Company Description
About the American Montessori Society
The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education. AMS sets the high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. AMS provides an information center for its members, the media, and the public; a voice in the public policy arena; and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community, through support services, research, and professional development events. Thousands enjoy AMS membership globally and attend AMS's premier conference for professional Montessori educators, The Montessori Event, in person and online. AMS comprises over 20,000 members, including 1,300 private and public schools.
AMS is classified as a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization.
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: Director of Accreditation and Director of Teacher Education
Classification: Full-time FTE (1.0), Regular, Exempt
Designation: Remote working in the Eastern Time Zone. Position involves work-related travel in the United States approximately once a month to conferences, leadership meetings and site visits.
Employee must reside in one of the following states: Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, and Texas
To Apply: Only applications complete with a resume and cover letter will be considered.
Note to the applicant: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. No calls please. Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Job Description
The Senior Director of Accreditation and Affiliation provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational excellence to AMS’s school accreditation and teacher education program (TEP) affiliation processes. This role focuses on enhancing quality assurance, streamlining operational efficiency, and driving growth in accredited AMS schools and AMS-affiliated TEPs. This position supervises the Director of School Accreditation and the Director of Teacher Education, ensuring alignment between these critical areas of AMS’s mission. Working collaboratively across departments and commissions, the Senior Director ensures consistency, quality, and a best-in-class experience for AMS members, contributing to AMS’s global reputation and strategic growth objectives.
Strategic Leadership
Guide the strategic direction for AMS school accreditation and teacher education program affiliation, ensuring alignment with AMS’s mission and strategic goals.
Develop and execute a growth plan to increase the number of accredited schools and adult learners in AMS-affiliated TEPs, with a focus on state advocacy, strategy and global expansion.
Align efforts with the Senior Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives to uphold high standards and ensure consistency.
Represent AMS as a thought leader and advocate for Montessori education at conferences, public forums, and stakeholder engagements.
Operational Excellence
Understand the complexities of accreditation and affiliation processes. Lead the ongoing evaluation, improvement, and efficiency of accreditation and affiliation processes, ensuring clear communication, timely support, and transparency for schools, programs, and members.
Identify antiquated practices, recommend solutions and implement new technologies, systems, and AI tools to enhance departmental efficiency. Innovate processes to make school accreditation and teacher education program affiliation seamless, joyful, efficient, and timely.
Oversee operations, staffing, and resources for the Director of Teacher Education and Director of School Accreditation, ensuring accountability and operational efficiency.
Manage the review and resolution of complex accreditation, affiliation, and ethical matters involving AMS schools and TEPs, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative process that includes internal assessments and evaluations by the Commissions.
Facilitate communication and collaboration between the Directors to create synergies between teacher education and school accreditation initiatives.
Develop clear workflows, timelines, and tools to streamline processes, reduce friction for members, and maintain rigorous standards.
Monitor and assess data and trends to identify areas of improvement, growth opportunities, and potential revenue generation.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth within the team.
Budget Management and Revenue Generation
Develop, manage, and monitor the budgets for TEP affiliation and school accreditation activities.
Establish and achieve revenue goals for AMS-affiliated programs and accredited schools, contributing to AMS’s financial sustainability.
Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities to support program growth and innovation.
Ensure fiscal accountability and efficient resource allocation within the department.
Monitor key performance metrics for growth, retention, and satisfaction to inform strategic decisions.
Collaboration & Integration
Partner with the Senior Director of Membership to enhance member engagement among accredited schools and affiliated programs, fostering deeper connections and promoting active participation in AMS initiatives.
Collaborate with the Senior Director of Membership and Professional Development to oversee the AMS Adult Learner experience, ensuring a seamless onboarding process, maximizing AMS benefits during their tenure as adult learners, and strategizing pathways to convert them to active members post-credentialing.
Work with the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications to promote AMS-accredited schools and affiliated TEPs, driving visibility and enrollment.
Forge connections and collaborations between AMS-accredited schools and AMS-affiliated TEPs to strengthen relationships and foster shared learning.
Collaborate closely with the Teacher Education Action Commission (TEAC) and School Accreditation Commission (SAC) to ensure consistency, alignment, and continuous improvement of processes.
Build and maintain relationships with TEP directors, school leaders, commissioners, and AMS members to foster a supportive and collaborative community.
Collaborate with external accrediting bodies and educational organizations to promote Montessori education globally.
Other Responsibilities
Ensure representation of accreditation and affiliation initiatives at AMS events, regional meetings, conferences, and networking opportunities.
Develop reports, analyses, and presentations for the AMS Board of Directors and senior leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned to enhance the efficiency, growth, and sustainability of the department.
Contribute to AMS initiatives such as conferences, publications, and special projects as a member of the senior leadership team.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in education, administration, or related field preferred.
5+ years of experience in education accreditation, program affiliation, quality assurance, or a related field.
Proven experience leading teams, managing complex processes, and driving organizational growth.
Familiarity with Montessori education principles and AMS’s mission and values preferred.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in data analysis, project management, and operational tools.
Experience with change management, PROSCI or other certifications a plus
Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Core Competencies
Ability to create and implement plans to achieve organizational growth and impact.
Strong focus on process improvement, accountability, and results.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and achieving revenue goals.
Dedication to delivering a positive and impactful experience for schools and teacher education programs.
Effective at building partnerships and working across teams.
Inspires, motivates, and develops high-performing teams.
Additional Information
AMS has a strong benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b), Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and generous Paid Time Off, Sick Days, Holidays and other time off.
The American Montessori Society is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, family responsibility, political affiliation or any other status protected by applicable laws.
No calls please.
