities. Develop strategies to improve student retention and strengthen transitions between key stages of the Alsion experience. Build strong, trusting relationships with current families through consistent and effective communication. Academic Leadership & Student Experience Partner with school leadership and staff to maintain a rigorous, differentiated, and mission-aligned educational program. Ensure regular review and continued development of curriculum and programming consistent with Alsion's educational philosophy. Support school leaders in maintaining clear expectations for student behavior and a safe, respectful, inclusive learning environment. Ensure that the program continues to prepare students for successful transitions in every stage of their academic journey and beyond. Talent & Culture Lead and support the school's Directors, establishing clear goals, accountability, and opportunities for professional growth. Establish effective performance-management practices, including goal setting, feedback, evaluation, and compensation recommendations. Recruit, retain, develop, and manage a high-performing team of faculty, administrators, and staff. Foster a collaborative, mission-driven workplace culture characterized by high expectations, mutual respect, accountability, and continuous improvement. Qualifications Required At least six years of progressively responsible leadership experience in education, school administration, or a comparably complex mission-driven organization. Bachelor's degree. Demonstrated ability to lead teams and develop management-level staff. Experience managing budgets, financial performance, and organizational resources. Demonstrated success in enrollment growth, marketing, business development, or brand building. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the presence to serve as a compelling public representative of the school. Ability and willingness to lead in a highly hands-on, 100% on-site environment. Preferred Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Business, or a related field. Prior experience as a Head of School, Principal, Executive Director, or comparable senior leader. Experience with curriculum development and academic program review. Experience with fundraising, advancement, or capital campaigns. Familiarity with, appreciation for, or experience implementing Montessori philosophy at the adolescent or secondary-school level. On-site and Physical Requirements This is a fully on-site position. The employee must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to: Maintain regular, reliable, and timely attendance during assigned hours. Sit, stand, and walk for varying periods throughout the workday. Move throughout indoor and outdoor areas of the campus. Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and move between campus areas. Use computers, telephones, office equipment, doors, locks, and school materials. Work in an active school environment that may include noise, activity, and changing indoor and outdoor temperatures. Lift and carry supplies or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally. Hear alarms and calls for assistance and observe students, visitors, and potential safety concerns, with or without assistive devices. Respond promptly to campus needs involving arrival, dismissal, student supervision, parent communication, and emergencies. Assist with evacuations and, when reasonably necessary for immediate safety, physically support or assist a student during an emergency. Reasonable Accommodation Alsion Montessori Foundation will consider reasonable accommodations that enable a qualified employee to perform the essential functions of the position. The Ideal Candidate The successful Lead School Director will be an entrepreneurial and pragmatic leader who understands the interconnectedness of enrollment, people, operations, financial sustainability, and academic excellence across a multi-program school community. They will combine strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up their sleeves in a small-school environment; effectively lead and develop four program and operational Directors; bring sound judgment and independence while maintaining a productive partnership with the Board; and build trust through visibility, transparency, and strong relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and the wider community.

Pay:

$120,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person