Principal

School Principal – Job Description

Reports to: Superintendent

Department: School Leadership

Location: Horizon Science Academy Cedar Rapids

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt, In-person

POSITION OVERVIEW

Horizon Science Academy Davenport is part of the award-winning Concept Schools charter public school network. HSAD is one of three network schools opened in Iowa, joining HSA Des Moines and HSA Cedar Rapids (Fall 2027).

Concept Schools is a high-performing charter management organization committed to providing rigorous, STEM-focused, college-preparatory public education in underserved communities. We believe in high expectations, data-driven instruction, student-centered learning, and strong school culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and community partnership.

In partnership with the regional superintendent and support team, the Principal leads the planning, opening, and first year of operations. This role requires entrepreneurial leadership, strategic planning, strong instructional capacity, and a relentless commitment to student and staff success.

The Principal is responsible for:

• Establishing the instructional vision
• Building all systems, structures, and teams
• Creating a positive, inclusive culture
• Managing startup operations and community engagement
• Ensuring academic excellence and compliance

This role requires adaptability, innovation, and resilience.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Founding Responsibilities & School Launch
• Facility & Operational Readiness

• Collaborate with Concept Schools’ Operations and Facilities teams.
• Participate in on-site readiness tasks.
• Ensure operational structures meet Concept standards.
• Financial Leadership

• Partner with the Superintendent and Treasurer to manage the budget.
• Maintain strict fiscal oversight.
• Coordinate grants and financial reporting.
• Student Recruitment & Enrollment

• Lead outreach to meet enrollment targets.
• Organize family events and community engagement.
• Use Concept Schools recruitment tools and branding.
• Staff Recruitment & Development

• Recruit and onboard founding staff.
• Facilitate induction and PD aligned with curriculum and culture.
• Establish collaborative structures (PLCs, coaching cycles).
• Culture Building & Vision Setting

• Build a strong, mission-aligned culture from day one.
• Implement routines, rituals, and SEL supports.
• Model transformational leadership through collaboration and empowerment.
• Instructional Leadership

• Promote high expectations for achievement and character.
• Implement research-based instructional practices.
• Conduct observations, coaching, and feedback cycles.
• Analyze state assessment data.
• Monitor SIP goals and adjust strategies.
• Build teacher leadership capacity.

III. Staff Supervision, Evaluation & Professional Growth

• Supervise and evaluate teachers and staff.
• Provide coaching and feedback.
• Foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with evaluation frameworks.
• Organizational Leadership & Compliance

• Implement district, state, federal, and school board policies.
• Maintain accurate documentation.
• Liaise with board, authorizer, and Concept departments.
• Oversee safety, crisis response, discipline, and student services.
• Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as the face of the school.
• Communicate regularly with families.
• Facilitate family engagement opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
• State Administrative Certification and requisite evaluation credentials.
• Experience in school leadership; startup experience preferred.
• Strengths in relationship building, outreach, operational leadership.
• Strong instructional coaching skills.
• Ability to lead in a culturally diverse environment.
• Elementary school teaching/leadership experience as a requirement and special education endorsements are preferred.

CONCEPT SCHOOLS VALUES

Principals exemplify:

• High Expectations
• Student-Centered Decisions
• Integrity & Accountability
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Community Partnership

ADDITIONAL NOTES

This job description outlines essential functions but may evolve based on organizational needs.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance