School Director

School Director

Lowcountry Montessori School is a pioneering Montessori charter school, serving children from 3 years old through twelfth grade. We are committed to providing a personalized, child-centered education based on Montessori principles. Our mission is to cultivate a nurturing, diverse, and inclusive environment that supports the holistic development of each student, while adhering to charter school regulations and standards.

Job Summary: 

The Director of Lowcountry Montessori School will be the key leader responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the school. This role involves ensuring that educational programs align with Montessori methods, maintaining high standards of discipline, overseeing compliance with all regulations, and fostering a positive school culture. The Director will work closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, students, and the community to achieve the school’s mission and ensure its operational success.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and School Administration

• Provide visionary leadership that reflects the school’s mission and Montessori philosophy.
• Manage daily operations, including academic programming, staffing, scheduling, and facility oversight.
• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement strategic plans, policies, a budget, and reporting systems.

Educational Oversight and Instructional Leadership

• Ensure effective implementation of the Montessori curriculum and adherence to educational best practices aligned to South Carolina standards.  
• Support, mentor, and evaluate teaching staff through regular classroom observations and performance feedback.
• Guide instructional improvement and professional growth that align with Montessori certification standards and school goals.
• Monitor academic outcomes and use data-driven decision-making to enhance student achievement and program effectiveness.

Student Management and School Culture

• Develop and enforce discipline policies consistent with Montessori principles, established school expectations, and charter school regulations.
• Address behavioral concerns in a consistent, respectful, and community-minded manner.
• Promote a positive school culture that supports emotional well-being, responsibility, and mutual respect.

Compliance, Accreditation, and Policy Implementation

• Ensure compliance with charter school regulations, state and federal education laws, the charter school authorizer, and Montessori accreditation standards.
• Lead preparations for charter renewals, audits, inspections, and accreditation reviews, maintaining all required documentation.
• Stay informed of changes in educational policy and implement timely adjustments to maintain full regulatory compliance.

Financial and Operational Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the school’s budget to ensure financial health and resource alignment with school priorities.
• Oversee financial functions including fundraising, grant management, and reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure the smooth and effective operation of all school systems, supporting a safe and well-managed environment for students and staff.  

Professional Development and Staff Support

• Design and implement comprehensive professional development programs to support staff effectiveness and retention, while evaluating their impact and adjusting based on staff needs and instructional priorities
• Coordinate internal and external training, workshops, and certification pathways for educators.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive work culture grounded in continuous learning and mutual respect.

Parent and Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison for parents and community stakeholders, addressing concerns and fostering open communication.
• Lead community outreach efforts, school events, marketing initiatives, and public relations activities to enhance the school’s visibility, engagement, and recruitment of new students and families.
• Build strong partnerships with families and the broader community to support student success and school initiatives.

Facilities, Safety, and Crisis Management

• Supervise the maintenance, safety, and improvement of school facilities.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and operational efficiency in all aspects of school infrastructure.
• Lead the school’s response to emergencies and conflicts, ensuring student and staff safety.
• Implement and oversee crisis intervention strategies, and provide support throughout and after critical incidents.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Business Administration, or a related field.

Certification

• Montessori certification (AMS, AMI, or equivalent) preferred.
• Candidates without certification must be willing and able to obtain it within the first three years of employment.

Experience

• Proven leadership experience in school administration, with charter school experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in managing student discipline and behavior with some knowledge of restorative practices.
• Familiarity with charter school regulations and educational best practices.

Skills:

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience in budget development and resource allocation.
• Ability to navigate complex compliance requirements and regulatory environments.
• Proficiency in using data to drive decision-making.
• Demonstrated success in fostering family and community engagement.
• Skilled in leading teams and building a collaborative, equity-centered school culture.