Principal, Digital Pioneers Academy

Mission and Vision

The mission of Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA) is to develop the next generation of innovators. We prepare students to meet or exceed the highest academic standards, while cultivating the strength of character necessary to both graduate from four-year colleges and thrive in 21st century careers.

DPA needs Principals to commit themselves to the most urgent and exciting work of our time! Principalship requires leaders who can inspire adults and students, put excellence ahead of easy, and project urgency about providing our scholars with college and career access. Principals make decisions, conduct difficult conversations, and build highly collaborative teams, all while shaping a vibrant school culture. Principals must nurture learning communities that are simultaneously academically rigorous and joyful. Principals know that their job is the most important one in the world. Self-reflective and humble, they are open to feedback and committed to continuously improving.

About the Role

The Principal's mission is to serve as the visionary instructional, cultural, and inspirational leader of Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA) a 6th-12th grade college preparatory school that will consistently rank as a Tier 1 Washington, DC public charter school.  To ensure 100% of DPA students both graduate from college and/or secure a high paying, high demand job.

Principals at DPA work alongside the school based Director of Operations. The School Principal is a full-time employee, hired, supported, and evaluated by the CEO of DPA. School Principals are deeply committed to and lead their schools in organizational leadership, instructional leadership; teacher coaching and evaluation; school culture, managing teams and adult culture and family engagement.

Organizational Leadership: Vision, Goals, and Planning

• Model DPA’s values and mindsets consistently to inspire, motivate, and develop a strong adult culture.
• Lead a group of stakeholders around a school‐ wide initiative that demonstrates impact on student achievement requiring him/her to establish a school‐ wide vision, create a strategy, and measure outcomes.
• Project plans and manage multiple priorities
• Plans school‐wide change management despite resistance
• Demonstrates fortitude in handling a major set‐back and ability to regroup and still accomplish goals

Instructional Leadership

• Provide exemplary leadership to all school community members to achieve outstanding performance in preparing each student for college;
• Demonstrate a relentless commitment to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of school;
• Develop and communicate strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and build a plan to achieve that vision;
• Implement effective assessment systems and use data to inform decisions;
• Lead all aspects of curriculum development and assessment and ensure consistency within the school program and alignment with state and other rigorous standards.

Teacher Coaching & Evaluation

• Conduct daily teacher observations and provide real-time feedback to move the needle on student achievement;
• 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;
• 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;
• Foster commitment among staff to the development and fulfillment of the school’s mission and objectives;
• 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.

School Culture

• Build a 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, grade by grade, year to year;
• Support students in being present at social and sporting events in order to build a stronger sense of community;
• Support staff to ensure the smooth administration and effectiveness of after school enrichment programs.

Managing Teams and Adult Culture

• Support efforts to recruit, support, and develop strong individuals and teams; 
• Train Instructional leaders to expand their impact across the school in order to garner strong academic results;
• Leads quality professional development sessions that strengthens culture and instruction with hands-on training that is effective. 

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.

Qualifications

• Required experience:
• 4+ years of teaching experience;
• 2+ years of previous school leadership experience in middle and/or high school; can include coaching or leading teachers (e.g., grade level chair, content/department chair, Assistant Principal, Dean of Curriculum, etc.);
• A Bachelor's degree, graduate degree strongly preferred.
• Deeply committed to preparing scholars to meet or exceed the highest academic standards, while cultivating the strength of character necessary to both graduate from four-year colleges and thrive in 21st century careers;
• Strong record of driving outstanding student results;
• Demonstrated interest in supporting teacher growth with ability to provide high leverage feedback;
• Grit, personal responsibility, and a commitment to continual professional growth.

Additional Characteristics of DPA Team Members

• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics;
• Comfort with technology; moderate to advanced skills in navigating computer hardware and software;
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities;
• Outstanding communication and people skills;
• Knowledge of legal rules and guidelines in education;
• Demonstrated passion for improving educational outcomes;
• Strong interpersonal skills and high moral character;
• Understanding of the nuances of urban school environments and school culture;
• Self-motivated, diligent, and willing to be a team player;
• Problem solver and results-oriented;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong interpersonal skills with scholars, parents, colleagues, and community members.

Digital Pioneers Academy offers a starting salary of $125k+ as well as an excellent and comprehensive benefits package.

Digital Pioneers Academy is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.