Work at Monica Ros

Joining our team at Monica Ros School provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners. If you are passionate about education, dedicated to supporting student success, and eager to contribute to a positive school community, we are always looking for amazing educators to be a part of the Monica Ros magic. If applying for the Head of School position, please follow the Application Instructions in the posting. For all other positions, please submit your resume, a cover letter, and references to our Interim Head of School, Sarah Arlon, at sarlon@monicaros.org. We will review all applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Kristen Ruth Smith 10/18/24 Kristen Ruth Smith 10/18/24

Head of School

We are seeking a Head of School to be the driving force behind both the operational excellence and the strategic vision of Monica Ros School. As the school’s leader, the Head of School ensures the seamless integration of day-to-day activities with long-term planning, while fostering an environment that encourages educational innovation and upholds the school’s cherished traditions.

Position Overview:

The Head of School is the driving force behind both the operational excellence and the strategic vision of Monica Ros School. As the school’s leader, the Head of School ensures the seamless integration of day-to-day activities with long-term planning, while fostering an environment that encourages educational innovation and upholds the school’s cherished traditions. The Head of School is a full-time, 12-month position who reports to the Board of Trustees, providing regular updates on school affairs, and serves as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders, including students, parents, faculty and external agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Board Engagement:

Serve as the visionary director of the school who helps create a safe, equitable, and inclusive learning environment; and is responsible for leading and executing the strategic direction in collaboration with the Board of Trustees.
Organize and participate in board meetings, maintaining open lines of communication with the Board President to formulate meeting agendas.

Staff Management and Professional Development:

Oversee the recruitment, hiring, supervision, and professional development of a diverse and talented staff, including educators and support personnel, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and promoting a culture of excellence.
Conduct regular performance evaluations and facilitate collaborative opportunities for staff to contribute to the school’s curricular and extracurricular offerings.

Oversight of Educational Program:

Support the staff to design and update curriculum, ensuring the school’s programs reflect best practices and innovation in teaching and learning.
Provide guidance and support to address academic and behavioral challenges, guaranteeing the highest quality of educational experiences for all students.

Community Engagement:

Provide inspiration and creativity within the school’s philosophy and traditions to create a dynamic and inclusive school environment.
Cultivate a school culture that balances warmth, openness, and structure, providing support to families and teachers.
Ensure regular and consistent communication with families and the wider community to effectively convey and represent the school’s mission and objectives.
Act as the school’s ambassador at official functions, maintaining positive relationships with local educational institutions, civic organizations, and participating in community events.

Policy Implementation and Compliance:

Uphold school policies and daily operations, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, as well as maintaining not-for-profit status requirements.
Spearhead the school’s response to oversight agencies, ensuring compliance with various regulatory bodies.

Financial Stewardship and Fundraising:

Develop the annual budget in conjunction with the Board Treasurer, making prudent financial decisions and overseeing the school’s fundraising efforts to ensure financial sustainability.
Lead and execute effective fundraising strategies, in collaboration with the Board.

Facilities Management:

Oversee the maintenance and improvement of the school’s physical environment, working with the Capital Improvement Committee to develop and implement the facility master plan, ensuring a safe, functional, and welcoming campus.

Qualifications:

Proven leadership experience in an institutional setting, with a passion for upholding the school’s philosophy and traditions
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management
Fundraising experience (preferred)
Bachelor’s degree or higher (preferred)
Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for students, staff, and the wider school community
Knowledge of current educational trends and best practices, with a commitment to professional development and innovation

Additional Requirements (if offered the position):

Vaccinations and boosters as required by the school together with agreement to adhere as a condition of employment to all of the school’s risk mitigation policies and protocols
Current Driver’s License
Clean DOJ digital fingerprinting background check
Proof of negative TB test
CPR and First Aid Certification
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
Ability to sit, stand, and engage in physical activities with children, such as bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor of classrooms and outdoor play areas for extended periods of time
Effective communication skills (e.g., hearing, speaking, writing) to engage with students, colleagues, and parents

Compensation:

The full salary range for this position is $80,000 to $120,000, but the school does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The expected hiring range is $90,000 to $95,000. The actual offer takes into account multiple factors, including but not limited to education, experience, and other organizational needs. In addition to the base salary, the Head of School receives a competitive benefits package, including group medical coverage, tuition remission, and the ability to enroll in a retirement plan.

Employees of Monica Ros School experience a culture of open communication, mutual support, and professional development. We believe in an inclusive workplace where each staff member and family feels a deep sense of belonging. Monica Ros School is an equal opportunity employer.

