Visionary High School Principal

VISIONARY HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Visionary High School Principal

Reports to: Superintendent

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months

Position Summary: The Visionary Principal will lead the transformation of a high school serving approximately 650 students. This role demands a dynamic instructional leader who can lead significant improvement in student outcomes, rebuild school culture, manage performance, and ensure sustainability of gains. This is a high-stakes leadership role requiring vision, resilience, data-driven decision making, and strong stakeholder management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Arizona principal/school administrator licensure.
• Significant experience (5-10 years) in school leadership; preferable experience with visionary or significant school improvement.
• Strong track record of improving student achievement, reducing achievement gaps.
• Experience with data-driven instruction, performance management.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to handle high pressure, complex problems, multiple priorities.

Performance Expectations & Metrics

• Increases in standardized test scores/proficiency in key subjects (e.g., math, reading).
• Improvements in graduation rates, attendance, behavior metrics.
• Reduction of achievement gaps (by subgroup).
• Staff retention and effectiveness.
• Positive shifts in school climate surveys.
• Meeting or exceeding the goals set in the visionary/improvement plan.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, often more than the standard workday (evenings/weekends may be required).
• Will need to interact with district/state leadership, community stakeholders, occasionally media.
• Accountability for publicly visible metrics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and communicate a clear vision for academic excellence, safety, and equity.
• Create a school improvement plan (or visionary plan) aligned with district/state goals, including rigorous academic standards and measurable performance targets.

1. Instructional Leadership

• Oversee curriculum, instruction, and assessment; ensure alignment with state standards and rigorous expectations.
• Observe classroom instruction regularly, provide feedback, coach teachers, and support professional development.
• Introduce evident-based interventions for students who are underperforming.

1. Data Management & Accountability

• Use data (student performance, attendance, behavior, surveys) to identify gaps and monitor progress.
• Adjust strategies and resource allocation based on data.
• Report to district/state/funders on progress as required under any school visionary legislation or program.

1. Culture, Climate & Student Support

• Rebuilding or strengthen school culture: expectations for behavior, attendance, safety.
• Ensure supports are available for students (tutoring, counseling, behavior interventions).
• Foster a climate of high expectations, collaboration, inclusivity.

1. Staffing & Professional Development

• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-quality teachers and support staff.
• Implement strong performance evaluation systems; hold staff accountable.
• Provide or arrange continuous professional development focused on the skills needed for school improvement.

1. Resource & Operational Management

• Oversee school budget; ensure resources are aligned to visionary priorities.
• Manage logistical and operational aspects (schedule, facilities, technology).
• Ensure compliance with all district, state, and federal regulations.

1. Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with parents, community members, partner organizations.
• Communicate transparently about school goals, progress, challenges.
• Engage community in supporting students success, including beyond-school opportunities.

1. Innovation & Change Management

• Lead change effectively: manage resistance, build capacity, sustain improvement.
• Be willing to make tough decisions (staffing, resource allocation) when necessary.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Administrative Personnel.

                        Approved by:_____________________________________   Date:__________________________

                        Reviewed and Agreed to by:________________________________ Date:______________________