Director of Elementary and Middle School Program

The Director of Elementary & Middle School Program is a senior leadership role responsible for the vision, management, and daily operations of our 1st through 8th-grade programs. As a core member of the Leadership Team, this individual ensures academic excellence, nurtures a vibrant and supportive school culture, and upholds the mission and values of VMS. We are looking for a leader who brings both strategic thinking and a genuine love for children and education — someone equally comfortable in a classroom conversation and a board-level discussion.Key Responsibilities:Executive Leadership & StrategyServe as a core member of the senior Leadership Team, contributing to school-wide policy, strategic planning, and institutional decision-makingChampion the VMS mission as an authentic role model for students, faculty, and familiesMaintain a visible, approachable presence that builds trust and connection across the communityAcademic & Curriculum LeadershipOversee and continuously improve the 1st–8th grade curriculum to ensure rigor, coherence, and alignment with VMS valuesLead faculty development through observation, coaching, evaluation, and professional growth planningCollaborate with the Head of School on faculty hiring to attract and retain exceptional educatorsServe as the primary liaison for Level Leads (Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School) and facilitate regular departmental meetingsManage staffing logistics including scheduling and substitute teacher coordinationCommunity & Family EngagementMaintain open, proactive communication with the Head of School and school leadershipBuild and sustain positive relationships with families through conferences, events, and ongoing outreachCoordinate with external public and private school personnel on student transitions and records as neededRepresent VMS at major school events and in the broader communityStudent Support & School CulturePartner with student support staff to ensure the social-emotional and academic needs of all learners are metFoster an inclusive, caring environment consistent with Montessori philosophy and VMS valuesProvide guidance and support to faculty navigating student behavioral or family concernsQualificationsMaster's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred; Bachelor's degree with equivalent experience considered3+ years of experience in school leadership, curriculum development, or a related administrative roleMontessori certification (AMI or AMS) required; deep familiarity with Montessori philosophy and pedagogyDemonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop a diverse faculty teamStrong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing prioritiesExcellent written and verbal communication skills across all audiences — students, parents, and colleagues alikeHigh emotional intelligence and a collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership styleExperience with crisis response and conflict resolutionWho We're Looking For:Beyond credentials and experience, we are looking for a person of genuine character. The ideal candidate will embody the following:Collaboration — You lead with people, not above them. You actively seek input, share credit, and understand that the best outcomes at VMS are always a team effort.Flexibility — School life is dynamic. You adapt with grace when plans change, balance competing priorities without losing focus, and model calm and steadiness for those around you.Respectful Dialogue — You communicate with colleagues, families, and students with honesty, warmth, and care. You can hold a difficult conversation and leave the other person feeling heard and respected.Emotional Intelligence — You read a room, respond thoughtfully under pressure, and bring out the best in the people you lead.Mission Alignment — You don't just accept the Montessori philosophy — you believe in it and live it.Why VMS?Valley Montessori School is more than a workplace — it's a community. Nestled on a beautiful, nature-rich campus in Livermore, VMS is a place where the environment itself reflects our values: thoughtfully designed, calm, and full of life. Our staff are our greatest asset — many have called VMS home for years, even decades, because of the deep sense of belonging and purpose they find here.At VMS, Montessori isn't just a method — it's a shared philosophy that shapes how we treat children, how we collaborate with families, and how we show up for one another as colleagues. You will join a warm, family-like community of educators who genuinely care about the work they do and the people they do it with.If you are a mission-driven leader looking for a place where your work truly matters, we would love to meet you.Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per yearBenefits:403(b)Health insuranceLife insurancePaid time offProfessional development assistanceApplication Question(s):Do you hold a valid AMI or AMS Montessori certification?Do you have at least 3 years of experience in a school leadership or administrative role?Do you hold a Bachelors Degree?Work Location: In person