California Montessori Project, Executive Director

ORGANIZATION

California Montessori Project (CMP) is a public charter school network based in the greater Sacramento area with an exceptional TK-8 Montessori program that is tuition-free and open to all students. The network serves over 3,000 students at six schools. CMP is authorized through - and maintains strong relationships with - four school districts: Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District, and Buckeye Union School District. CMP is supported by a solid budget, newly-constructed and renovated facilities, and a robust technology department. CMP is committed to improve student achievement for all students, as described in each charter, through the Montessori approach. 

CMP’s instructional staff are unmatched in their commitment to Montessori methodology and dedication to the organization and students. CMP teachers are dual-certified, holding both an age-appropriate Montessori certification from an AMS-accredited training center and a California state credential.

The Executive Director will lead the Central Administrative Team (CAT) — including the Governing Board, Directors, Principals, and Deans—by providing stability and focused guidance to the organization. CMP is currently led by an interim leader while we search for a permanent candidate to fill the role.

To learn more about California Montessori Project, please visit www.cacmp.org. 

OPPORTUNITY

The Executive Director reports to the CMP Governing Board, and owns all aspects of organizational management, including school programs, safety, human resources, finance, facilities, district relationships, day-to-day duties, and overall operations. The Executive Director also represents the organization externally, effectively building relationships with the community, maintaining strong partnerships with authorizing districts, and investing stakeholders in the organization's vision to garner support and secure the necessary resources for its long-term sustainability and growth. The ideal start date for this role is May 2025.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Lead CMP Administrative Team

• Collaborate with directors, department heads, and to ensure smooth operations and coordinated services, including Special Education, Business Services, and Legal Counsel.
• Lead and facilitate group meetings and discussions to promote effective communication and teamwork.

Positive & Productive Relationships

• Collaborate with the CMP Governing Board on mission, vision, strategic planning, and fiscal matters, while serving as the primary liaison with external entities and negotiating necessary agreements. 
• Represent CMP in facility-related projects and initiatives, providing updates to the Board and fostering relationships with key educational and governmental partners.
• Develop and maintain strong and effective relationships with our authorizing districts as well as our external agencies that help support our charter goals.

Culture & Climate

• Empower members of the CMP Learning Community by supporting their unique gifts and talents, while fostering a respectful culture and climate. 
• Strategically develop leaders within the organization and maintain frequent, meaningful communication with the public. 
• Lead parent and family engagement. 
• Champion CMP’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where a great education is valued, and where the entire community, along with diverse perspectives and identities—such as race, gender, and sexual orientation—are respected and valued.

Risk Management & Budget

• Reduce and manage risk through proactive strategies and preventive measures.
• Minimize potential issues by implementing effective risk control and management practices.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services to prepare quarterly budget reports and multi-year projections for board approval and district review.
• Monitor and adjust finances, ensuring decisions align with sound stewardship and the Learning Community’s values, such as Montessori materials, class size, and staffing ratios.

Compliance

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of network operations, ensuring timely and accurate submission of reports to local, district, state, and federal agencies, while collaborating with the Special Education Director, and Coordinator for charter compliance. 
• Actively engage in writing, publishing, and presenting required reports, including Accreditation materials (AMS and WASC) and Charter Renewals.

Recruitment & Retention Strategy

• Collaborate with Operations, Program, Special Education, Human Resources, and Department Leads to provide professional development, training, and evaluations for administrative and operations staff, while supporting site-based staff training efforts. 
• Recruit, hire, and onboard instructional staff, facilitate staff assignments and promotions, and support professional growth opportunities for instructional personnel. 

Academic Excellence 

• Collaborate with Principals and the Director of Program to provide curricular support and ensure effective evaluation of the instructional program. 
• Work with the Testing Coordinator, Data Management Team, and site leaders to track and report student progress in ELA and Math, and ensure compliance with AMS accreditation standards.

Requirements

The applicant must have extensive experience in the educational community, in both leadership and instructional positions. A minimum of five years teaching experience, five years of administrative experience, as well as five years of charter school leadership experience, or equivalent, are preferred qualifications. In addition, prior experience within a Montessori organization is highly-valued. The applicant is recommended to possess a valid Administrative Services Credential and a Masters/Doctoral Degree.

Exemplary Executive Director candidates will demonstrate the following skills:

• Drive Vision and Direction - Articulate and implement a clear vision that is aligned with the Network’s mission.
• Motivating a Learning Community - Inspire and build community, and motivate the community towards its goals.
• Ensuring Operational Soundness - Ensure regulatory and legal compliance, maintain both short-term and long-term fiscal solvency, provide safe and healthy facilities that meet the physical and emotional needs of students and staff, and ensure that operational systems are efficient and effective.
• Securing Charter Renewal - Understand the legal and regulatory frameworks that apply to California charter schools and maintain progress towards successful renewal with each authorizer for every campus.
• Coaching and Developing Team Members - Equip and empower team members to become instructional and operational leaders.
• Serving as an Instructional Leader - Ensure that all children are provided an optimal Montessori learning environment, and that all instructional staff are provided an optimal, resource-rich teaching environment.
• Leading organizational change initiatives by developing and executing strategies that drive seamless adoption of new processes, technologies, and cultural shifts, while minimizing disruption to business operations.

TRAVEL

Frequent travel between CMP’s six campus locations and our central administration building.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $227,000 - $260,000. Sick, paid holidays, 403(b) and 457 retirement plans through CalSTRS Pension2, and wellness resources. For Full-time positions: medical, dental, vision, and a basic life policy. More details can be provided upon request.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/980A67EEF5/.

Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity AAP/EEO Statement: 

It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities.

Other Duties Disclaimer: 

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.