Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the leading nonprofit membership organization representing the voice of Montessori education in the United States and beyond. AMS connects and serves thousands of educators, schools, and teacher education programs through accreditation, professional development, research, and advocacy.

About the Organization

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost association championing Montessori education, representing a global network of more than 1,300 member schools, 20,000 individual members, and over 100 affiliated teacher education programs. AMS advances quality Montessori practice by setting professional and educational standards, providing learning and leadership development, and convening the community through events like The Montessori Event, one of the largest Montessori gatherings in the world. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, AMS works to ensure that Montessori education remains a vibrant, equitable, and evidence-informed approach for children and adults across diverse learning environments. standards, professional development, research, and community building.

Organization Website

You can learn more about The American Montessori Society at their website.

About the Role

What You'll Do

The Senior Director of Marketing & Communications will serve as a strategic, visionary, and data-driven leader who elevates AMS's brand, storytelling, and reach. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, this individual will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that drives awareness, engagement, and growth across AMS's programs, membership, and events. This role is ideal for a marketing executive who blends creativity with analytical rigor, understands how to leverage AI and marketing technology to scale impact, and thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. The Senior Director will oversee a talented team and manage a range of external consultants to ensure that AMS's voice and presence are consistent, compelling, and aligned with its strategic priorities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organization-wide strategy, planning, and decision-making
• Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy that strengthens AMS's brand, supports its mission, and drives measurable results
• Act as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director on branding, positioning, and external engagement

Marketing & Communications Oversight

• Lead AMS's marketing and communications efforts across membership, events, professional development, publications, advocacy, and partnerships
• Manage the organization's brand identity, messaging, and voice to ensure consistency across all channels
• Oversee HubSpot-driven campaigns, email marketing, audience segmentation, and CRM data management
• Direct social media strategy, content production, and marketing for AMS publications, events, and programs

Marketing Technology & AI Integration

• Conduct a full audit of AMS's marketing operations to optimize efficiency and effectiveness
• Leverage AI tools, marketing automation, and analytics to enhance outcomes and streamline workflows
• Oversee the AMS website, digital platforms, and marketing systems to ensure seamless user experience and engagement

Events & Revenue Growth

• Lead marketing strategy for AMS's annual conference to achieve a sold-out event each year
• Develop targeted campaigns to drive sponsorships, ad sales, and product certifications (including the Seal of Excellence)
• Execute data-driven marketing initiatives that increase membership, registrations, and non-dues revenue

Partnerships & Agency Management

• Manage relationships with external partners and consultants, including those responsible for: Podcast production (Educating the Human Potential), Montessori Life magazine editorial, sponsorships and ad sales, Seal of Excellence program
• Negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and ensure accountability for performance and ROI

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing and communications team
• Build strong cross-departmental partnerships to ensure alignment and integrated campaigns
• Foster a collaborative culture grounded in creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement

You will report to the Executive Director.

You will supervise a marketing team of 3.

You will serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 6 years of progressive marketing and communications leadership experience, ideally within a nonprofit membership organization or education-focused environment
• Proven success in brand strategy, integrated marketing, and communications at a senior level
• Expertise in AI tools, HubSpot, CRM/marketing automation, and analytics platforms
• Experience managing agency and consultant relationships and executing large-scale campaigns
• Track record of driving revenue growth, membership engagement, and successful events
• Strong analytical, data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insights into strategy
• Skilled in creative direction, design thinking, and audience-centered storytelling
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management skills

Personal Attributes

• Strategic & Visionary: Sees the big picture while driving operational excellence
• Results-Oriented: Focused on measurable outcomes, growth, and engagement
• Fast & Focused: Thrives in a dynamic, high-energy environment
• Collaborative & Influential: Builds alignment and trust across teams and stakeholders
• Innovative & Tech-Savvy: Passionate about leveraging AI, automation, and data for impact
• Design- and Sales-Minded: Combines creative branding instincts with business acumen

Success in Year One

• Conduct a comprehensive marketing department audit and implement strategies to cut costs and improve efficiency
• Establish AMS as a top-tier, visible brand in Montessori education through powerful storytelling and positioning
• Achieve a sold-out annual conference through creative, data-driven campaigns
• Launch AI-driven marketing and automation to increase ROI and reduce overhead
• Deliver measurable growth in membership, sponsorships, ad sales, and event registrations
• Implement a membership retention and growth plan that expands school memberships and boosts individual retention
• Build and align a high-performing, collaborative marketing team

Additional Details

Employees must reside in one of the following states: Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, or Washington DC.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Vision & dental health plan options, 100% paid for employee
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick, holidays, personal days, additional office closures
• 403b retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Long-term disability insurance
• Equal Employment Opportunity

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.