Principal

Mission

MCS will prepare its students to achieve high academic levels in the four core academic subject areas and music, to communicate effectively in verbal, mathematical and musical languages, and to apply critical thinking processes and ethical standards to learning, living and problem solving.

Manhattan Charter School (MCS) is a high performing charter school in New York City, committed to providing every child with the tools and support necessary for success. We are located on the Lower East Side. MCS prides itself on delivering rigorous academic instruction and fostering a culture of high expectations. 

Position Summary:

The Elementary School Principal will serve as the instructional and operational leader of the school, ensuring that all students achieve academic excellence within a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. The principal will be responsible for managing staff, overseeing daily operations, fostering strong relationships with families, and aligning the school's performance with the charter network's mission, vision, and values.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of high-quality curriculum and instructional practices that align with state standards and school goals.
• Analyze student achievement data and use it to inform instructional decisions, interventions, and professional development.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development to teachers and staff to ensure effective instructional practices.
• Foster a culture of high expectations, continuous improvement, and accountability for staff and students.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the daily operations of the school, including scheduling, student enrollment, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage the school budget and resources effectively to ensure alignment with priorities and financial sustainability.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and well-maintained physical environment that supports learning.

Student and Family Engagement

• Promote a school culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supports the social-emotional well-being of all students.
• Build strong partnerships with families, engaging them as active participants in their children's education.
• Address student behavior with a trauma-informed, restorative approach that prioritizes growth and accountability.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-performing staff members who are committed to the school's mission and vision.
• Build a collaborative and supportive team culture focused on achieving ambitious outcomes for students.
• Conduct evaluations of staff performance and provide actionable feedback aligned with professional growth.

Compliance and Accountability

• Ensure the school adheres to all charter authorizer requirements, including reporting, compliance, and accountability metrics.
• Lead preparations for authorizer site visits, audits, and other evaluations.
• Stay current with all state and federal education policies to ensure full compliance.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Education, School Administration, or a related field.
• State certification as a School Building Leader (SBL) or equivalent (as required).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in education, including teaching and school leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success in improving student achievement and teacher effectiveness.
• Strong knowledge of elementary curriculum, instructional strategies, and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working in a charter school or urban school setting preferred.

Skills and Attributes:

• Passion for the mission of providing high-quality education to all students, especially those in underserved communities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Cultural competence and a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Courage to make decisions aligned with the school's vision and mission, even in challenging circumstances.

Core Values Alignment:

• Demonstrates curiosity, opportunity, and courage in all leadership practices, reflecting the values of the charter school network.

Compensation:

$100,000 - $150,000 per year