Mission Statement: Association Montessori International of the United States (AMI/USA) is dedicated to bringing the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori to the education of children through its support and advancement of the AMI Montessori community in the United States.
The AMI/USA Board of Directors is leading the search for an executive director for AMI/USA, a membership organization for Montessori schools and educators in the United States, dedicated to preserving and expanding authentic, fully implemented Montessori education. Founded in 1970, the association today is a vital operation serving over 3,400 individual and school members. The deadline to submit an application for the executive director position is September 4, 2020.
AMI/USA seeks an executive director to lead the organization’s national operation and growth, and in concert with the Board of Directors, define its direction and future. Experience in education or non-profit leadership, membership association management, and/or advocacy operations will qualify strong candidates for consideration. Support for Montessori education and an understanding of its principles is expected but formal training is not required. AMI/USA is headquartered in the Washington DC area (in historic Old Town Alexandria); relocation to the area is not a requirement.
AMI/USA is committed to being an inclusive, anti-bias, anti-racist and equitable organization with a focus on social justice. We represent a diverse membership and leadership working collaboratively to provide Montessori education to all children.
Executive director to lead the organization’s operation and growth and work with the Board of Directors to define its direction and future.
Responsibilities
- Lead the organization’s operation and growth
- Manage all operational activity, structures, systems and processes in a manner consistent with the organization’s commitment to inclusion, equity and diversity
- Execute objectives of the strategic plan and develop future strategic planning for the organization
- Act as fiduciary to manage and coordinate the finances of the organization; conduct annual budget planning with AMI/USA Director of Finance.
- Work with the AMI/USA Event Planner to plan and execute national and regional conferences and advance professional development programming.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define the organization’s direction and future
- Supervise, evaluate, and develop AMI/USA office staff
- Participate in ongoing professional growth opportunities
- Collaborate with stakeholders including school leaders, teachers, trainers, and parents
- Increase the number of individual and school memberships
- Work with the Consultation Committee to lead the school consultation process leading to AMI recognition
- Partner with the AMI global office in Amsterdam and other affiliates of AMI around the world
- Foster and maintain partnerships with other Montessori organizations in the United States
- Build connections with AMI training centers in the United States for mutual benefit
- Establish programs of communication and profile-raising that enhance and protect AMI USA's reputation.
- Frequent travel nationally and occasionally internationally representing AMI/USA
Requirements
- Five or more years of progressive executive leadership experience with a track record of successfully leading an organization
- Skilled at meeting the challenges that come with creating, implementing, and improving processes within systems
- Systems-level thinker; can translate ideas into deliverables
- Demonstrated ability to lead the design, implementation, and management of large-scale initiatives (i.e., adept at managing multiple work streams/teams)
- Ability to manage people towards goals/outcomes and coach/develop strengths in others
- Experience partnering with Boards of Directors to achieve the organization’s mission
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
- Strong understanding of anti-bias education and antiracist values and principles
- Demonstrable experience in development and effective management of budgets
- Culturally competent with an ability to work well with a diversity of stakeholders and work effectively across lines of differences
- Master’s degree or higher
Skills
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills
- Excellent public speaking capability
- Effective time-management skills
- Personal initiative demonstrating strong self-direction
- Organizational management and leadership
- Strong lens toward equity and inclusion
- Effective understanding of digital platforms
- Ambassador for the organization and the mission in a variety of settings
- Ability to collaborate in small and large arenas
- Understanding of large, complex membership organizations
- Competence in financial management, data analysis, and commercial understanding
If you have questions or would like to have a preliminary conversation, please submit your name and a contact number in confidence to [email protected]. To apply please send your resume and a letter of application outlining your suitability for the position to [email protected].
AMI/USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AMI/USA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Employment decisions are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.