Montessori Accreditation Service Specialist

About the American Montessori Society 

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education, an innovative, child-centered approach to learning. AMS sets high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. A not-for-profit membership based in New York City, with more than 18,000 members world-wide, AMS is the hub of all things Montessori: an information center for its members, the media, and the public; a voice in the public arena; and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community, through support services, accreditation, credentialing, and affiliation services, research, and professional development events and offerings.

AMS is classified as a 501(c) (3) (i.e., tax-exempt, nonprofit) organization.

AMS envisions a world in which quality Montessori education is widely recognized, highly desired, and accessible to all.

Accreditation Service Specialist

• Reports to: School Accreditation Manager
• Works closely with: Staff in all areas of the organization
• Classification: Full-time (1.0 FTE); Non-Exempt
• Annual Salary: $45,000 - $50,000
• Worksite: This is a remote position with travel 2-4 times per year, including Annual Conference

To Apply: Only applications complete with a cover letter and PDF résumé will be considered for review. 

Specific areas of focus include:

School Support

• Ensure current and prospective applicants for accreditation receive relevant information on a timely basis and are well served throughout the accreditation process
• Serve as a main point of contact, respond promptly to written and telephone inquiries, and initiate follow-up regarding the accreditation process, requirements, and deadlines
• Support collaboration between AMS staff, volunteers, and applicant schools
• Maintain database and contact information for accreditation teams, serve as point of contact for volunteers
• Present information to schools about accreditation, self-study, and team visit phases

Clerical

• Acknowledge, review, and log all applications received for completeness and accuracy, and determine eligibility for accreditation candidacy
• Process all accreditation-related invoices
• Process and distribute certificates, forms, and related communications to volunteers and schools
• Use database and other organization tools to update records and track the progress of schools
• Assists in the processing of annual reports
• Provide clerical and logistical assistance for School Accreditation Commission meetings and teleconferences
• Undertake departmental tasks as delegated by Senior Director of Membership and School Accreditation or Accreditation Manager

Member Service and Cross-Departmental Tasks

• Respond to member inquiries received by phone and email regarding all aspects of their AMS member experience (accreditation, professional development, credential services, events, etc.)
• Participate in annual conference work in various roles

 

The Accreditation Service Specialist is discreet and personable with highly effective oral, written and communication skills. The position requires a person who is a self-starter with strong organizational skills, independent worker, excellent time management, and the ability to multi-task. Strong computer skills are required; knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is essential, as is experience with database entry. The ideal person enjoys work that requires attention to detail, customer service, document preparation, and problem-solving.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Montessori Teaching or Administrator Credential
• Empathy and enthusiasm
• Is committed to equity, inclusion, and antiracism
• Customer (member) support skills
• Keyboard/data entry skills
• Knowledge of data management systems
• Proficiency in Excel
• Experience with accreditation processes

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.