The School Principal serves as the instructional and cultural leader of the campus, responsible for driving student achievement, developing staff, and ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment for all scholars.
The Principal leads the implementation of HFCA's academic vision, fosters a strong, data-driven culture, and builds systems that support both student success and staff development. This individual will collaborate closely with network leadership, families, and the community to ensure alignment to HFCA's mission of preparing scholars to go to and through college.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructional Leadership
Lead the implementation of a rigorous, standards-aligned instructional program
Ensure alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to state standards and HFCA priorities
Establish clear expectations for high-quality teaching and learning
Monitor instructional quality and provide ongoing support to ensure student growth
Design and implement school-wide systems for scheduling, interventions, and enrichment
Staff Coaching and Development
Conduct frequent classroom observations and provide actionable, real-time feedback
Lead and facilitate professional development aligned to student needs and instructional priorities
Develop and manage staff through coaching cycles, evaluations, and performance management systems
Build leadership capacity within Assistant Principals, Deans, and teacher leaders
Foster a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous improvement
Data-Driven Leadership
Lead a data-driven culture focused on student outcomes
Analyze data from assessments including MAP, Forward Exam, and internal measures
Set ambitious, measurable goals for student achievement and school performance
Facilitate regular data meetings to monitor progress and adjust strategies
Ensure staff effectively use data to inform instruction and interventions
School Culture and Climate
Establish and maintain a positive, structured, and inclusive school environment
Implement and uphold consistent behavior expectations and systems
Build strong relationships with students and staff to foster trust and engagement
Ensure a safe, respectful, and achievement-oriented school culture
Promote student voice, leadership, and participation in extracurricular opportunities
Family and Community Engagement
Build and maintain strong partnerships with families
Communicate consistently and transparently with stakeholders
Increase family involvement in school events and initiatives
Collaborate with community organizations to support scholar success
Operational Leadership
Oversee daily school operations to ensure efficiency and alignment
Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation effectively
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and organizational requirements
Develop and maintain systems that support sustainable school operations
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field from an accredited institution
Valid Administrative License (Wisconsin DPI preferred or eligibility to obtain within a defined timeframe)
Minimum of 5 years of full-time teaching experience with a demonstrated track record of improving student achievement outcomes
Minimum of 3 years of instructional leadership experience (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean, Instructional Coach, or equivalent) with responsibility for coaching and evaluating staff
Proven ability to lead a school or team toward measurable academic results, including goal-setting, progress monitoring, and strategic adjustment
Demonstrated success in coaching and developing teachers through observation, feedback, and professional development cycles
Strong knowledge of curriculum development, standards alignment, instructional best practices, and assessment systems
Experience using student data (e.g., MAP, Forward Exam, internal assessments) to drive instructional and operational decisions
Ability to build and sustain a structured, positive, and inclusive school culture with high expectations and consistent systems
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, lead complex initiatives, and execute with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage staff, students, families, and community stakeholders
Commitment to educational equity and a belief in the ability of all scholars to achieve at high levels
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and integrity
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in urban, charter, or high-performing school environments serving diverse student populations
Proven success improving academic outcomes at the classroom, grade, or school level
Experience leading school-wide initiatives such as curriculum implementation, culture systems, or academic intervention programs
Strong background in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, including implementing equitable systems and addressing achievement gaps
Experience developing and managing high-performing teams, including building leadership capacity in Assistant Principals, Deans, and teacher leaders
Familiarity with early college models, college readiness programming, or postsecondary success initiatives
Experience with staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention strategies
Ability to analyze complex data sets and translate insights into actionable school-wide strategies
Experience managing school operations, including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and compliance requirements
Demonstrated ability to lead through change, adapt to evolving priorities, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment
Physical Requirements
Ability to move actively throughout a large school campus for extended periods of time, including walking classrooms, hallways, stairwells, and outdoor spaces
Ability to stand for prolonged periods during observations, supervision, and school events
Ability to sit and work at a desk for extended periods using a computer and other office equipment
Ability to frequently transition between responsibilities and locations throughout the day
Ability to lift and carry materials up to 15-25 pounds as needed
Ability to supervise students in a variety of settings, including outdoor environments and varying weather conditions
Ability to respond quickly and effectively to student and staff needs, including urgent or high-pressure situations
Ability to communicate clearly in person, via phone, and through electronic platforms
Ability to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends to support school operations and events
Ability to travel locally between campuses, meetings, and professional development opportunities as needed
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
HFCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, disability, genetic information, marital status, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, lay-off, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
HFCA expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Any actions or behaviors that create an uncomfortable work environment and prohibit an employee to perform their expected duties will not be tolerated.