AEME Board Director

Board Director - Position Description

AEME Mission: We increase access to high-quality, early childhood education fro children and families impacted by economic and racial inequities by providing tuition-free Montessori schools for preschool-age children. 

AEME Equity Statement: In order to achieve our mission, we are steadfastly committed to combat poverty-related, race-related, gender-related, and all other forms of unfair bias that stand in the way of children’s success in school.

AEME is committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who are Latino/a, Black, Southeast Asian, refugees, immigrants or from other underrepresented groups. We are currently in process of expanding and adding new sites and classrooms. Our second site opens in Fall 2026.

Please visit our website at http://www.montessori-equity.org for more information on our work.

Position Overview:
AEME is seeking passionate, strategic, and committed individuals to join our Board of Directors. Board Directors play a critical role in guiding the organization’s vision, ensuring financial stability, and supporting programs that expand access to Montessori Education. No former Board experience is required.

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction for AEME


• Uphold the organization’s mission, vision, and values


• Attend and actively participate in board meetings and annual retreats


• As our board grows, serve on at least one board committee or workgroup


• Stay knowledgeable on AEME’s mission and programs to effectively advocate for AEME in the community and support fundraising efforts


• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and fiduciary responsibilities


• Make a meaningful annual personal financial donation to AEME


• Help identify personal connections who can benefit the organization’s fundraising, reputation and standing, and who can influence related public policy

Additional Expectations

• Follow AEME’s by-laws, policies, and board resolutions


• Sign a periodic conflict-of-interest disclosure, as well as disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings


• Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of AEME


• Avoid overstepping into AEME administrative and school operations

Who We’re Looking For:

• Passion for education equity and the Montessori approach


• Strong dedication to racial and economic equity and social justice issues


• Strong communicator and team player


• Commitment (and time) to attend meetings and actively participate

We are particularly hopeful to connect with people who have experience in one area below:

• Nonprofit governance


• Finance


• Fundraising and/or Marketing


• Human resources


• Construction and/or real estate


• Public education or early childhood education


• Montessori teacher or administrator


• Parents of public Montessori students

We Strongly Encourage Applications From:

• Latino/a, Black, Southeast Asian, refugee, and immigrant communities


• Individuals whose perspectives reflect the children and families we serve


• Parents or former students of public Montessori schools


• People who entered grade school as a dual language learning child

Why Serve on the AEME Board?

• Make a meaningful impact on children’s education and community equity


• Collaborate with a dedicated team of educators, parents, and community leaders


• Gain experience in nonprofit governance and educational leadership


• The Board directly supports the educational advancement and equity of often underrepresented communities. Your experience and perspective can help ensure AEME’s classrooms reflect and serve the rich diversity of our children and families.

Location: Remote/Portland-Metro, Oregon. Mix of in-person and virtual meetings.

Commitment: Volunteer, 2-4 hours/month. Attend and actively participate in Board meetings plus annual planning retreat. Three year Board commitment, with opportunity for second three year term.

Current Meeting Schedule:

Virtual Board meets on the 2nd Wednesday (4:30-6pm) of the month September through June. Annual ½ day in person Board retreat/meeting in November, and one in person meeting each Spring.

Governance Committee (President, Treasurer & Secretary) hold virtual meetings the first Wednesday of every month in the evening (5-6pm).

To Apply: Submit your application via our bamboohr job portal.  All applications will be reviewed by the Governance Committee prior to scheduling a virtual interview or submission of application to the Full Board.

AEME is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Your perspective is valued, and all backgrounds are welcome.