Executive Director – Mount Sopris Montessori School – Early Childhood Learning Center

Valley Settlement; Carbondale (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Sopris Montessori School in Carbondale, Colorado seeks an experienced Executive Director to lead our nonprofit early childhood program serving children 18 months to 6 years. The role focuses on educational quality, staff leadership, operations, finances, enrollment, fundraising, and community relations.

The candidate should have management experience in a school, nonprofit, or similar setting; Montessori training is not required, and paid Montessori training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Experienced, collaborative Executive Director with management experience in early childhood education, a school, nonprofit organization, or similar setting.
• Montessori training is not required; candidates should respect Montessori philosophy and will receive paid Montessori training and professional development.
• Must meet Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) Director requirements for a Large Child Care Center and obtain Director qualification verification before starting work.

Responsibilities

• Oversee educational quality and program outcomes.
• Provide staff leadership and ensure high-quality teaching and safety standards.
• Manage school operations, finances, enrollment, and fundraising.
• Foster community relationships and compliance with state regulations.

Job description

Executive Director — Mount Sopris Montessori School
Carbondale, Colorado | Full-time, in-person | $60,000–$95,000

Mount Sopris Montessori School is seeking an experienced, collaborative Executive Director to lead our nonprofit early childhood school in Carbondale. Founded in 1981, MSMS serves approximately 60 children ages 18 months through 6 years in two toddler and two preschool classrooms.

Working with teachers, staff, families, and the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees educational quality, staff leadership, school operations, finances, enrollment, fundraising, community relationships, and regulatory compliance. We are looking for a thoughtful, capable leader with management experience in early childhood education, a school, nonprofit organization, or similar setting.

Montessori training is not required. Candidates should respect Montessori philosophy and be excited to support a Montessori educational program. Paid Montessori training and professional development will be provided.

Candidates must have the education, credentials, and experience necessary to qualify as a Director under Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) requirements for a Large Child Care Center and obtain required Director qualification verification before beginning work.