Director / Head of School

Do you have a passion for early childhood education and looking for your next career step?
Do you have experience successfully running a preschool and leading a high-performing team?
Is engaging with parents, earning their trust, and growing enrollment something that energizes you?
Are you Montessori accredited or want to be?

If you are an experienced leader who thrives on building strong teams, fostering a nurturing learning environment, and driving growth through exceptional marketing and community engagement, we want to meet you.

Montessori Kids Universe (MKU) Waltham is a premium preschool for kids ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and opening early 2026 in Waltham, MA. We are seeking a hands-on, dynamic School Director who will partner closely with ownership to manage day-to-day operations, lead our staff, and ensure the delivery of a high-quality Montessori education experience.

This leadership role includes but is not limited to:

• Working closely with the MKU owner on business planning to establish goals and objectives.
• Building a culture founded in quality, customer service, teamwork, fun and continuous improvement.
• Creating a safe, loving and nurturing environment where kids can learn to be their best.
• Achieving enrollment goals by being the primary contact for new and existing families, actively selling the value of the MKU experience.
• Experience opening and licensing a new childcare center, including pre-opening preparation and coordination with EEC and local authorities. Building and leading a qualified team of teachers and staff, passionate about childhood education and the Montessori approach.
• Ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Director II Certification (EEC - Massachusetts) is required.
• Ethical and dependable. Enthusiastic and energetic.
• A proactive and creative problem solver.
• Minimum 3 years in a preschool business management role.
• Experience opening or launching a childcare or preschool program is strongly preferred.
• Strong business acumen, experienced in financial management.
• Knowledgeable of MA Child Care Rules & Regulations (606 CMR 7.00 – EEC).
• A love of children, and a passion for teaching.
• Montessori accreditation is a plus, commitment to obtaining accreditation required.
• Experience in structured child development and assessment practices.
• Ability to implement curriculum and manage compliance.
• Enthusiastically serves as the “face” of the MKU Waltham school, managing communications with parents and the community.
• Directly responsible for selling the value of the MKU to increase enrollments. Responsible for following-up on inquiries, scheduling appointments, conducting tours and tour follow-ups using the CRM, LineLeader.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with the local education and Montessori community and associations. Participation in community events and organizational outreach to increase awareness of the MKU brand.
• Confident leader with prior responsibility for hiring, training, coaching and firing of staff.
• Leadership through a positive, honest and transparent management style.
• Ability to conduct individual coaching, performance improvement reviews and create individual professional development plans.

At MKU Waltham, you’ll be part of a management team dedicated to providing a premium educational experience, fostering a supportive environment for both staff and families, and growing a business that makes a lasting impact in the community. If you meet the above qualifications and are passionate about helping children reach their potential while leading a motivated and inspired team, we invite you to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $78,000.00 - $92,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $78,000 - $92,000