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High School Principal (2025-2026)

Trenton, NJ

ABOUT ACHIEVERS:

Achievers Early College Prep Charter School (AECP) is New Jersey’s first public charter school for students in middle school and high school that provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue one of four STEAM pathways (Health Sciences, Digital Media, Audio Engineering and Cisco Computer Networking). Students can have access to a program that allows them to earn up to 60 college credits, NOCTI credentials and workplace training. AECP is determined to ensure that students can enhance their journey through high school and graduate with content mastery, skills, and experiences that are essential to the current marketplace and the world beyond. 

ACHIEVERS FIT:

  • Demonstrates alignment and commitment to Achievers Early College Prep's mission, core beliefs, and educational philosophy
  • Adaptable in a growing environment; Is flexible and solutions-oriented
  • Evidence of self-motivation, taking initiatives, and willingness to be a team player
  • Experience in schools that rely heavily on intervention, literacy, and content knowledge as a means to dramatically increase student achievement
  • Driven to deliver rigorous instruction by emphasizing student engagement with complex texts, critical thinking, and comprehensive literary analysis
  • Exhibits a laser focus on analyzing student work and student data, coupled with a deep commitment to data-driven decision making
  • Quantifiable track record of outstanding academic results 
  • Unwavering commitment to feedback, improvement, practice, and notion of “I’M ALL IN!”
  • Culturally aware, culturally sensitive, and asset-based thinking

COMPETENCIES

We seek to build a high-performing High School and will need a leader that 100% commits themselves to the mission, and demonstrates our core values, while leading in an urgent and exciting way in order to improve student achievement. Our goal is for the High School Principal to be an inspiring leader that demonstrates excellence in all aspects of the work from being a role-model for students to taking on the big and small challenges that will make the largest impact on the school community. 

As a leader, there should be a willingness to engage in difficult conversations, while building the investment and shared school culture of highly effective teams. Furthermore, this leader should bring joy, be humble, and be open to feedback and nurturing to the needs of all they are leading. This leader is also confident and assured that they have the mentorship and support of their evaluator, the Executive Director.  In summary, below are some of the expectations of role:

Instructional Leadership

  • Provide exemplary leadership to all school community members to achieve outstanding performance in preparing each student for college
  • Develop and communicate strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and build a plan to achieve that vision
  • Lead all aspects of Data-Driven Instruction (DDI), Leading Professional Development (PD) and Observation & Feedback (OF)
  • Implement effective assessment systems and use data to inform decisions; curriculum development and assessment and ensure consistency within the school program and alignment with state and other rigorous standards

Teacher Coaching & Evaluation

  • Oversee faculty and staff, including recruitment, evaluation, retention, and dismissal and hold primary responsibility for professional development, staff observations, curriculum development, staff communication, and program decisions
  • Conduct daily teacher observations and provide real-time feedback to move the needle on student achievement
  • Lead faculty to ensure that all staff are providing well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive after school tutoring
  • Hold teachers accountable for meeting a high bar for student performance including requirements for special education accommodations and IEP modifications in partnership with the Special Education Coordinator.

Cultural Leadership

  • In partnership with Leadership Team, responsible for overall campus stability and cohesiveness.
  • Build a demonstrated joyful and rigorous school culture
  • Foster consistency in academic and behavioral expectations
  • Collaborate with school staff to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development
  • Ensure that traditions and rituals that support the school’s college mission are built and maintained
  • Support staff to ensure the effectiveness of after school enrichment programs
  • Support staff to ensure a positive, safe and structured culture of high expectations

Family Engagement

  • Communicate regularly with families, ensuring they are kept involved with and held accountable for their children’s performance and correspond about school policies, trips, and events
  • Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively

Essential Qualifications:

  • Evidence of dedication to improve the minds, characters, and lives of students 
  • Illustrated positive record of driving outstanding student results
  • Flexible and can adapt to a rapid change
  • Strong data analysis skills
  • Interest in and passion for supporting teacher growth
  • Ability to provide high leverage feedback via classroom observations
  • Exhibits personal responsibility, and a commitment to continual professional growth
  • Strong communications skills with multiple stakeholders including teachers, students, families, and colleagues
  • Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail and follow-through
  • Minimum of 3 Years Experience Required as a Principal
  • 5 years teaching and working in classrooms and coaching teachers, preferably in low-income schools and/or communities.
  • A Bachelor's degree
  • Experience as an Assistant Principal, Dean or equivalent leadership role highly preferred
  • Experience at a high-performing charter school is highly preferred

SKILLS:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
  • Proficiency using school-based software applications, Google Suite and computers, printers, copy machines, and fax machines
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, and written skills
  • Ability to travel (for programming, residency and development opportunities)

COMPENSATION:

  • We offer a generous compensation and benefits package.
    • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
    • PTO
    • Sick Days
    • School-Based Holidays
    • Federal Holiday
    • Wellness Wednesdays
  • All staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated workspace, laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.

 

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