Principal

Our Commitment:

Amber Charter Schools understands specific groups are subject to marginalization. We believe these powerful groups should be centered in our community and are highly encouraged to apply. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation/affectional preference, gender (including gender nonconformity, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, and gender identity or expression), sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, age, familial status, partnership status, caregiver status, pregnancy status, uniformed service, military and veteran status, employment status, disability, political affiliation, height, weight or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law, rule or regulation.

Position Summary

The Principal is the heartbeat of the school’s academic vision, setting direction, inspiring excellence, and empowering both leaders and teachers to reach ambitious goals for student success. In this role, the Principal cultivates a culture of continuous learning where strong instruction thrives and every student is pushed to grow, master grade-level skills, and build the foundation they need for high school, college, and beyond.

As a visible champion for students, families, and staff, the Principal serves as both advocate and storyteller—celebrating wins, highlighting progress, and ensuring the school’s mission and achievements shine within the community.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership of Academic Excellence

• Set, communicate, and uphold high academic expectations for all students, ensuring proficiency at or above grade level.
• Drive achievement of charter accountability goals, aligning strategies with measurable objectives.
• Partner with the Co-CEOs and Managing Director of Academics to implement school-wide annual goals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging the school community to evolve around core values and future vision.
• Hold all staff accountable for upholding ACS policies and standards.
• Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees and authorizers.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop highly qualified staff.
• Manage the annual school budget alongside the Co-CEO and Finance Team, ensuring resources align with school goals.
• Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, attendance, safety, and resource management in collaboration with the Director of Operations and Network Director of Operations.

Drive Effective Instructional Practices

• Foster a collaborative leadership approach, leveraging school leaders’ strengths and promoting growth.
• Monitor professional development, supporting the instructional needs of teachers and leaders in partnership with the network academics team.
• Maintain structured professional development processes, such as professional development calendars, walkthroughs, and data reviews.
• Oversee impactful, data-driven coaching for teachers, ensuring leaders and instructional consultants deliver effective support.

Data-Driven Excellence

• Track student progress against grade-level benchmarks and support adjustments in instruction based on formative and summative assessments.
• Collaborate with teachers and leaders to refine instruction, curriculum, and professional development priorities, using data to drive continuous improvement.

Rigorous Curriculum Implementation

• Ensure teachers and leaders have access to clear scope and sequence for each subject and grade level.
• Facilitate curriculum adoption, offering training and support to implement evidence-based materials aligned with Common Core.
• Support network-wide evaluation of curriculum materials to ensure quality, rigor, and accessibility.

Academic and Social-Emotional Support for All Students

• Guide leaders in implementing a data-driven Response to Intervention (RtI) framework for tiered academic support.
• Ensure resources meet the diverse needs of students, including afterschool and summer programs for academic advancement.
• Monitor compliance and assessments for students in special populations (e.g., disabilities, ELL, at-risk).

Cultivating a Strong School Culture and Community

• Promote a culture of respect and excellence through open dialogue with students, families, staff, and the broader community.
• Model positive behavior and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Advance social-emotional learning, in collaboration with leaders from the network team.
• Monitor trends in student behavior, discipline, and collaboration with the Dean of Students and Assistant Principal.
• Promote ACS as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

Required Experience and Qualifications 

• A Master’s degree in School Administration or a related field 
• 5 years of teaching experience 
• 2 years of leadership experience
• NYS Teacher certification
• NYS School Building Leader certification
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Must pass fingerprinting and reference check process
• Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• 5 years experience as classroom teacher, in the elementary grades
• 2 years of leadership experience, as an Assistant Principal, Dean, or other instructional leader 
• Experience in charter schools in urban communities
• Ability to speak, write, and understand Spanish fluently

 Amber’s Expectations

• Regular attendance and punctuality  
• Maintain a professional appearance 
• Organizational fit for Amber culture, that is, exhibit the Amber Traits of Achievement, Community, Responsibility, Honesty and Respect  

 Equipment

• Computer, classroom, and office equipment 

Work Schedule

• 12-month work schedule

Work Environment/Physical Effort:  

• Regularly required to sit, stand for long periods of time, walk, climb stairs, speak loudly and clearly, visually observe, hear, operate a computer, and other classroom, school, and office equipment, reach with hands and arms, bend down, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 20 pounds. Work is being performed in a traditional multi-floor school environment with limited to no elevator access.

Compensation

Amber Charter Schools strictly follow a salary schedule for each role to ensure our continued commitment towards pay equity. The expected salary range for this role is $140k - 160k, depending on verified relevant work experience, highest level of completed education, and required certifications and/or licenses for the role. This is an exempt position.

Who We Are:

In addition to Amber’s competitive salaries, Amber offers opportunities for supplemental compensation, an excellent benefits package starting on day 1,  including medical plans averaging a $55 employee contribution monthly for single coverage (with dependent options available and averaging $92-$124 per month), dental & vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with an organization-paid contribution after 1-year, various supplemental benefit options such as life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, pre-tax commuter & transit benefits and flexible spending/health reimbursement accounts, longevity and referral bonuses, generous paid time off, access to a federal student loan debt reduction program, professional development and a friendly work environment.