Principal Job Description
Position Summary
The Principal of Élan Academy Charter School is a systems leader, coach, and mentor, responsible for driving academic success, fostering a positive school culture, and ensuring operational excellence. Reporting to the CEO, the Principal sets the vision and executes the strategy for achieving ambitious goals in academics, organizational health, and financial managemen. This is more than a job—it’s a calling to build something extraordinary. The work will be challenging, but it will be worth it.
Qualifications
We are looking for a leader who embodies resilience, alignment with our mission, and the skills to inspire both staff and students.
Proven experience in educational leadership and team management.
Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s or advanced degree preferred.
Strong data analysis and strategic decision-making skills.
Expertise or familiarity with school finance, governance, education law, and resource allocation.
Outstanding communication, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
Optimism, perseverance, and an eagerness to grow professionally.
At least one year as a school leader or two years as an assistant school leader.
A steadfast belief in the potential of all students to succeed.
Commitment to using data to drive instruction and improve outcomes.
Technological proficiency and adaptability.
Humility and a passion for collaboration and continuous learning.
Key Responsibilities
1. Build a Positive School Culture
Develop and implement systems to foster a thriving school environment.
Coach teachers and leaders to create effective routines, reinforce positive behaviors, and maintain consistent responses to misbehavior.
2. Drive Academic Excellence
Establish systems to ensure high-quality instruction, data analysis, and interventions to boost student achievement.
Lead and coach instructional leaders to replicate and amplify success.
3. Strengthen Family Engagement
Create and maintain systems for onboarding new families and engaging existing ones.
Ensure families are informed about their child’s progress and feel like valued partners in their child’s education.
4. Cultivate a High-Performing Staff Culture
Make strategic hiring, retention, and promotion decisions.
Foster a supportive and high-accountability environment where staff feel motivated and empowered to excel.
5. Manage Budget and Operations
Plan and oversee discretionary budget use to align with school priorities.
Collaborate with operations staff to ensure resources are effectively allocated and managed.
6. Ensure Compliance and Accountability
Maintain compliance with all applicable laws and policies through effective systems and staff training.
7. Set and Achieve Ambitious Goals
Lead the team to meet benchmarks such as:
Improving the school letter grade by 2025-2026.
Maintaining a progress index grade of B or higher.
Achieving a 95% annual student attendance rate.
Retaining 85% of staff year-over-year.
Ensuring a 90% student persistence rate.
Compensation & Benefits
Salaries for this role range from $80,000 to $100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additional performance-based compensation is available based on goal attainment and organizational success.
Join us in shaping the future for Élan Academy scholars and creating lasting impact.