Academies of Math and Science – Ft. Smith
Founding Principal
Reports To: Director of Schools
Location: 3510 North Ave, Ft. Smith, Arkansas
Expected Start: Fall 2026
Salary Range: $95,000–$110,000 annually, depending on experience
Position Summary
Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is seeking a Founding Principal to lead the launch of AMS Ft. Smith. This role offers a unique opportunity to establish a high-performing public charter school from the ground up, serving students and families in underserved communities.
The Founding Principal will be responsible for setting the instructional vision, building school culture, and leading all aspects of school development in partnership with AMS network leadership. This position requires a strategic, entrepreneurial, and community-centered leader with a strong track record in instructional leadership, staff development, and student achievement.
Key Responsibilities
Vision, Strategy & School Development
- Collaborate with AMS leadership to develop and implement a clear instructional and operational vision aligned with AMS's mission and academic model.
- Contribute to the charter application process, including academic programming, governance, and operational planning.
- Support school site selection and facility design to ensure alignment with instructional and student needs.
Instructional & Academic Leadership
- Implement rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum and instructional practices to drive high levels of student achievement.
- Establish systems for data-driven instruction, progress monitoring, and continuous improvement.
- Lead the development of a strong school culture grounded in high expectations, accountability, and student support.
Talent & Team Leadership
- Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop high-quality instructional and operational staff.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development to build teacher capacity and leadership pipelines.
- Foster a collaborative, results-oriented staff culture.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with families, community organizations, and local stakeholders.
- Serve as the public-facing leader of AMS Ft. Smith, representing the school within the community.
- Establish family engagement systems that support student success and school sustainability.
Founding Principal Training Requirement
The successful candidate will be required to complete an extensive onboarding and leadership development program at existing AMS schools and support offices in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. This immersive training is a critical part of preparing to launch and lead AMS Ft. Smith.
Candidates should expect to spend multiple extended periods in Phoenix, potentially lasting several weeks at a time, working alongside experienced AMS principals, instructional leaders, and operational staff. While opportunities to return home between training assignments will be available, applicants must be willing and able to travel and temporarily reside in the Phoenix area for these training periods.
This requirement is considered an essential function of the position.
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
- Holds or is eligible to obtain an Arkansas Administrator/Principal License.
- Demonstrated success in school-site leadership roles, including Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean, Director, or comparable leadership position.
- Strong instructional leadership background with experience improving student outcomes in underserved or at-risk communities.
- Proven ability to lead adults, manage teams, and build effective school systems.
- Experience using student achievement data to inform instructional and operational decisions.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Strategic and entrepreneurial approach to school leadership and development.
- Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders.
- Strong instructional leadership and school culture-building skills.
- Ability to use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Ability to develop and implement effective school systems and processes.
- Commitment to serving students and families in underserved communities.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness and ability to travel to and temporarily reside in the Phoenix, Arizona area for multiple extended training assignments, potentially lasting several weeks at a time, during the onboarding and school launch process.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience launching a new school, program, or major initiative.
- Experience with charter school authorization processes or charter management organizations.
- Bilingual in Spanish with the ability to engage diverse student populations.
- Experience serving Title I and/or English Language Learner (ELL) populations.
Working Conditions
- Full-time, on-site school leadership position based in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
- Regular interaction with students, families, staff, community organizations, and AMS network leadership.
- Requires regular presence on the school campus and within the surrounding community.
- Requires travel to the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area for multiple extended training assignments during the onboarding and school launch process.
- Training assignments may require temporary residence in the Phoenix area for several weeks at a time.
- May require occasional evenings and weekends for school, community, family, or organizational events.
Application Requirements (Required)
To be considered, applicants must submit all of the following materials:
- Updated Resume (no more than 2 pages with relevant educational experience)
- Letter of Interest
- 90-second video introducing yourself, sharing your leadership vision, outlining your career goals, and explaining why you are ready for this leadership position
If you are unable to upload the video within the application, please email it to:
recruitingteam@amsschools.org
Important:
Applications that are missing any required materials will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process. Additionally, any AI-generated responses within the application may result in automatic disqualification.
Benefits
AMS offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and long-term career growth.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Professional development and leadership development opportunities
- Opportunities for career growth within a growing organization
This is a unique opportunity to build a school from the ground up and establish the culture, systems, instructional vision, and leadership foundation for AMS Ft. Smith.
As the Founding Principal, you will have the opportunity to shape the educational experience of students and families from day one while building a team committed to high expectations, academic excellence, and student success.
Join us to enjoy rewarding challenges and ongoing opportunities!
