Elementary School Principal at Horizon Science Academy Cedar Rapids (Expected Spring 2026)

Concept Schools

Des Moines (IA)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Professional development assistance

Job summary

Concept Schools is seeking a School Principal for a startup charter campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Principal will lead the school's planning, opening, and first year of operations, requiring strong leadership and a commitment to student success.

Applicants should hold a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and have experience in school leadership. This full-time role offers a salary range of $80,000 to $110,000 annually, alongside comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

Experience in school leadership; startup experience preferred.
Elementary school teaching/leadership experience is required.
Strong instructional coaching skills.

Responsibilities

Establish the instructional vision and culture.
Manage startup operations and community engagement.
Supervise and evaluate staff for continuous improvement.

Skills

Instructional coaching

Relationship building

Operational leadership

Culturally diverse leadership

Education

Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership

State Administrative Certification

Job description

Reports to: Superintendent

Department: School Leadership

Location: Horizon Science Academy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

ABOUT CONCEPT SCHOOLS

Concept Schools is a high‑performing charter management organization (CMO) committed to providing rigorous, STEM‑focused, college‑preparatory public education in underserved communities. We believe in high expectations, data‑driven instruction, student‑centered learning, and strong school culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and community partnership.

In a startup school, the Principal serves as the chief architect of the school’s culture, academic program, operational systems, and stakeholder relationships. Research demonstrates that founding principals are pivotal in shaping the long‑term success and sustainability of new charter schools.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The School Principal for a startup‑year Concept Schools charter campus leads the planning, opening, and first year of operations. This role requires entrepreneurial leadership, strategic planning, strong instructional capacity, and a relentless commitment to student success.

The Principal is responsible for:

Establishing the instructional vision
Building all systems, structures, and teams
Creating a positive, inclusive culture
Managing startup operations and community engagement
Ensuring academic excellence and compliance

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Founding Responsibilities & School Launch

Facility Preparation & Operational Readiness
- Collaborate with Concept Schools’ Operations and Facilities teams.
- Participate in on‑site readiness tasks.
- Problem‑solve startup‑related issues.
- Ensure operational structures meet CMO standards.
Financial Leadership
- Partner with Superintendent and Treasurer to manage budget.
- Maintain strict fiscal oversight.
- Coordinate grants and financial reporting.
Student Recruitment & Enrollment
- Lead outreach to meet enrollment targets.
- Organize family events and community engagement.
- Use Concept Schools recruitment tools and branding.
Founding Staff Recruitment & Development
- Recruit and onboard founding staff.
- Facilitate induction and PD aligned with curriculum and culture.
- Establish collaborative structures (PLCs, coaching cycles).
Culture Building & Vision Setting
- Build a strong, mission‑aligned culture from day one.
- Implement routines, rituals, and SEL supports.
- Model transformational leadership through collaboration and empowerment.

II. Instructional Leadership

Promote high expectations for achievement and character.
Implement research‑based instructional practices.
Conduct observations, coaching, and feedback cycles.
Analyze NWEA/MAP and state assessment data.
Monitor SIP goals and adjust strategies.
Build teacher leadership capacity.

III. Staff Supervision, Evaluation & Professional Growth

Supervise and evaluate teachers and staff.
Provide coaching and feedback.
Foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with evaluation frameworks.

IV. Organizational Leadership & Compliance

Implement district, state, federal, and CMO policies.
Maintain accurate documentation.
Liaise with board, authorizer, and CMO departments.
Oversee safety, crisis response, discipline, and student services.

V. Family & Community Engagement

Serve as the face of the school.
Communicate regularly with families.
Facilitate family engagement opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
State Administrative Certification.
Experience in school leadership; startup experience preferred.
Strengths in relationship building, outreach, operational leadership.
Strong instructional coaching skills.
Ability to lead in a culturally diverse environment.
Elementary school teaching/leadership experience as a requirement and special education endorsements are preferred.

CONCEPT SCHOOLS VALUES

High Expectations
Student‑Centered Decisions
Integrity & Accountability
Innovation
Collaboration
Community Partnership

ADDITIONAL NOTES

This job description outlines essential functions but may evolve based on organizational needs.

PAY

$80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

BENEFITS

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Relocation assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Briefly describe your relevant experience, successful track record, and professional background that demonstrate your readiness to lead a start‑up school. Please highlight specific accomplishments that align with the responsibilities and challenges of this position.

EDUCATION