School Director – Montessori Academy of Decatur

Location: Decatur, Georgia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday; flexibility required based on operational needs
Annual Compensation: Base pay plus performance-Based Bonuses and Benefits

About Montessori Academy of Decatur

Montessori Academy of Decatur (MAOD) is committed to providing exceptional early childhood education through authentic Montessori philosophy and practices. Our mission is to nurture independent, confident, curious, and compassionate learners in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.

We are seeking a results-driven, business-minded School Director who combines a passion for Montessori education with strong leadership, operational management, and business development skills.

The successful candidate will be responsible for both the educational excellence and financial success of the school.

Position Overview

The School Director serves as the primary leader responsible for the school's daily operations, educational quality, enrollment growth, financial performance, staff management, and regulatory compliance.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring a proactive, accountable, and goal-oriented professional who can successfully manage the school as both an educational institution and a sustainable business.

The Director is expected to take ownership of school performance, implement effective business strategies, and consistently achieve measurable operational and financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Enrollment Growth and Revenue Management

Develop and execute strategies to increase student enrollment and maximize classroom capacity.
Establish and achieve monthly enrollment targets in collaboration with school ownership.
Oversee prospective family inquiries, school tours, admissions, and enrollment follow-ups.
Improve inquiry-to-enrollment conversion rates through timely communication and professional customer service.

2. Financial Management and Profitability

Take direct responsibility for the school's financial performance and achievement of approved operating goals.
Develop and manage operating budgets in collaboration with ownership.
Monitor tuition revenue, payroll expenses, operating costs, and overall profitability.
Maintain efficient staffing levels aligned with enrollment, classroom needs, and licensing requirements.
Control unnecessary overtime, excessive staffing costs, and nonessential operating expenses.

3. School Operations and Regulatory Compliance

Oversee daily school operations and ensure a safe, organized, professional, and welcoming environment.
Maintain compliance with Georgia Bright from the Start (BFTS)/DECAL licensing regulations and applicable childcare requirements.
Ensure appropriate teacher-to-child ratios, supervision, attendance documentation, and classroom safety.
Maintain accurate student, employee, and regulatory records.

Maintain school facilities, equipment, and learning environments in excellent condition.

4. Montessori Educational Leadership

Ensure educational programs align with authentic Montessori philosophy and best practices.
Supervise and support Montessori Lead Guides and classroom assistants.
Monitor curriculum implementation, classroom environments, and student developmental progress.
Conduct classroom observations and provide constructive instructional feedback.
Promote child-centered learning, independence, self-discipline, and social-emotional development.
Maintain high educational standards while balancing operational and financial responsibilities.
Foster a collaborative environment that supports professional development and educational excellence.

5. Staff Leadership and Performance Management

Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate teaching and administrative personnel.
Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards.
Develop efficient employee schedules based on enrollment and operational needs.
Monitor employee attendance, productivity, overtime, and staffing efficiency.
Conduct regular staff meetings, performance reviews, and professional development activities.

6. Parent Satisfaction and Community Relations

Establish strong, trusting relationships with parents and families.
Maintain timely, responsive, and professional parent communication.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of five years of experience in early childhood education, childcare administration, or school management.
At least three years of demonstrated supervisory or management experience.
Strong understanding of Montessori educational philosophy and practices.
Montessori AMI or AMS certification preferred.
Knowledge of Georgia Bright from the Start/DECAL childcare licensing requirements.
Ability to meet applicable Georgia childcare Center Director qualification requirements.
Demonstrated experience in enrollment management, budgeting, staff supervision, and operational leadership.
Strong financial awareness and ability to interpret business performance reports.
Excellent communication, organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver measurable results.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive annual salary of $58,000–$65,000.
Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to enrollment growth, operational performance, and achievement of established goals.
Paid time off and holidays in accordance with company policies.
Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
Additional benefits based on eligibility and company policies.

Ideal Candidate

Our ideal School Director is an entrepreneurial, results-oriented leader who understands that educational excellence and financial sustainability must work together.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, initiative, accountability, and the ability to turn strategic goals into measurable results.

We are looking for someone who can lead a Montessori school with the dedication of an educator, the discipline of an administrator, and the business mindset of an effective operator.

Join Montessori Academy of Decatur and play a leading role in building a thriving, financially sustainable, and academically exceptional Montessori school.

Montessori Academy of Decatur is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site