Administrative Management, Administrative Skills, Budgeting, Coaching, Communication Skills, Conferences, Continuous Improvement, Department of Health and Human Services, Expense Tracking, Leadership, Needs Assessment, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Project/Program Coordination, Public Administration, School Management, Secondary School, Set Goals, Staff Requirements, Talent Management, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Trend Analysis, Writing Skills
id='p986_'>2026-27 HHS Principal JobID: 986
Position Type:
Administration/Principal
Date Posted:
6/22/2026
Location:
Hamden High School
Date Available:
07/01/2026
Closing Date:
07/01/2026
Additional Information: Show/Hide
HAMDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
HAMDEN, CT 06517
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ONE (1) POSITION OPEN
PRINCIPAL AT HAMDEN HIGH SCHOOL
JOB TITLE: Principal, Hamden High School
REPORTS TO: Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent
The principal will support the management structure that facilitates and welcomes the active participation of the entire school community. Working to ensure excellent outcomes for all students, the ideal candidate will possess strong and collaborative leadership skills. Essential to the success in this role the principal will lead with a transparent, hands-on and inclusive style that supports every student. Emphasis will be placed on the following attributes:
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Connecticut certification as an Intermediate Administrator and Supervisor (092); either already holding that certification, or holds a comparable certification with the ability to secure the appropriate Connecticut certification prior to starting in the position.
- Minimum of three years of successful experience as an assistant principal, associate principal or principal.
- Demonstrated achievement as an educational leader, including specific evidence of improvement in student learning as a result of the candidate's leadership.
- Effective management and leadership of adults, including in coaching, evaluation, and team-building among a variety of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated knowledge of pedagogical models and strategies to improve instructional delivery; ability to design, deliver, and support high-quality professional learning for teachers and staff.
- Outstanding problem-solving and policy design skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups that in the Hamden school community.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience managing talent, overseeing organizational systems, and engaging families and community partners for equity and excellence.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Directs the overall management of the school including academic, co-curricular, and support programs through coordination of the administrative staff and Instructional Leaders, with accountability to Central Office administration, particularly to the Superintendent of Schools.
- Directs long-range planning processes that identify needs, implement appropriate plans, and assess results to develop a culture of continuous improvement.
- Coordinates and completes all budgets within the school. Prepares and submits the final budgetary request for the building, including projection of staffing needs, and monitors the expenditure of all funds.
- Develops programs and activities that enhance communication and encourage meaningful involvement by staff, students, parents, and the community in the affairs of the school.
- Evaluates teachers in compliance with the Hamden Public Schools Teacher Evaluation.
- Makes final decisions on all staffing recommendations within the school.
- Supervises and evaluates all full-time administrative staff assigned to the building.
- Works closely with instructional leaders on curriculum, schedules, budgeting, teaching assignments, and all issues related to departmental management.
- Keeps informed on current trends, practices, and research in education by advanced study, visiting school systems elsewhere, attending conferences, and other appropriate means.
- Establishes and maintains favorable relationships with students, parents, and community groups to foster understanding and solicit support for overall objectives and programs.
- In consultation with the Superintendent or their designee, establishes annual action goals on a clearly defined priority basis, prepares strategies for achieving those goals, and develops criteria for evaluating the accomplishments of the established goals.
- Accepts additional assignments in the role of the principal as directed by the Superintendent of Schools or the Superintendent's designee.
- Demonstrated knowledge of pedagogical models and strategies to improve instructional delivery; ability to design, deliver, and support high-quality professional learning for teachers and staff.
- The above responsibilities incorporate many of the principal's duties. As such, what is listed above should not be considered a complete listing of all the duties incumbent in the position. The duties of this position are subject to change by the Superintendent of Schools or designee based upon situations that may arise from time-to-time.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is a twelve-month position in the Association of Hamden Public Schools Administrators membership.
EVALUATION
Performance of the person holding this position will be evaluated annually in accordance with the Board's policy on evaluation of certified staff.
APPLYING
All internal applicants must send a letter of intent, resume and three (3) letters of recommendation to Superintendent Gary Highsmith, ghighsmith@hamden.org and Assistant Superintendent Erin Bailey, ebailey@hamden.org
All external applicants must apply online at www.applitrack.com/hamden/onlineapp.
The closing date for all applications, including internal applicants, is Monday, July 1, 2026 at 4:00 pm. Consideration will not be given to applications received after the closing date.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
It is the policy of Hamden Public Schools that no person shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against under any program including employment because age, sex, religion, marital status, race, color, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or other characteristics protected by applicable law.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Our vision is to have a staff that reflects the racial, linguistic and ethnic diversity of our student population so all students in all Hamden Public Schools benefit from having diverse role models to learn from, and our school communities are enriched through the perspectives and lived experiences shared by a diverse staff.