Sussex School Seeks Director – Education Revolution – Alternative Education Resource Organization

JOB TITLE: Director
Location: Missoula, MT
Position Type: Regular, .8 – 1.0 FTE (negotiable)
Expected Start Date: Target is June 2015

ABOUT SUSSEX SCHOOL: Sussex is a vibrant kindergarten through eighth grade independent school in Missoula, MT that focuses on the academic, social, and emotional growth of each student through progressive education, small classes, and a nurturing environment. It is a parent cooperative school in which its approximately 125 students love to learn and its teachers love to teach. The school seeks to hire its 5th director in its 43-year history.

ABOUT MISSOULA, MT: Missoula is located in beautiful western Montana. Missoula is a friendly and active community, rich in the arts, and home to the University of Montana. Missoula offers many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing.

JOB OVERVIEW: Sussex School is seeking an experienced professional to lead the school as its Director. The work of Sussex is built on the strength of excellent relationships and collaboration among its students, teachers, and parents, and its connections to the community. The Director plays a central role in growing and maintaining these diverse school relationships. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Director leads a professional, high-impact team and guides Sussex to fulfill its mission, educational aims, and strategic priorities, ensuring that all aspects of the school’s practice reflect and support them.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leads the faculty and administrative staff in reviewing and developing progressive curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices in order to provide cutting edge, creative education
Oversees the recruitment, hiring, mentoring and evaluation of all personnel
Participates in student recruitment and enrollment
Maintains a positive school spirit and furthers the physical and emotional well-being of all those in the school community
Oversees the school’s financial sustainability by managing the budget and diversifying revenue sources
Serves as an active representative of the school within the local community

DESIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Leadership Skills:
Abilities or experience with successful alternative educational leadership in a progressive school environment
Experience with mentoring teachers or team teaching
Commitment to inclusive and comprehensive strategic planning with the Board of Directors
Ability to lead by example and work collaboratively
Decisive, resilient, reflective, energetic and fun
Communication Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Approachable, compassionate, and inclusive personality
Appreciates and celebrates cultural diversity and has a personal philosophy of non-discrimination
Ability to engage the community in meaningful, considerate, and honest dialogue
Strong interpersonal skills necessary for working with a passionate staff, students, and involved parent community
Balances seriousness of purpose with a well-developed sense of humor