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Position Title: Executive Director
FTE: 1.0 FTE (on average, 40 hours/week)
Schedule: Primarily during the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., year-round
Requires attendance at evening meetings and evening/weekend functions, as needed
Supervised by: Board of Directors
Supervisory Responsibility: Teaching and Administrative Staff
Salary: Between $37,000 and $42,000 DOE
Spirit at Play Preschool invites applications for an Executive Director. An exceptional private
preschool with a 30-year history in Missoula, Spirit at Play teaches young learners ages 3-5. The
school’s foundational principles include the development of social-emotional skills,
environmental sustainability and a deep connection with community and nature. Montana’s
backyard and Missoula’s amenities and people, are the school’s extended classrooms. At every
opportunity, Spirit at Play teachers create opportunities for learning through play, kindness,
gratitude and respect for each individual child.
Spirit at Play seeks an Executive Director who believes in the critical role of early childhood
education and will be committed to leading a respected and community-minded preschool with
heart and integrity.
The Executive Director position requires a hard-working individual who is committed to clear
communication, promotes a growth mindset culture and has the ability to thrive in a
fast-paced, complex environment. The Executive Director will serve as the leader of the school
while highlighting other’s strengths, and will implement current operational policy while
continuing to create and refine policies and goals, with guidance from the Board of Directors.
Specifically, the Director will oversee business and financial operations, supervise staff, and
assume responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the organization in accordance with Spirit
at Play’s mission: “To provide the essential tools of childhood to help cultivate a community of
healthy minds, bodies, and spirits.”
I. GENERAL WORK CHARACTERISTICS
A. Comply with all Spirit at Play policies and procedures.
B. Complete assigned work in a timely and accurate manner.
C. Commitment to the Spirit at Play vision and mission.
D. Perform other duties as needed and directed.
II. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A. Bachelors or Master’s Degree in early childhood education, child development,
education certification/licensure, psychology, or other related field;
B. Meet Federal and Montana State requirements for Director Credential for Early Learning Centers or be able to attain such credential within 90-days of hire;
C. Concrete leadership experience including, but not limited to the following
administrative skills: flexibility, ability to delegate and empower, conflict mediation,
collaboration, resourcefulness, and abundant thinking with the supervision of teachers
and support staff;
D. Ability to interact and communicate verbally and in written form with students, staff
and parents in a manner characterized by respect, warmth, positive support, and
individuality;
E. Environmentally minded;
F. Exhibit a genuine love for children.\
III. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
A. Possess a strong background in developmentally appropriate programming and
curriculum;
B. Knowledge of Howard Gardener’s Multiple Intelligences, Reggio Emilia Philosophy, and
the Project Approach.
C. Knowledge of play-based curriculum, positive guidance, and nature based education;
D. Understanding of, and experience in, 501(c)(3) organizations and the nonprofit sector;
E. Competency in Microsoft Office Suite, G-Suite, QuickBooks, social media marketing and
current Information Technology systems;
F. Possess a working knowledge in the field of budget management, accounting,
non-profit management, and grant writing;
G. 3-5 years working in an early childhood program and 1-2 years of program management
experience in an early childhood program;
H. Experience in fundraising and donor relations.
IV. Benefits
A. Simple IRA employer match.
B. Health, vision and dental insurance.
C. Generous Paid Time Off, holidays and sick days.
D. Calendar alignment with local education agencies (including school closure
during winter and spring breaks and Holidays).
E. Paid continuing education and professional development opportunities.
F. Chance to work in a growth-minded and positive school community.
G. Opportunity to lead a progressive educational program and grow our
community’s leaders of tomorrow.
Spirit at Play's policy is that every person has the right to work in surroundings that are free
from all forms of unlawful discrimination. Spirit at Play hires, promotes, transfers, terminates,
and makes all other employment related decisions without unlawful consideration of an
employee's race, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability,
age, national origin, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or Federal law.
Applicants must have a deep commitment to non-profit administration, high-quality early
childhood education, nature, and community.
To apply, please provide a resume and cover letter with 3 professional references via email.
Position open until filled.
