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 & Strategy

• Serve as a core member of the senior Leadership Team, contributing to school-wide policy, strategic planning, and institutional decision-making
• Champion the VMS mission as an authentic role model for students, faculty, and families
• Maintain a visible, approachable presence that builds trust and connection across the community

Academic & Curriculum Leadership

• Oversee and continuously improve the 1st–8th grade curriculum to ensure rigor, coherence, and alignment with VMS values
• Lead faculty development through observation, coaching, evaluation, and professional growth planning
• Collaborate with the Head of School on faculty hiring to attract and retain exceptional educators
• Serve as the primary liaison for Level Leads (Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School) and facilitate regular departmental meetings
• Manage staffing logistics including scheduling and substitute teacher coordination

Community & Family Engagement

• Maintain open, proactive communication with the Head of School and school leadership
• Build and sustain positive relationships with families through conferences, events, and ongoing outreach
• Coordinate with external public and private school personnel on student transitions and records as needed
• Represent VMS at major school events and in the broader community

Student Support & School Culture

• Partner with student support staff to ensure the social-emotional and academic needs of all learners are met
• Foster an inclusive, caring environment consistent with Montessori philosophy and VMS values
• Provide guidance and support to faculty navigating student behavioral or family concerns

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred; Bachelor's degree with equivalent experience considered
• 3 years of experience in school leadership, curriculum development, or a related administrative role
• Montessori certification (AMI or AMS) required; deep familiarity with Montessori philosophy and pedagogy
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop a diverse faculty team
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all audiences — students, parents, and colleagues alike
• High emotional intelligence and a collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership style
• Experience with crisis response and conflict resolution

Who 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 year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application 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