Head of Upper School

Upper Academy Principal (Grades 6–12)

Reports To: Superintendent

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Department: Administration

Supervises: Faculty and Staff in Grades 6–12

Member of: Senior Leadership Team

Position Summary

The Upper Academy Principal at Genoa Christian Academy (GCA) serves as the instructional and spiritual leader for grades 6–12. Reporting directly to the Superintendent, this individual provides strategic leadership, spiritual oversight, and operational management for all academic, co-curricular, and student life programs within the Upper Academy.

The Upper Academy Principal ensures that the mission of GCA—Shepherding Hearts and Growing Minds—is fully integrated into all aspects of academy life. This leader models a mature Christian faith, upholds academic excellence, fosters student discipleship, and cultivates meaningful partnerships with students, families, faculty, and staff.

The Upper Academy Principal is responsible for the spiritual, academic, social and athletic programs of the school as required by the School Board and accrediting agencies.

Spiritual Preparedness & Responsibilities:

• Maintain a daily personal devotional life and be spiritually prepared for daily demands.
• Demonstrate love and obedience to Christ and His Word by example.
• Follow biblical principles in the supervision, mentoring, and evaluation of faculty and staff.
• Encourage faculty and students in their spiritual growth and Christian formation.
• Participate in leading faculty devotions on a rotating basis.
• Serves as a member and attender of the sponsoring church–Genoa Baptist Church of Westerville, Ohio.

Essential Responsibilities

Supervision & Faculty Leadership:

• Be available to meet with faculty regarding instruction, classroom management, and discipline.
• Conduct goal-setting meetings with teachers at the beginning and end of the school year, and also conduct periodic check-ins throughout the school year.
• Observe, evaluate, and provide feedback on faculty and student performance.
• Review lesson plans, unit plans, grading, assessments, and exams.
• Utilize a systematic cycle for teacher observation: pre-conference, observation, post-conference, and follow-up.
• Promote professional development through workshops, seminars, peer observations, and roundtable discussions.
• Confer with the Superintendent regarding faculty matters and make employment recommendations.
• Lead monthly Upper Academy faculty meetings and participate in weekly administrative leadership meetings.
• Support a collaborative and positive team culture among staff.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Academic Leadership & Curriculum Oversight:

• Oversee curriculum design, implementation, assessment, and alignment with GCA standards and state requirements.
• Lead the curriculum review cycle and ensure pacing is appropriate across subjects and grade levels.
• Assist faculty with curriculum guides, implementation, and instructional effectiveness.
• Appoint and collaborate with Department Heads to support academic excellence.
• Stay current with trends in Christian education and educational best practices.
• Oversee textbook review and ordering of curriculum materials.
• Remain aware of Ohio state standards and accreditation requirements.
• Collaborate with Lower School leadership to coordinate academic development and student transitions.

Operational & Administrative Leadership:

• Manage daily operations of the Upper Academy in accordance with school policies and procedures.
• Provide weekly parent communication with key dates and events.
• Prepare the Upper Academy calendar for inclusion in the Master Calendar.
• Ensure adequate classroom coverage in coordination with the substitute coordinator.
• Meet with students on academic or behavioral probation and create accountability plans.
• Monitor student grades and provide guidance to address concerns.
• Oversee class placements for the upcoming school year.
• Chair Upper Academy meetings for planning, coordination, and prayer.

Student Life & Formation:

• Oversee student conduct, discipline, and behavioral expectations in partnership with the Dean of Students.
• Support spiritual, social, and emotional development through chapel, advisory, discipleship programs, and extracurricular activities.
• Provide leadership for field trips, enrichment opportunities, and co-curricular programs.
• Meet with students, parents, and teachers as needed for guidance and counseling.
• Coordinate with guidance staff regarding student schedules and standardized testing.

Teacher Recruitment & Staffing:

• Recruit qualified faculty through advertising, interviews, reference checks, and classroom observations.
• Recommend final hires to the Superintendent.
• Observe candidates teaching lessons and assess their alignment with GCA’s educational and spiritual values.
• Support onboarding, orientation, and mentorship of new teachers.

Community & Stakeholder Relations:

• Build positive relationships with students, families, faculty, alumni, and the broader GCA community.
• Communicate clearly to promote alignment with the school’s mission and vision.
• Participate in community outreach, school events, and family admissions interviews.
• Maintain strong relationships with local public and non-public school administrators.
• Review and recommend updates to the Student Handbook annually.

Qualifications & Requirements

Spiritual Qualifications:

• A mature and genuine personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
• Ability to model a Christlike life to students, faculty, staff, and parents.
• Commitment to GCA’s Statement of Faith and mission, including supporting biblical values in all interactions.

Professional Qualifications:

• Ohio Principal Licensure/Certificate (or eligible).
• Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of high school classroom teaching experience is preferred.
• At least 3 years of successful school leadership experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in Christian education, curriculum oversight, and faculty evaluation.
• Experience in teacher recruitment, onboarding, and supervision.
• Knowledge of accreditation and state standards for secondary education.

Personal & Leadership Qualities:

• Spiritually grounded, mission-driven, and relationally warm.
• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.
• Visionary and innovative, able to balance accountability and grace.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Servant leader who inspires excellence, humility, and Christlike character.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality appropriately.

Additional Information:

• Full-time, 12-month administrative position.
• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Benefits include health insurance, professional development support, and tuition remission for eligible dependents.
• Expected Start Date: Summer 2026