JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION(S):
High School Principal
SCHOOL YEAR: 2012-2013
REPORT TO: Executive Director
APPLICATION
DEADLINE: Ongoing Until Position is Filled
SALARY: Commensurate with Experience
Options Laboratory Arts & Technology
Charter School is seeking a Principal to serve as the educational leader,
responsible for managing the policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure
that all students are supervised in a safe learning environment that meets the
approved curricula and mission of the school. The Principal should also have an
interest and some artistic knowledge and experience to be able to support a
cross-cultural learning experience through core curriculum, visual arts and
technology.
Achieving
academic excellence requires that the school Principal work collaboratively
with Options Laboratory School and Little Black Pearl (LBP) to direct and
nurture all members of the school staff and to communicate effectively with
parents and other key stakeholders. Inherent in the position are the responsibilities
for scheduling, curriculum development, extracurricular activities, personnel
management, emergency procedures, and facility operations.
Options Laboratory
School has a small school culture with a total of 175 student population. The
staff is committed to providing education for “off track” high school students in an arts and technology-based
environment, preparing students for a quality life in the 21<sup>st</sup>
Century. We are also committed to:
- Challenging youth
to be critical thinkers, evaluate belief systems, make adequate choices in
the context of a global society.
- Preparing students
to earn a high school diploma, pursue post-secondary education and
workforce opportunities.
- Creating a highly
immersive learning experience utilizing art, design and technology
principles.
- Integrating
educational strategies to accelerate learning.
· Appling the
theme of “creative invention” in all aspects of the school’s design to support
the interconnectedness of academics, community, career, and post-secondary
goals.
Major Responsibilities
Educational Leadership
•
Serve
as instructional leader for the school, coaching teachers, supervising Lead
Teachers, using data to improve teaching and learning
•
Drive
and support implementation of the Option Laboratory School’s Principles, set
the tone and culture of the school, and hold the school accountable for student
achievement
•
Ensure
the highest of expectations for student learning and achievement in every
classroom, everyday
•
Lead
the Teachers to effectively guide the school towards targeted goal
•
Provide
high-quality staff development and collaboration
•
Ensure
fidelity to the Option Laboratory School educational model including
Exhibitions of Learning and the Graduation Portfolio System.
School Culture
•
Create
a vibrant and positive school culture that supports student learning and deep
relationships between students and staff
•
With
the Dean of Students and all staff, ensure students are respectful and on-task,
supervise school-wide management systems, and develop a rich and supportive
school environment that is tangibly felt by everyone on campus
Administrative and
Operational Oversight
•
Responsible
for all day-to-day school operations including setting and maintaining a
balanced budget, managing state and local compliance, and ensuring a safe and
smooth functioning school environment
•
Supervise
school facilities and ensure excellent facility management
•
Work
with Dean of Students and Counselor to lead school enrollment efforts to ensure
a fully enrolled school with a waiting list
Human Resources
•
Attract,
hire, supervise, and develop all school staff members to create a
high-functioning team focused on student success
•
Work
with school staff to monitor overall employment processes and issues including but not limited to: hiring, credentialing, security,
fingerprinting, discipline, performance evaluations, and termination, if necessary.
Governance and Senior
Management Team
•
Serve
as member of the senior management team of the organization, help establish
long-term and medium-term organizational goals
•
Serve
as representative to the chartering school district, and act as primary
spokesperson and leader of the school
Salary and Benefits
• Commensurate with
experience and expertise. Benefits include health, dental, and vision
insurance; vacation time; participation in ITRS, Life Insurance.
Minimum qualifications
• Candidate should possess or be eligible for an Illinois Administrative Certificate, Master’s degree strongly preferred
A
A
• At least 3 years successful experience in and urban setting is strongly preferred (experience working in a non-traditional (alternative setting is highly desirable)
A At least five years successful teaching experience, ideally in an urban setting
•
Successful
school leadership experience or targeted training
•
Thrives
in a start-up environment and able to generate enthusiasm and support among
partners for the mission of the organization
•
Has
experience in the visual arts field and has a passion for the arts.
•
Excellent
inter-personal skills; ability to lead and inspire
•
Ability
to effectively prioritize and lead on multiple initiatives simultaneously
•
Demonstrated
ability to effect positive organizational change
•
Experience
leading professional development and meetings with external stakeholders
Hiring Process
If you are an excellent fit for this
position, please apply online at www.applitrack.com/optionslab/onlineapp or send your cover letter and resume to
the attention of Monica Haslip, Executuve Director at www.ljuran@blackpearl.org
In your cover
letter, please respond to the following questions and provide specific examples
of your leadership style in practice.
a. How has your leadership effectively
brought about positive student outcomes?
b. What is your leadership style and
experience that prepares you for this position?
c. What specifically makes Options
Laboratory School a good fit for you?
Candidates
who are invited to interview will be expected to:
a. Complete an Options Laboratory School
Employment Application
b. Submit letters of reference and/or
reference contact information (applicants are
encouraged to include letters from supervisors, teaching colleagues
and
students)
c. Provide supporting documentation (i.e.
college or university transcripts,
credentials, etc.)
Please visit our website at www.optionslab.org for more information