The Montessori School of Durham (MSD) seeks a new Head of School to lead a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers committed to the joy of learning and educating the whole child. This next Head of School will succeed a respected leader who has served for over a decade, building a legacy of stability, thoughtful growth, financial strength, and deep trust across the community. With a talented faculty, a loyal parent body, and a strong reputation in the Triangle region, MSD stands on a firm foundation.

At the same time, the school is at an exciting point of possibility. Having reached a position of health and maturity, MSD is ready for a leader who can honor what makes the school distinctive while helping the community thoughtfully explore its next horizons, including long-term growth, access and affordability, community impact, and future programmatic opportunities.

The next Head of School will demonstrate a deep commitment to the school’s mission and Montessori philosophy, coupled with the leadership presence and operational expertise required to guide a complex educational organization. The successful candidate will be a visible, people-centered leader who communicates clearly, fosters open dialogue, welcomes feedback, and builds trust across constituencies. This is a dynamic and consequential leadership opportunity requiring sound judgment, initiative, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead with both steadiness and ambition.

The successful candidate will bring the following attributes, skills, and experiences:

Mission Alignment and Montessori Commitment
• Deep understanding of and commitment to Montessori philosophy and student-centered learning, with the ability to partner closely with faculty to sustain program fidelity and protect the integrity of an authentic Montessori environment.
• Genuine respect for the school’s faculty-led culture, including an appreciation for professional autonomy, collaboration, and the central role educators play in the life of the school.
Leadership and Organizational Management
• Significant leadership of a diverse, professional faculty and staff, including direct management of a senior administrative team, in an independent school, Montessori setting, or comparable educational or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, including strategic planning, program oversight, enrollment management, and operations.
• Experience leading an organization through growth, change, and increasing complexity, with a thoughtful, measured approach that builds alignment and maintains community trust.
• Ability to establish and evolve systems, structures, and processes that support clarity, accountability, and long-term institutional effectiveness.

Relationship-Centered Leadership
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, trust-based relationships across a school community, including faculty, families, and Board members.
• A leadership approach that centers faculty and staff, prioritizing support, retention, and professional growth as essential to institutional success.
• High emotional intelligence, personal integrity, and sound judgment, with the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with patience, transparency, and care.
• Ability to balance empathy and approachability with firmness and accountability, including making difficult decisions and upholding institutional standards.

Communication and Community Engagement
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to listen deeply, communicate clearly and persuasively, and foster open dialogue across constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a visible, engaged presence on campus and within the broader school community.
• Skill in representing and articulating the school’s mission and value proposition to both internal and external audiences.

Governance and Board Partnership
• Demonstrated success partnering with a Board of Trustees, with a clear understanding of governance and leadership roles.
• Ability to serve as a strategic thought partner to the Board while ensuring effective execution of Board priorities.

Financial Acumen and Resource Development
• Strong business acumen, including experience with budgeting, financial planning, and evaluating financial models (e.g., tuition, enrollment, and/or fundraising) to support long-term sustainability and access.
• Experience supporting or leading advancement efforts, including donor engagement, frontline fundraising, and partnership with development staff, with the ability to help build a culture of philanthropy.
• Understanding of the financial dynamics facing independent schools, including the need to balance tuition, compensation, access, and long-term sustainability.
Enrollment, Access, and Inclusion
• Experience supporting or leading enrollment management efforts, including student recruitment, retention, and community composition.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing access and inclusion, with the ability to lead and implement a clear, mission-aligned strategy.

Experience and Education
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education, leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Significant leadership experience in an independent school, Montessori setting, or comparable educational or mission-driven organization.
• Montessori credential or formal training is valued but not required; the ability to deeply understand and champion Montessori philosophy is essential.
Personal Leadership Presence
• A visible, steady, and grounded leadership presence that inspires confidence and trust.
• A long-term orientation and commitment to the school and community.
• The ability to lead with both humility and conviction, bringing new ideas while honoring the traditions and relationships that define MSD.
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, inspiring confidence and effectively articulating the school’s mission to diverse stakeholders.