Principal

You will be doing the most meaningful work of your career as you join the forefront of urban education on the bright, talented, and relentlessly committed team at the Jackson Charter School. You will empower and inspire; change lives; shape the world.

The Principal is key to the success of Jackson Charter School. This position will report directly to the Executive Director as an exempt employee. This position will sit on the Jackson Charter School Management Team and work 12 months a year at a minimum of 40 hours per week.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 

The Principal serves as the instructional leader of Jackson Charter School and is responsible for the academic success, culture, and day-to-day functioning of the school. The Principal leads teaching and learning, supervises school-based staff, and ensures a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment for students. Working in partnership with the Executive Director, the Principal implements the school’s mission and strategic priorities through effective instructional leadership, staff development, and family engagement.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Principal is responsible for the supervision, evaluation, and performance management of all instructional and school-based support staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In addition to the requirements listed below, regular attendance is an essential function of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

1. Lead the implementation of the school’s vision and mission at the instructional and school-wide level.
2. Ensure the educational development and progress of all students, including those receiving specialized services.
3. Provide leadership, supervision, and support to instructional and school-based staff.
4. Hire, evaluate, and recommend termination of school-based staff in collaboration with the Executive Director.
5. Supervise, observe, coach, and evaluate instructional practices, either directly or through other instructional leaders.
6. Plan and deliver professional development aligned to instructional goals and staff needs.
7. Administer daily school operations including scheduling, enrollment processes, and curriculum implementation.
8. Implement student personnel policies and coordinate activities in alignment with Board of Education policies regarding attendance, discipline, and student achievement.
9. Administer student behavior management systems and reward structures.
10. Develop and cultivate rituals, routines, and celebrations that foster a strong culture of academic success.
11. Collaborate with families to encourage strong parental involvement and engagement.
12. Support community partnerships that enhance student learning and family support.
13. Act as a liaison between district leadership, school administrators, and teachers to communicate goals, initiatives, and progress.
14. Represent the school internally and externally as needed.
15. Prepare reports and presentations for the Rockford Charter School Organization Board of Directors regarding school progress and impact.
16. Complete documentation and reports as needed to fulfill federal, state, and district mandates in a timely manner.

Other Duties

1. Pursue the vision and execute the mission of the school.
2. Ensure the highest quality educational experience for all students.
3. Ensure a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment for students and staff.
4. Serve as a member of the school’s leadership team, contributing to operational planning and departmental decision-making.
5. Comply with all relevant school policies and procedures.
6. Attend all relevant professional development and participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLC).
7. Ensures that all administrative actions are in concert with the Rockford Board of Education policies as well as the mission statement, beliefs, objectives, and parameters found in the Board’s strategic plan.
8. Perform other related duties as assigned to advance the mission and well-being of the school community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Positive, solution-focused individual with a growth mindset.
• Master’s degree with administrative certification.
• 5 years of demonstrated successful leadership in an instructional or administrative role.
• 5 years of demonstrated successful teaching experience.
• Strong instructional leadership and staff development skills.
• Personal initiative and desire for responsibility.
• Experience supervising teams or leading initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with teachers and staff.
• Demonstrated success in fostering positive school culture and family engagement.
• Demonstrated success working with diverse student populations and families as well as encouraging parental involvement.
• Knowledge of restorative practices, PBIS, SEL frameworks, and trauma-informed practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

AVID Trained Leader. Experience in a charter school or urban public-school setting, with demonstrated experience coaching instructional staff and leading change at the school or site level.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

The Principal must possess knowledge of instructional leadership, curriculum implementation, and assessment practices, and demonstrate the ability to lead teaching and learning and improve student outcomes. This role requires strong skills in supervising, coaching, and evaluating school-based staff, using data to guide decisions, and managing daily school operations. Effective communication and the ability to establish and maintain a safe, structured, and high performing

school culture is essential.

A comprehensive benefits package including: 

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• Flexible Spending & Dependent Care Accounts
• Paid Sick and Personal time
• Paid holidays
• Optional 403(b) plan
• Employee assistance program (EAP) 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Moderate in-district travel as well as intermittent in-state and out-of-state travel. Intermittent prolonged and irregular hours of work. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

SALARY RANGE: $103,000 to $110,000