ST. CHRISTOPHER’S MONTESSORI, Victoria, British Columbia

Principal / Head of School

Full-Time  |  Victoria, BC Preferred  |  Start Date: Summer 2026

About St. Christopher’s Montessori

 

St. Christopher’s Montessori is an established early childhood program in Victoria, BC, offering a full-day Kindergarten program and half-day programs for children aged three and four. Our CASA program provides extended care for four-year-olds and represents a meaningful area of planned growth.

 

We are a mission-driven school committed to Montessori principles, strong family relationships, and thoughtful operations. Our next Principal will bring both educational grounding and the operational capability to lead the school through its next phase of development.

 

The Opportunity

 

This is a full-time leadership role for a Principal who can hold both sides of the job: educational quality and business health. The school has strong potential for growth in enrollment, program development, and community engagement, and we are seeking a leader capable of guiding that progress.

 

You will report directly to the Board of Directors and work collaboratively with the Board on strategic direction while maintaining full responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and operation of the school.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

School Leadership and Culture

  • Serve as the educational and administrative leader of the school
  • Build and maintain a warm, professional, and mission-aligned school culture
  • Uphold Montessori philosophy and best practices across all programs
  • Act as the primary representative of the school to families and the community

 

Business Operations and Growth

  • Develop and execute strategies to achieve full enrollment across all programs
  • Identify and pursue program expansion opportunities, including CASA growth and seasonal programming
  • Manage the school budget, contribute to financial planning, and monitor operational performance
  • Work with the Board on long-term sustainability and strategic direction

 

Operations and Compliance

  • Oversee daily school operations, policies, and procedures
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable licensing, health, safety, and regulatory requirements
  • Improve systems for consistency, efficiency, and accountability
  • Manage vendor and facility relationships

 

Staff Leadership and Development

  • Hire, mentor, and evaluate teaching and administrative staff
  • Create clear performance expectations, feedback systems, and professional development pathways
  • Build a high-functioning, collaborative, and accountable team

 

Family and Community Engagement

  • Build strong relationships with current and prospective families
  • Oversee admissions, enrollment, and the family experience from inquiry through re-enrollment
  • Address parent concerns with professionalism and transparency
  • Strengthen the school’s reputation and standing in the Victoria community

 

Qualifications

 

Required

  • Montessori credential (AMI, AMS, or equivalent) or demonstrated significant Montessori leadership experience
  • Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in school leadership, program administration, or early childhood management
  • Proven ability to lead and develop staff teams
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Financial literacy, including budgeting, expense management, and revenue tracking

 

Strongly Preferred

  • ECE certificate or teaching certificate
  • Experience with enrollment growth, admissions, or family engagement
  • Background in operations, business management, or organizational systems
  • Experience scaling or expanding programs
  • Familiarity with BC childcare licensing and regulatory requirements

 

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are growth-oriented and comfortable making decisions. You understand that a financially healthy school is better positioned to deliver on its educational mission. You lead with warmth and hold high standards. You are proactive, solution-focused, and communicate clearly with families, staff, and board members alike.

 

Compensation

 

Base salary: $90,000 CAD per year

 

Performance incentives: up to $20,000 CAD annually, based on achievement of defined targets, which may include:

  • Full enrollment across all school programs
  • Expansion and full enrollment of the CASA program to include younger age groups
  • Launch of spring and/or summer camp programming
  • Staff retention and culture benchmarks
  • Financial performance goals established and achieved

 

Professional development support and collaborative board structure included.

 

Location and Start Date

 

This position is based in Victoria, British Columbia. Candidates local to Victoria or elsewhere in BC are strongly preferred. We are targeting a start date of July or August 2026.

 

How to Apply

 

Please submit the following to: board@stcmontessori.ca

  • Resume or CV
  • Cover letter describing your relevant experience and your approach to Montessori leadership
  • Three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notice)

 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly.

 

We welcome applications from current St. Christopher’s staff and external candidates equally. All applications will be reviewed by the hiring committee with the same criteria applied consistently.

 

St. Christopher’s Montessori is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for children, families, and staff.