The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and highly successful organizational leader to serve as the next principal for Advanced Math & Science IV as it embarks on its next phase of development. The principal is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the school provides students with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to successfully transition to an articulated post-secondary plan. The principal must have the skills necessary to adeptly collaborate with faculty and staff including a deep understanding of adult learning; the ability to identify and use diagnostic and formative assessments in order to drive instructional improvement and programs; and the ability to engage in and support classroom as well as organizational level development. The principal is directly managed on a day to day basis by the United Charter High Schools Chief Academic Officer and reports to the Board of Trustees.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated successful school leadership experience. The winning candidate will have demonstrated alignment with the United Charter High Schools network mission to empower young people by challenging them academically and providing them with the support they need to excel.

The principal must work closely with United Charter High Schools Central Office and the network of schools to ensure that the school is aligned to the United Charter High Schools network model and the implementation of best practices in all instructional and operational areas.

UCHS is seeking a Principal who believes deeply in students and in their own continued growth.

We are looking for educators who are reflective, intellectually curious, and committed to building classrooms where rigor and relationships go hand in hand.

Our Principals help the educators in their schools design meaningful learning experiences, hold high expectations, and continuously refine their practice to ensure every student succeeds.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

• Lead a challenge-based curriculum that has embedded, community learning opportunities for students.
• Deliver the academic preparation and requisite support for all students to be prepared to succeed in college and career.
• Reinforce and institutionalize the implementation of United Charter High Schools key model elements.
• Foster connections between academic learning, the community, and the natural world.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Hire and support the development of all school staff.
• Create a professional community that focuses on instruction and assessment as the primary vehicles for improving student achievement and school culture.
• Provide on-going observation, coaching and evaluation.
• Motivate teachers to continue to develop their content knowledge and instructional repertoire, and to provide the resources needed for them to do so.

School Culture

• Build a school culture that evidences high expectations for courtesy, respect, compassion and an intellectually-engaged environment for both students and adults.
• Ensure a safe, supportive and productive environment for students, staff and families.
• Model effective adult development practices in staff meetings, professional development sessions and team meetings.

Accountability

• Understand accountability metrics and annual reporting required of charter schools and oversee the submission of all accountability reports.
• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to ensure the academic and fiscal success of the school. Prepare for and attend monthly Board Meetings.
• Implement all policies required for the school to remain in good standing and in accordance with network standard operating procedures.
• Fully participate in network-wide professional learning communities.

Required Education and Experience:

• Masters degree in Educational Leadership, Management, or Administration
• School leadership training, certification, and/or experience that is consistent with the core concepts of the United Charter High Schools network model
• Possession of the New York State School Building Leader certification
• Teaching experience, preferably at the high school level, with a strong record of improving student achievement
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including management and team-building skills
• Experience working in an urban school setting
• Experience with supervising, evaluating and supporting teacher development at all levels, but particularly for new teachers
• Experience implementing pedagogical strategies and developing rigorous curriculum practices aligned to the United Charter High Schools network model including: challenge-based learning, data-driven decision-making, student feedback protocols, classroom routines and structures, adolescent literacy strategies, differentiated instruction
• Experience with College and Career Preparatory curriculum and effective college access practices
• Experience developing schedules to maximize time and space use
• Experience managing organizational budgets
• Experience working in a shared DOE space, a plus

Required Skill Sets and Knowledge Base:

• Demonstrated commitment to the school vision and mission
• Commitment to democratic governance and collaborative, data-based decision-making
• Rigorous approach to problem-solving - collecting all relevant information, consulting diverse perspectives, and creating feedback systems
• Recognition of self as a learner and reflective practitioner, able to identify areas for growth and commitment to working in these areas
• Experience and zeal for working in an entrepreneurial environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Passion for developing a strong school community that supports the development and achievement of all students, particularly those underserved and at risk in other school settings

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• FSA/HSA
• 8% employer 403(b) contribution
• Ongoing coaching and professional development