Principal

Principal JobID: 33816 Position Type: Administration/Elementary PrincipalDate Posted: 11/4/2026Location: Fostering Leadership AcademyDate Available: 1/15/2027District: Detroit Leadership Academy Additional Information: Show/HideJOB TITLE: PrincipalDEPARTMENT: School LeadershipREPORTS TO: Superintendent and CEOCLASSIFICATION: ExemptSALARY: Starting at $95,000 based on experience Flexible start date Who are we?CEN is a mission- and values-driven organization committed to being Child Centered, Caring, Transformative, Accountable, and Anti-Racist.The mission of CEN is to build a system of remarkable neighborhood schools in traditionally under-resourced communities using a trauma-informed, whole child approach to education ensuring college, career, and life success for all children.At CEN, we believe that creating and sustaining excellent and equitable schools for all children is the most critical issue today and that high-quality education is the only way to change the life trajectory and outcomes for kids. We believe that, regardless of their zip code, our kids deserve remarkable schools.CEN team members are steadfast in our vision to dismantle systemic educational inequities. We are committed to culturally responsive education, including systems that promote anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Why Join CEN?At CEN, we provide a wealth of professional learning, as well as opportunities for professional growth and advancement. We are committed to the health and wellness of our employees. Moreover, CEN offers one of the most comprehensive compensation and benefits packages in the city of Detroit. CEN employees earn competitive salaries and a robust benefits package, including:United Healthcare PPO including vision and dental with employer covering 80%401K with match optionsFree Short- and Long-Term DisabilityFree Basic Life InsuranceFree Basic AD&DSupplemental insurance plans availableWellness benefits, including up to $250 annual reimbursementFree State Continuing Education Clock HoursPaid time off, varying by rolePerformance BonusesAnnual Retention Bonus that grows year over yearFree membership in employee discount program. Who are we looking for?We are seeking tenacious staff members who operate with empathy and will settle for nothing less than academic and life success for all students. Professionals with a passion for urban education and the city of Detroit align best with our needs and goals. Our top performers are focused on building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and are driven by data and student outcomes. What are the major job responsibilities?The main function of the Principal is to create and foster a school environment where students, families, and staff feel empowered, capable, and included in the overall school mission. He or she is responsible for ensuring that all stakeholders have a positive experience with the school and contribute to exceptional school outcomes. A successful employee is a consummate professional, upholding the mission, goals, and objectives of the organization. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:Sets educational standards and oversees programs.Manages all existing programs including but not limited to curriculum development, conceptual development, and expansion.Ensures compliance with federal, state, and accreditation laws, standards, and regulations.Develops, implements, and monitors education policies, programs, and instruction.Prepares and delivers timely and accurate reports on retention, attrition, completion rates, and budget issues.Oversees implementation of all tutoring programs and school/institution events.Monitors satisfactory academic progress of all students including but not limited to attendance, grades, matriculation, and graduation.Ensures school compliance with the board-approved school budget.Hires, trains, supervises, motivates, and develops education department staff; manages schedules and workflow.Assigns duties and monitors quality of work; assures staff upholds organizational policies and procedures and government regulations.Provides day-to-day guidance and oversight of school staff; actively works to promote and recognize performance.Ensures timely compliance with all accountability requirements for all stakeholders.Represents the school at Board of Directors' meetings and provides student, staff, school culture, progress and educational updates to the Board on a regular basis.Represents the school at formal functions, community and civic affairs.Understands and implements State of Michigan education codes, rules and regulations as established by the State Board of Education.Prepares or seeks approval on manuals, guidelines and reports on state educational policies and practices that must be administered in the school.Participates in and conducts workshops for professional growth and staff development.Initiates and implements processes for monitoring and evaluating student achievement and growth using multiple forms of data including achievement, demographic, process and perception data.Provides instructional leadership and support while overseeing the development and implementation of effective and relevant classroom curriculum.Evaluates staff in accordance with State Board of Education regulations.Consults with parents/guardians regarding students' academic and behavioral progress.Monitors student behavior, addresses major code of conduct violations and develops corrective action plans to improve classroom and school culture.Oversees the recruitment, admission, retention and transfer of students in accordance with the school vision, and board approved policies and procedures.Other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in education or equivalent required; master's degree preferredValid Administrator Certification in the State of MichiganExperience with accreditation agencies.Strong understanding of national and local educational systemsDemonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating subordinatesCommitment to excellence and high standardsExcellent written and oral communication skillsExcellent presentation skillsKnowledge and application of instructional content and pedagogyKnowledge and application of assessments and how to use the data to make educational decisionsDemonstrated leadership skills in school settingsDemonstrated technology skills including learning and management platformsUnderstanding and proven application of culturally responsive pedagogy and positive youth development strategiesStrong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skillsAbility to manage priorities and workflowVersatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasmStrong interpersonal skillsAbility to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levelsGood judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisionsPassion, enthusiasm, focus, creativity, and a positive outlookAble to communicate in oral and written interview, knowledge of current methodologies and research in education and instructionWorking knowledge of state student accountability, including attendance, reporting, and auditing upload requirements and software useWorking knowledge of technology as applicable to curriculum and reporting requirementsWe ask our team to believe in, deliver on, and embody the following values: Be Child-Centered, Be Caring, Be Transformative, Be Accountable, and Be Anti-RacistThe above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.CEN does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.