Executive Director

Executive Director – Creative Montessori School – Birmingham, AL

Creative Montessori School provides an authentic Montessori environment that empowers children to discover their unique potential to shape their future and transform the world around them.

Founded in 1968 as a private, non‑profit school, Creative Montessori School (CMS) has served as a model for the education community in Birmingham for over 55 years. CMS enrolls 250 students at the toddler, primary, elementary, and adolescent levels on a two-acre campus located in the center of Homewood, Alabama. Convenient to both downtown Birmingham and surrounding suburbs, CMS draws from 21 zip codes throughout the metropolitan area.

CMS offers its students an unparalleled private school education in a warm and loving atmosphere where the focus is on the individual child. Loving learning, growing leaders, and teaching excellence – these are the cornerstones of the CMS experience. As an American Montessori School accredited organization, CMS faithfully endorses and follows the Montessori method to fulfill its mission. Our mission, coupled with a tradition of fostering diversity, has long been a source of pride and strength.

CMS has been first in many areas including:

• The first private school in Birmingham founded as a purposely integrated school
• The first to offer science, social studies, and foreign languages for preschoolers
• The first with mixed‑age classrooms in which children of diverse backgrounds and abilities are provided individualized instruction tailored to natural learning processes and capabilities.

The next Executive Director will be joining a thriving and vibrant community with an exciting future. CMS has completed a decade‑long campus Masterplan that delivered a beautiful new preschool building, administrative wing, and gymnasium as well as fully renovated elementary classrooms, a dedicated learning space for our Secondary (middle school) program, and purposeful outdoor spaces. We have also expanded our program offerings, including the launch of a dynamic new music program.

This successful period of growth reflects the generosity of our donors, the engagement of our families and alumni, and the vision and commitment of our Board of Directors, faculty, and staff.

• Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to board by December 31, 2025.
• Position start date is June 1, 2026.

CMS is seeking an inspiring leader who shares our passion for Montessori education and fosters strong engagement among teachers, staff, parents, and students. The Executive Director will uphold our core values of respect, integrity, inquiry, and responsibility while ensuring that all programs and operations are aligned with Montessori principles. This leader will support teachers in their professional growth, strengthen relationships with families and community partners, and elevate the CMS brand within the broader Birmingham community.

The Executive Director works closely with and reports to the Board of Directors, partnering with the board to provide strategic guidance and long‑term vision.

• Uphold the school’s core values and mission by implementing policies, procedures, and organizational practices that reflect Montessori philosophy and long‑term strategic goals.
• Cultivate strong, productive relationships with families, staff, donors, community partners, and other stakeholders, fostering a cohesive and supportive school community energized by the school’s mission.
• Lead and directly supervise the administrative team, including the Director of Montessori Education, the Director of Advancement, and the Business Operations Manager. Set annual goals to further the mission and vision of the school. Hold team accountable for results.
• Design and implement effective processes, technology, and organizational design to successfully manage all aspects of day‑to‑day school operations in a manner that generates high family satisfaction.
• Oversee processes and procedures to attract, recruit, manage, and retain high‑quality, engaged faculty and staff who advance the mission of the…