Description

POSITION : Assistant Principal, Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts: High School Campus (Grades 9-12)

REPORTS TO : Principal of the School and/or the Superintendent of Schools and CEO's designee

POSITION SUMMARY : Hartford Public Schools seeks a visionary and people-centered leader with a passion for educating children, a commitment to closing achievement gaps, and the ability to maximize learning for all students. We invite applications from knowledgeable and innovative professionals who are committed to urban education and deeply understand the academic, social, and emotional needs of students at various stages of development.

Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts (KMSPA) is a dynamic learning community where arts integration, cultural exposure, and comprehensive training come together to inspire and elevate students. At KMSPA, the performing arts are not just a program - they are a pathway to student voice, identity, and academic excellence. Our students actively engage in creating, performing, and responding, guided by certified educators in drama, dance, production, stagecraft, and instrumental and vocal arts. The school's state-of-the-art facility features modern dance studios, a Black Box Theater, and music rooms. In partnership with Weaver High School, students can also access CIAC sports including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, and more.

The assistant principal will serve as an instructional leader, culture builder, and community connector - partnering with the principal and school community to ensure every student and staff member thrives. This leader will design and model effective instruction, communication, discipline, and intervention, while building a culture of respect, joy, and belonging that creates the conditions for both student and staff success. In the absence of the principal, the assistant principal will assume full responsibility for the administration and supervision of the program, staff, and building. This leader will also take on meaningful day-to-day operational leadership - bringing both presence and purpose to every corner of this small but extraordinary community.

Ideal candidates will bring a proven record of student-centered instructional leadership at the secondary level, including demonstrated experience with high school scheduling. A deep appreciation for the performing arts as a vehicle for student growth, and demonstrated success in building meaningful relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community, are equally essential. Experience in magnet school environments - and an understanding of the unique opportunities and responsibilities they carry - is strongly preferred. Candidates with a background in or genuine appreciation for arts-integrated learning will be particularly well-positioned to lead and grow within KMSPA's distinctive educational model. Strong written communication skills are a must, as this role includes responsibility for reports, grant writing, and other formal communications that support the school's mission and resources. We are looking for a leader who leads with both heart and rigor - someone who believes deeply in the potential of every child and the power of a strong, supportive school community to help them realize it.

To learn more about Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts: High School Campus, please visit here .

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE :

• Partner with the principal and instructional staff to continuously evaluate, refine, and improve academic programs that meet the diverse needs of all students
• Assess student needs and use data to drive meaningful improvements in instruction and learning outcomes
• Collaborate directly with teachers to strengthen instructional practices, deepen arts integration, and elevate student achievement
• Assist the development and implementation of the Plan for School Excellence and Accountability (school improvement plan)
• Stay current on best practices, research, and innovations in secondary education, arts integration, and magnet school programming
• Organize and support staff for maximum effectiveness, high morale, and a shared sense of purpose
• Provide thoughtful, consistent supervision and evaluation of all assigned personnel
• Identify staffing needs, recommend strong candidates for teaching positions to the principal, and support smooth onboarding and transitions
• Define roles and responsibilities for specialized staff in alignment with school goals
• Build and sustain a culture of respect, joy, and belonging that creates the conditions for both student and staff success
• Foster a collaborative professional culture where staff feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow
• Champion a school culture and climate that is welcoming, equitable, and deeply community-oriented
• Serve as a visible, approachable, and trusted presence for students, families, staff, and community partners
• Maintain active and appropriate relationships with public and private agencies to support student and school success
• Communicate school philosophy, policy, and programming clearly and consistently to all stakeholders
• Formulate, communicate, and uphold school philosophy and policy in alignment with district and Board of Education guidelines
• Lead the school's implementation of applicable federal and state regulations, ensuring full compliance
• Implement contracts and maintain open, professional communication with bargaining unit members
• Provide timely, accurate reports and recommendations as requested
• Make sound budgetary recommendations and remain knowledgeable of potential funding sources, including grants and special funding opportunities
• Participate in the development of proposals for supplemental or special program funding
• Adhere to all Board of Education policies and administrative regulations
• Assume full administrative and supervisory responsibility for the school in the principal's absence
• Perform school-related duties that may extend beyond the regular workday, distributed fairly and equitably among the administrative team
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Principal and/or the Superintendent and CEO's designee

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ABILITIES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE :

• Collaborative, transparent, and inclusive leadership style with a demonstrated ability to inspire excellence in students, staff, and the broader school community
• Proven record of fostering a positive school culture and climate where creativity, equity, and academic achievement thrive
• Demonstrated experience with high school scheduling
• Experience leading and motivating adults- whether as a department chair, grade-level leader, instructional coach, or administrator
• High level of personal accountability for student growth, staff performance, and school-wide outcomes
• Knowledge of and experience with the unique opportunities and responsibilities of magnet school environments
• Instructional experience at the secondary level in urban and multicultural settings
• Ability to maintain poise, adaptability, and sound judgment in a fast-paced, dynamic educational environment
• Deep understanding of arts integration as a powerful strategy for student engagement, academic achievement, and whole-child development
• Strong knowledge of curriculum development, pedagogy, and assessment practices that support diverse learners
• Persistent, data-informed approach to instructional decision-making and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated commitment to integrating technology meaningfully into curriculum and instruction to enhance student learning
• Experience working in or alongside arts-integrated programs (strongly preferred)
• Appreciation for the performing arts as a vehicle for student voice, identity, and academic growth
• Unwavering commitment to the academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and holistic development of every student
• Demonstrated equitable leadership practices with measurable impact on instruction, culture, and climate
• Ability to close achievement gaps while honoring the full range of student talents and needs
• Strong written communication skills, including experience writing reports, grants, and formal school communications
• Outstanding communication skills - visible, approachable, and consistent - with the ability to build authentic relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners
• Collaborative spirit with the ability to unite all school stakeholders around a shared vision and common goals
• Working knowledge of financial management principles in a school setting
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and PowerSchool (or comparable student information systems)

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : Connecticut Certification in Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092) is required.

UNION AFFILIATION : Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association (HPSA)

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT : Salary is in accordance with the Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association's 2026-2027 Schedule: Assistant Principal Group 19, salary range of $138,539 - $155,174 (12-month work year).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools' online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford . Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. The code word for the internal application is hartford (lowercase "h"). Candidates' application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates who advance will be contacted directly by hiring managers for interviews.

Benefits

We Value Our Staff...And It Shows

Hartford Public Schools is seeking excellent candidates and wants to provide the best experience for you.

We have put together a comprehensive package of benefits and incentives.

Financial Incentives

• Tuition Reimbursement : Up to $3,000 annually
• Residency Differential : 3% of base salary for certified administrators (HPSA members) living in Hartford
• Differential for Doctorate in Education : $2,500 annually

Additional Benefits

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• Board contribution of 50% of the applicable Health Savings Account (HSA) deductible
• 5 Personal days per year; 20 Sick days per year
• Life insurance (2x annual salary)
• Loan forgiveness (State & Federal)
• Professional learning
• Career growth opportunities