Principal-Alternative High School

City Colleges of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 104,775 - 108,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

403(b) & 457(b) investment plans

SURS retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

City Colleges of Chicago is looking for a Principal for their Alternative High School Program to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in education, including a Master’s degree and appropriate licensure.

This position requires strong capabilities in curriculum design, staff management, and community engagement. The offer includes an attractive salary based on experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required.
• Minimum of seven years of supervisory experience within an educational setting OR a minimum of five years of teaching experience, preferably at the secondary level.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Principal Endorsement required.

Responsibilities

• Provides instructional leadership to design, implement, and evaluate a student‑centered program.
• Plans, directs, and manages daily school operations and long‑term initiatives.
• Fosters a collaborative, professional culture that promotes teamwork.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Data-driven analysis

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Master’s degree in Education or related field

Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Principal Endorsement

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Reporting to a senior administrator, the Principal-Alternative High School Program provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and instructional guidance to ensure a high-quality educational experience for students enrolled at one of CCC’s Middle College Alternative High School Programs. The Principal is responsible for developing and maintaining academic programs that meet accreditation standards, managing the school’s budget and resources, recruiting and retaining qualified faculty and staff, and fostering a safe, disciplined, and supportive learning environment. This role emphasizes continuous improvement through data‑driven evaluation of student outcomes, cultivation of community and college partnerships, and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, all in alignment with City Colleges of Chicago policies and goals. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Academic & Instructional Leadership

• Provides instructional leadership to design, implement, and evaluate a student‑centered program aligned with district, state, and accreditation standards.
• Monitors student progress and learning outcomes using data to drive instructional improvement and inform decision‑making.
• Evaluates Individual Optional Education Plans (IOEPs) and other measures of student growth and development to ensure appropriate academic and social‑emotional support.
• Analyzes learning outcomes each semester and implements strategies to address identified areas of improvement.
• Maintains school accreditation and ensures all academic and ancillary programs meet established quality standards.
• Coordinates additional resources and support services to strengthen the academic program and promote student achievement.

School Operations & Management

• Plans, directs, and manages daily school operations and long‑term initiatives to ensure a safe, efficient, and inclusive learning environment.
• Oversees the development of the program budget and monitors expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding requirements.
• Ensures compliance with all City Colleges policies and procedures and those of other funding agencies.
• Ensures that all staff understand and carry out responsibilities related to school policies and procedures, with appropriate documentation and accountability.

Staff Management & Development

• Recruits, hires, and retains qualified faculty and staff who embody the mission and values of the Middle College program.
• Establishes clear goals, expectations, and performance standards; supervises, evaluates, and documents employee performance.
• Observes and supports faculty to ensure effective instruction and student discipline and engagement; provides coaching, feedback, and professional development to strengthen instructional quality and staff capacity.
• Fosters a collaborative, professional culture that promotes teamwork and continuous improvement.

Community & Student Relations

• Builds strong partnerships with community organizations, parents, college staff, and other institutions to enhance the school’s instructional program and to expand opportunities for students.
• Communicates effectively with all stakeholders to promote understanding, engagement, and support for school initiatives.
• Advocates for students’ academic, social, and emotional well‑being, facilitating access to appropriate programs, resources, and support services.
• Adheres to CCC Customer Service Excellence standards.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required.
• A minimum of seven years of supervisory experience within an educational setting OR a minimum of five years of teaching experience, preferably at the secondary level, with at least three years of administrative or leadership experience within a charter school, public school, or comparable educational environment.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Principal Endorsement required.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered at the discretion of management, as long as the IL Professional Educator License with Principal Endorsement requirement has been met.
• Proven track record improving academic outcomes for diverse students in an urban environment and alternative education.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in curriculum design, development, and implementation aligned with standards‑based and student‑centered instructional practices.
• Proven ability to organize and manage school operations, including budgeting, scheduling, compliance, and staff supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly self‑directed, innovative, and solution‑oriented, with the ability to assess current operations and implement strategies that advance the school’s goals.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

WE OFFER

Excellent benefits at a low cost; investment plans 403(b) & 457(b); SURS retirement plan; generous vacation, holidays, personal & sick days plus tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit our benefits page.

Salary Range: $104,775- $108,500 annually

Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as other factors such as internal equity.

Chicago residency is required for all full‑time employees within 6 months of hire.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Thank you for your interest in City Colleges of Chicago!