Position Type: Administration/Principal
Date Posted: 10/8/2026
Location: CS Concept Schools Iowa Region
(High-Needs School)
School Principal Job DescriptionHorizon Science Academy DavenportReports to: Superintendent
Department: School Leadership
Location: Horizon Science Academy, Davenport, Iowa
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
The Principal leads the school's academic program, culture, daily operations, and stakeholder relationships, ensuring continuous improvement and long-term success.
POSITION OVERVIEWThe School Principal at Horizon Science Academy Davenport provides instructional, organizational, and operational leadership. The Principal works with the Superintendent, school staff, and Concept Schools departments to improve student achievement, support staff development, maintain effective school systems, and strengthen family and community partnerships.
The Principal is responsible for:
- Advancing the school's instructional vision and academic priorities.
- Leading and developing effective staff and leadership teams.
- Maintaining a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture.
- Overseeing daily operations and responsible resource management.
- Supporting student recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention.
- Ensuring academic excellence, accountability, and compliance./
This role requires sound judgment, adaptability, collaboration, and a sustained commitment to student success.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIESI. School Leadership & OperationsOperational Effectiveness- Oversee daily school operations and maintain effective systems, procedures, and routines.
- Collaborate with Concept Schools' Operations and Facilities teams to address facility, maintenance, and operational needs.
- Monitor operational effectiveness and resolve issues affecting teaching, learning, and student services.
- Ensure school operations meet applicable requirements and Concept Schools standards.
Financial Leadership- Partner with the Superintendent and Treasurer to develop, implement, and monitor the school budget.
- Maintain fiscal oversight and align spending with school improvement priorities.
- Coordinate purchasing, grants, and financial reporting with the appropriate school and Concept Schools personnel.
Student Recruitment, Enrollment & Retention- Lead outreach and family engagement efforts to meet enrollment goals.
- Support accurate enrollment processes and effective transitions for new students.
- Monitor attendance and student retention, addressing barriers in collaboration with staff and families.
- Use Concept Schools recruitment tools and approved branding.
Staff Recruitment & Development- Recruit, select, and onboard staff in collaboration with the Superintendent and Human Resources.
- Provide induction and professional development aligned with curriculum, school priorities, and organizational expectations.
- Maintain effective professional learning communities, coaching cycles, and collaborative planning structures.
School Culture & Climate- Strengthen a positive, mission-aligned culture focused on learning, belonging, and accountability.
- Implement consistent schoolwide expectations, routines, and social-emotional supports.
- Model collaborative leadership and develop staff ownership of school goals.
- Use stakeholder feedback to improve school climate and organizational effectiveness.
II. Instructional Leadership- Promote high expectations for student achievement and character development.
- Ensure effective implementation of the school's curriculum and research-based instructional practices.
- Conduct classroom observations and provide actionable coaching and feedback.
- Analyze NWEA/MAP, state assessment, classroom assessment, and other relevant student data.
- Lead development, implementation, and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan.
- Adjust instructional strategies and interventions based on student needs and evidence of progress.
- Build teacher leadership capacity and support effective STEM instruction.
- Collaborate with student services personnel to support differentiated instruction and students with diverse learning needs.
III. Staff Supervision, Evaluation & Professional Growth- Supervise and evaluate teachers and other assigned school personnel.
- Provide timely feedback, coaching, and support for professional growth.
- Establish clear performance expectations and address concerns in coordination with the Superintendent and Human Resources.
- Foster collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Implement applicable evaluation frameworks and maintain accurate evaluation documentation.
- Support staff engagement and retention.
IV. Organizational Leadership & Compliance- Implement applicable school, state, federal, and Concept Schools policies and procedures.
- Maintain accurate records, required documentation, and timely reports.
- Coordinate with the Superintendent, governing board, authorizer, and Concept Schools departments as appropriate.
- Oversee school safety, emergency preparedness, crisis response, and student discipline.
- Ensure effective coordination of special education, student support, and other school services.
- Protect the confidentiality of student, employee, and organizational information.
- Communicate significant concerns promptly and follow established reporting and escalation procedures.
V. Family & Community Engagement- Serve as a visible, accessible leader and representative of the school.
- Communicate regularly and clearly with families about school priorities, student progress, and expectations.
- Facilitate meaningful family engagement opportunities.
- Build productive relationships with community organizations and partners.
- Address family concerns professionally and follow established resolution procedures.
QUALIFICATIONSRequired- Master's degree in Educational Leadership.
- State administrative certification appropriate to the principal assignment.
- Experience in school leadership.
- Elementary school teaching or leadership experience.
- Strong instructional leadership, coaching, and staff-development skills.
- Strengths in relationship building, community outreach, and operational leadership.
- Ability to analyze data and lead continuous school improvement.
- Ability to lead effectively in a culturally diverse environment.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred- Special education endorsement(s).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESSupervise teachers and other assigned school personnel, including performance evaluation, coaching, professional development, and accountability for assigned responsibilities.
WORK REQUIREMENTSThe role requires regular presence at the school, classroom visits, participation in meetings, and attendance at school and community events. Essential functions may be performed with reasonable accommodation.
ADDITIONAL NOTESThis job description summarizes the general nature and primary responsibilities of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may be modified, added, removed, or reassigned based on school and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.