Job Details

Head of School - Cathedral Montessori School – 9 Fortress Road, New Orleans, Louisiana

Overview

CMS is seeking a Head of School for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a 12-month, full-time on-campus position. Start date is preferable in June or July 2026. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership – Serve as a central leadership figure within the school and as liaison in the local community and with the Cathedral, working closely with the CMS Board of Directors.
• Administrative Duties – Ensure the success of all school programs, maintain compliance with applicable laws, and assure proper day-to-day operations. Responsible for all aspects of school operation, administration, financial management, supervision, and oversight.
• Curriculum and Staff Development – Work with the Director to coordinate curricula and oversee the development of educational programs and enhancement programs for teachers and staff.
• Parent Relations – Conduct weekly meetings with the Director about classroom issues with students, teachers, and parents.
• Community Engagement – Represent the school in the Greater New Orleans area and with the Cathedral, working closely with the CMS Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree, Knowledge of Montessori Education, and experience as an educator and supervisor/coordinator.
• Experience in strategic planning, financial management, and educational policy.
• Strong leadership abilities with integrity and the ability to mentor faculty and nurture the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of students.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES OF THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

OVERALL

• Responsible for the administrative success of the operation of the school and all school programs, including office and financial responsibility and oversight.
• Ensure compliance with applicable governmental laws and regulations, board requirements, and Cathedral board expectations.
• Coordinate scheduling of and attend all required school functions and activities. Work with public relations staff to publicize the school.
• Coordinate programs involving the Cathedral or Cathedral interaction.
• Oversee the completion and updating of the annual school policy publication.

FINANCE

• Serve as business manager for CMS and oversee all expense matters, reporting financial matters to the CMS Board.
• Implement the financial policy set by the board, including communicating policy decisions to parents and prospective parents.
• Assist the bookkeeper and board treasurer with financial issues, planning, and adherence to the annual budget.
• Apply for and maintain grants and assist in coordination and execution of fundraising plans.
• Serve as a resource for the fundraising chair and ensure yearly stewardship to the cathedral.

PERSONNEL

Teaching Staff:

• Assist in recruitment of teaching staff and create teacher agreements.
• Complete staffing hires and communicate regarding hiring issues.
• Collaborate with the Director to monitor teachers and programs across classrooms.
• Identify after-school enrichment programs, ensure implementation, and oversee them.
• Develop professional development for staff and implement hiring requirements in line with board policy.

Non-Teaching Staff

• Select and employ non-teaching personnel as needed for school operations.
• Advise the Board on the status of non-teaching staff.

ENROLLMENT

• Explain CMS school mission and programs to prospective families.
• Oversee and coordinate recruitment of students and admissions processes with the Director.
• Oversee enrollment of graduating sixth graders into respective middle schools.
• Oversee and implement school scholarships or discount programs.

EDUCATION

• Meet regularly with the Director to coordinate curricula and guide teachers toward educational goals.
• Assist where needed to resolve classroom issues and maintain school discipline policy.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Coordinate internal and external school communications and serve as spokesperson for CMS.
• Maintain constructive liaisons with other educational institutions and associations.
• Foster participation in CMS activities and events and maintain a good relationship with the Cathedral.

SCHOOL FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS

• Oversee daily operations to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
• Address tasks related to school operation (communication, security, maintenance) as needed.
• Supervise maintenance of all equipment and facilities and ensure CMS remains aesthetically attractive and safe.
• Advise the Board on facilities and equipment improvements.

OPERATIONS SUPPORT

• Remain informed of trends, research, and legislation affecting CMS management, operation, and policy.
• Advise the Board on policy changes or actions as needed.
• Maintain comprehensive records on students, staff, and prospective students.

RESPONSIBILITY TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Serve as a non-voting member of the Board and attend all board meetings.
• Keep the Board President informed of all aspects of school operations.
• Highlight issues that may require Board action or education.
• Communicate all Board policies and changes to staff; serve as a resource for policy development and financial matters.
• Represent Board decisions and policies to parents when appropriate.

WEBSITE: cathedralmontessori.org/about

TO APPLY

CMS is seeking a Head of School for the 2026-2027 academic year. Start date is preferable in June or July 2026. This is a 12-month per year position and the Head of School is expected to work full time on campus. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience level.

To apply, submit a current vitae, cover letter, and written educational philosophy to: Barbara Wolf, HOS Search Committee, CMS Board, ...@Yahoo.com