Head of School
Position Summary
Prairie Hill Learning Center is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of School to lead our Montessori community into its next phase of growth and maturity. As the school’s chief executive, the Head of School is responsible for all aspects of the school’s daily operations, long-term planning, and mission fulfillment. This role requires a thoughtful, dynamic, and innovative leader who can build strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, parents, and the Board of Directors.
The Head of School ensures the school maintains the highest standards of Montessori education and care for the whole child while advancing its long-term vision of sustainability, connecting children and nature on a beautiful campus, and caring for each other, our community, and the world.
About Prairie Hill Learning Center
Founded in 1981, Prairie Hill Learning Center is an independent, nonprofit Montessori school serving approximately 100 children ages 18 months through 8th grade. Located on a beautiful 12-acre farm, the campus includes four school buildings, open space, woods, trails, prairie, a sledding hill, a riding circle, and a big red barn with horses, cats, and chickens. Prairie Hill offers a unique nature-based learning environment while grounded in authentic Montessori education. Prairie Hill is Nebraska’s first wind and solar powered school and is committed to environmental sustainability and hands-on learning.
The mission of Prairie Hill is to offer education in an atmosphere that promotes individual growth as well as caring for others and the Earth. The school is an approved private school through the Nebraska Department of Education and a licensed childcare facility by the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. Lead Guides are Montessori certified teachers.
Grades
Pre-K–8Additional Information
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Vision
- Provide strategic leadership and guide the school toward long-term growth, including strategic planning and setting curricular goals.
- Collaborate with the Board to establish and monitor institutional goals and educational policies.
- Champion the school’s mission and values internally and in the broader community.
Academic and Program Oversight
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a staff of approximately 25 full- and part-time employees.
- Ensure high-quality Montessori programs that nurture both academic success and social and emotional development.
- Oversee staff hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and professional development.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning aligned with Montessori principles.
Operations and Administration
- Manage the school’s annual budget and oversee daily operations.
- Lead student recruitment, enrollment, and retention efforts.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements for the Nebraska Department of
Education and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
- Secure additional funding through grants and community fundraising.
- Ensure the school environment is safe in all regards.
Community Engagement
- Build strong relationships with current and prospective families and alumni through events, meetings, and communication channels.
- Represent Prairie Hill in the local community.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification preferred.
- Proven leadership experience in a school setting preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Strong strategic and operational management skills, including budgeting and planning.
- Strong commitment to fostering growth and development within the school community.
- Ability to actively listen, build consensus, and act decisively as required.
- Successful completion of a background check is required.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salaried position $70,000 based on experience and qualifications.
- Stipend for medical, vision, and dental insurance.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Tuition discount.
- Paid professional development.
Contact Information
PRAIRIE HILL Learning Center17705 S. 12th St
Roca, Nebraska 68430
https://www.prairiehill.com
PHLC Board
(p) (402) 438-6668
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following to the Prairie Hill Board of Directors at PHLCboard@gmail.com.
- Cover letter expressing interest in this position and alignment with Prairie Hill’s mission and vision.
- Current resume.
- Names and contact information of five professional references (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission).