Executive Director

Overview

Highlawn Montessori School, established in 1963, features one of the first AMI accredited Primary Programs in the Kansas City Area. The mission of Highlawn Montessori School is to provide a child-centered Montessori community which facilitates the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child. The school has gradually expanded from one Primary Classroom of 20 children, ages three to six, to five Primary Classes of 24 children. Highlawn also offers a growing Montessori Elementary Program for children from first to sixth grade.

The Executive Director is responsible for setting and implementing Highlawn’s Montessori and long-term educational strategy while managing day-to-day operations. Education at Highlawn should be viewed as a partnership where there is a mutual trust and a common educational philosophy between the family and the school. The Executive Director oversees critical functions such as program development, fundraising, financial oversight, staff leadership, and external relations, aligning with its overarching mission.

Beyond internal operations, the Executive Director also plays a key role in community engagement, fostering strong relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders. Additionally, they collaborate with the board to maintain effective governance, making sure that the organization complies with all legal and ethical obligations.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Vision and Strategy: Develop and implement strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Board Collaboration: Work closely with the board of directors to define and communicate the organization’s vision and direction.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, hire, manage, and develop a strong leadership team and staff. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that supports the organization’s values.
• Cultivates trusting and respectful relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and community partners, reflecting the collaborative spirit of a Montessori learning environment. Demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills, successfully balancing multiple responsibilities while remaining composed, flexible, and responsive to the evolving needs of the school community.
• Evaluates all staff members for the purpose of improving student growth, identify professional learning needs, promoting teacher leadership, and making decisions.
• Promotes a culture of learning and collaboration by providing opportunities for staff to acquire, enhance, and refine the knowledge, skills, and commitment necessary to create and support high levels of learning for all students.
• Follows established timelines and guidelines for all of the elements required by federal, state and district policies.

Operational Oversight

• Program Management: Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services.
• Compliance: Ensure that the organization adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Policy Development: Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Financial Management

• Budgeting: Develop and manage the organization’s budget. Ensure financial stability and sustainability.
• Fundraising: Oversee and participate in fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and fundraising events.
• Financial Reporting: Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the board and other stakeholders.

Community and Public Relations

• Advocacy: Represent the organization in the community and advocate for its mission and programs.
• Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and other nonprofit organizations.
• Communications: Oversee the development and implementation of marketing and communications strategies to enhance the organization’s public image and outreach.
• Works with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.

Strategic Planning

• Long-term Planning: Lead the organization in the development of long-term strategic plans to ensure growth and sustainability.
• Goal Setting: Set and monitor near and medium-term goals and objectives to achieve strategic priorities.

Board Administration and Support

• Board Meetings: Prepare for and participate in board meetings. Provide timely and accurate information to the board.
• Governance: Assist the board in the development and implementation of the best practices of governance.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to build strong external relationships with parents, community partners, funders, volunteers, vendors, and municipal partners.
• Maintains a positive work atmosphere and organizational culture through consistent actions and communication in alignment with Highlawn Montessori School values.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire others, foster innovation, build effective teams, develop and meet organizational goals.
• Possesses strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Understanding of nonprofit financial management, and has experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and fundraising.
• Experienced in developing procedures, policies, and standards.
• Possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
• Effectively represents the organization to stakeholders and the public.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal. Please direct all inquiries to:

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

Anna Robinson, Senior Search Consultant – arobinson@omnihrm.com

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity.