Position: Montessori School Director Type: Full-Time On-site Starting in July 2025 (or sooner)

Aya Montessori is seeking a School Director to join the leadership team at our flagship Columbia campus. This role is ideal for someone who is deeply aligned with Montessori principles and excited to step into an impactful leadership position that blends heart and strategy. You will work closely with the Chief of Schools, who continues to guide vision and growth across campuses, while you support the daily rhythm and flourishing of our beloved Columbia community.

Important Note: Priority will be given to candidates who have administrative experience, AMI Montessori training at one or more levels, and hold a Master's degree.

About Aya Montessori:

Aya serves the vibrant community of Maryland. We offer a dual-language Montessori program (English and Arabic) with optional specialty tracks in Islamic Education and Quran memorization. Aya is an MSDE-approved non-public school for KG-6th Grade, an AMI School Member, and a licensed Nursery School and childcare center. Our growing team of 30+ educators proudly serves 180+ students at our beautiful Columbia campus.

This position may be a beautiful fit if: You believe in leading with Ihsaan, following a Prophetic Model of Leadership. You are an organized, mission-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative, joyful environment. You are inspired by Montessori education and are open to deepening your understanding through continued training. You are a relational bridge-builder, able to hold dignity, structure and empathy with equal care. You're excited to take initiative in managing the daily operations of the school while uplifting Aya's unique culture, values, and vision.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a dynamic leader with a strong background in Montessori education and deep understanding of the Islamic Faith who is passionate about building community, inspiring excellence, and championing innovation. If you have the experience, vision, and heart to lead, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Education, Montessori, or a related field (required) Montessori Diploma or willingness to complete Montessori training within the first 12 months (required) Master's degree in Education, Montessori, or a related field (preferred) 5+ years of experience in an educational setting, with at least 2 years in an administrative or leadership role (Montessori educational experience preferred) Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Experience managing or coaching staff Familiarity with digital communication and organizational tools Understanding of Islamic values and/or basic Arabic language

Job Responsibilities: Foster a positive and inclusive school culture that reflects the Montessori philosophy and Aya's values Oversee the daily operations of the school, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for students and staff Hire, onboard, and mentor campus staff, cultivating a collaborative, mission-aligned team and encouraging ongoing professional growth Conduct regular classroom observations and provide coaching and feedback to guides and assistants to ensure Montessori fidelity and continuous improvement Collaborate with the administrative team on scheduling, staffing, facilities, counseling, and compliance with local licensing requirements Manage the campus budget, procurement, and resource stewardship in collaboration with the Chief of Schools. Build strong relationships with families through enrollment tours, onboarding, parent education events, and clear, compassionate communication Respond to student and staff needs with empathy, facilitate proactive conflict resolution, and lead campus readiness for emergencies or crises Monitor student progress through assessments and documentation; share campus performance data with the Chief of Schools to support academic excellence Coordinate daily logistics and staffing for specialty programs (e.g., Arabic, Islamic studies, enrichment), ensuring smooth integration with the Montessori day Represent the school with confidence and clarity at campus events, community gatherings, and outreach opportunities, using strong public speaking skills to communicate Aya's mission and values with warmth and professionalism

BENEFITS & SALARY: $65K-85K (based on experience, credentials, and contract) 12-month contract with flexible vacation according to school policy Paid holidays and PTO Paid professional development days Montessori Refresher course reimbursement every 3 years Employee tuition discount (for staff with children) Tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits: Employee discount Paid time off Professional development assistance Schedule: 8 hour shift After school Monday to Friday

Education: Master's (Preferred)

Experience: School Administration or Leadership: 3 years (Required)

Language: English (Required)

License/Certification: AMI Montessori Diploma (Preferred) OCC Administrator Credentials (Required)

Ability to Commute: Columbia, MD 21044 (Required)

Work Location: In person