Principal - Gilbert Campus

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.

The ACES Campus Leader / Principal

Campus: Gilbert, Arizona
Reports To: Superintendent
Direct Reports: Coordinators, Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Administrative Staff
Indirect Reports: Related Services, Maintenance, Transportation Coordinator
Work Location: In-Person

Organization

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students (The ACES) is a K-12 Specialized Day School network serving students with significant behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs across Arizona. Guided by the Austin Centers mission and The ACES Way, the organization is committed to high-quality educational services, strong district partnerships, and the belief that every student can succeed. Our culture is built on trust, student-centered practices, accountability, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, and employees.

Position Summary

The Principal is the senior instructional, operational, and administrative leader responsible for the overall success of a campus. The Principal ensures a safe, effective, and student-centered learning environment aligned with the mission, philosophy, and values of The ACES. This role oversees instructional programming, special education compliance, personnel management, school culture, enrollment, and community partnerships while maintaining high expectations for students and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Student Achievement

• Develop high academic, behavioral, and ethical standards for all students and staff while monitoring student progress and ensuring completion of required reports.
• Oversee curriculum implementation aligned with Arizona Academic Standards, student IEP goals, and ACES educational programs.
• Foster an environment that supports students and staff in achieving their highest potential.

Special Education & Program Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with Arizona Department of Education (ADE), federal, and state special education laws and ACES policies.
• Monitor and manage IEP timelines (with support from teachers), referrals, evaluations, multidisciplinary evaluation team (MET) meetings, progress monitoring, and required documentation.
• Oversee K-12 programs serving students with autism, emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and other qualifying disabilities.

School Climate, Safety & Operations

• Maintain a safe, orderly, and positive campus environment that promotes responsibility, respect, and high morale.
• Review campus data related to incidents, attendance, supervision, and behavior management systems.
• Establish and conduct emergency procedures and regular safety drills while ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of students, staff, and visitors.

Personnel Management & Professional Development

• Interview applicants, oversee onboarding, provide ongoing coaching and professional development, and supervise certified and classified staff.
• Maintain appropriate staffing ratios and organize staffing assignments to meet classroom and program needs.
• Build a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while promoting the mission and values of The ACES.

Family, District & Community Relations

• Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships while serving as a visible and accessible leader to students, families, referring school districts, and community partners.
• Communicate regularly with families and district representatives regarding student progress, behavior, and program updates.

Compliance, Reporting & Records Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, ADE, and ACES regulations.
• Complete and submit required campus and student reports related to school safety, attendance, behavior, interventions, schedules, and compliance.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage campus budgets, purchasing, student funds, and enrollment.
• Maintain accurate financial records, supplies, and equipment inventory.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success as a K-12 administrator with a strong record of improving student outcomes and organizational performance.
• Master's degree in Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Valid Arizona administrative certification or the ability to obtain appropriate certification as required by the Arizona Department of Education.
• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in special education or a specialized educational setting.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams of educators and support staff.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Skilled coach and mentor committed to developing others.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and sound professional judgment.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and growth-oriented organization.
• Uses data to drive instructional, operational, and financial decision-making.

Performance Metrics & Success Indicators

• Student Achievement and Instructional Quality
• School Culture and Staff Accountability
• Enrollment Growth and District Satisfaction
• Staff Development, Engagement, and Retention
• Special Education Compliance and Operational Excellence

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift, move, and/or support up to 50 pounds (or assist with adult-sized individuals using approved two- or three-person lift procedures).

This position requires the ability to safely respond to student behavioral crises and participate in approved crisis prevention and intervention techniques, including CPI training.

This job description reflects the current expectations of the Principal role and may evolve as The Austin Centers continues to grow and expand or as organizational needs change.

#IND2

Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!