Join us in leading Monica Ros School into a future where tradition meets innovation, and where everyday is an opportunity to inspire, educate, and make a difference!

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit the following to board@monicaros.org:

A cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the Head of School position at Monica Ros School
A comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae
A brief statement describing the candidate’s educational and leadership philosophy

We also encourage all applicants to review the Monica Ros School Prospectus.

Search Process and Anticipated Timeline:

Deadline for submission of applications: January 3, 2025
Interviews (via Zoom) with semifinalists: January 2025
Interviews and campus visits with finalists: early February 2025
Board decision and offer: late February / early March 2025
Head of School assumes position: July 1, 2025

How to Apply

If applying for the Head of School position, please follow the Application Instructions above.

For all other positions, please submit your resume, a cover letter, and references to our Interim Head of School, Sarah Arlon, at sarlon@monicaros.org. We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Kristen Ruth Smith 7/22/24 Kristen Ruth Smith 7/22/24

Preschool Teacher

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Preschool Teacher with a growth mindset to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about early childhood education and development, and committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for our preschool students. The Preschool Teacher will be responsible for creating and implementing a curriculum that promotes the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of the children.

At Monica Ros School, our Preschool Program is the beginning of a vibrant and formative educational journey for our young students. Rich in both tradition and thematic units, the program is one that inspires curiosity and ignites the joy of learning. We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Preschool Teacher with a growth mindset to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about early childhood education and development, and committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for our preschool students. The Preschool Teacher will be responsible for creating and implementing a curriculum that promotes the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of the children.

About Us

Monica Ros School has been providing a magical beginning to Ojai children’s education for more than 80 years. Our mission is to expand a child’s natural passion for learning in a setting that celebrates Ojai’s natural beauty. Our curriculum builds a child’s confidence both in the classroom and out in the world, inspiring a lifetime of discovery.

Qualifications

High School diploma.
Minimum 2 years of experience teaching preschool-aged children (preferred).
Early Childhood Education units required.

Responsibilities

Design and implement age-appropriate lesson plans that align with the school's educational philosophy.
Foster a creative and interactive classroom environment to encourage exploration and learning.
Incorporate a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
Develop and enforce classroom rules and routines to promote positive behavior.
Monitor and document students’ progress and development.
Build strong, positive relationships with students and families to support their emotional and social development.
Encourage and support children's natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
Provide individualized attention and instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.
Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about their child’s progress and any concerns.
Work collaboratively with other teachers and staff to create a cohesive and supportive educational environment.
Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school events.
Stay current with the latest trends and best practices in early childhood education.
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and ethical standards in all interactions.
Adhere to school policies and procedures.

Required Skills

Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with students, co-teacher, and parents.
Ability to create and maintain a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment.
Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support the social development of young learners.
Ability to follow directions and work collaboratively as part of a team.
Proficiency in basic computer skills, including word processing and email communication.
Strong interpersonal skills. Supportive, collaborative and adaptable.
Previous experience working with children in an educational setting is required.
A high level of integrity, curiosity and warmth.
A growth-mindset and strong work ethic.
Excellent English language skills with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication. Proficiency in Spanish (or other languages) is a plus though not required.
Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters as required by the school together with agreement to adhere as a condition of employment to all of the school's Covid-19 risk mitigation policies and protocols (if offered the position).
Current Driver’s License.
Clean DOJ digital fingerprinting background check (if offered the position).
Proof of negative TB test (if offered the position).
CPR and First Aid Certification (if offered the position).

Functional Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
Ability to sit, stand, and move around the classroom and outdoor play areas for extended periods.
Ability to engage in physical activities with children, such as bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor.
Effective communication skills, both in hearing and speaking, to engage with students, colleagues, and parents.
Comfort with sitting and standing for extended periods, including occasional climbing of small ladders.
Agility in bending, kneeling, and reaching to access teaching materials and resources.

Compensation Range

This is an hourly position with a range of $23-$25/hour. Employees of Monica Ros receive a competitive benefits package, including group medical coverage, tuition remission, and ability to enroll in a retirement plan.

Employees of Monica Ros experience a culture of open communication, mutual support, and professional development to meet each team-member’s goals. We believe in an inclusive workplace where each team-member and family feels a deep sense of belonging. MRS is an equal employment opportunity employer.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and references to our Head of School, Sarah Arlon, at sarlon@monicaros.org. We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.