Principal of Innovation and New School Development

Ucp-of-Central-Florida; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (free option after 1y

Dental insurance

Free life insurance

Paid time off

403B/Retirement match

Short & long term disability

On-site childcare discounts

Continuing education support

Job summary

UCP Charter Schools seeks a Principal of Innovation and New School Development to lead the UCP Immersive Learning Charter Academy (Virtual School) and spearhead the launch of the UCP Career Academy. You will oversee staffing, curriculum alignment, and operations while ensuring compliance with Florida requirements.

This entrepreneurial educational leader role will coordinate with curriculum, ESE, assessment, technology, and facilities teams to create innovative, inclusive learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education Leadership or equivalent.
• Certification: Florida Professional or Temporary Teaching Certificate (ESE and Education Leadership preferred).
• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience.
• Minimum three years of school leadership/administration experience with supervisory duties.
• Proven success in improving student achievement.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience opening a new school or program (preferred).
• Charter school leadership experience (preferred).
• Virtual education experience (preferred).
• CTE experience (preferred).
• Experience serving diverse learners, including students with disabilities.
• Budget development/management and grant implementation experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead the UCP Immersive Learning Charter Academy virtual school operations.
• Plan, develop, staff, and launch the UCP Career Academy.
• Ensure compliance with Florida virtual education requirements and charter expectations.
• Develop school systems, policies, and operational procedures.
• Build partnerships with industry and community stakeholders.
• Oversee enrollment growth, staffing, and professional development.
• Foster an inclusive, positive school culture and MTSS implementation.
• Collaborate with curriculum, ESE, assessment, technology, and operations teams.
• Monitor student achievement, attendance, and engagement.
• Lead opening logistics and master scheduling; coordinate facilities readiness.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Instructional leadership

Project management

Multi-initiative management

Communication & relationship-building

Data-driven decision making

Organizational & time management

Change leadership

Inclusion & educational innovation

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Master’s Degree – Education Leadership

Florida Professional Teaching Certificate (or Temporary)

Experience for ESE & Education Leadership preferred

Job description

Looking to make a difference in an innovative and dynamic inclusive charter school network? UCP Charter Schools are a network of 8 PreK-12th grade schools for students with and without disabilities in Central Florida.UCPs instructional approach is designed to reach every learner through customized instruction, technology integration, art integration, and project-based learning. Each UCP campus has a unique community feel, with low student/instructor ratios and inclusive classrooms where children with and without disabilities learn and grow together.Job Summary:The Principal of Innovation and New School Development serves as the instructional and operational leader for UCP Charter Schools' emerging educational initiatives. During the 2026–2027 school year, this position will provide leadership for the UCP Immersive Learning Charter Academy (Virtual School) while leading the planning, development, approval, staffing, and launch of the UCP Career Academy.This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial educational leader who enjoys building programs from the ground up, solving complex challenges, and creating innovative learning opportunities for students. As both schools mature, organizational responsibilities may evolve based on enrollment, operational needs, and the strengths and interests of the successful candidate.This position is designed to support the launch and growth of two strategic initiatives: the UCP Immersive Learning Charter Academy (Virtual School) and the UCP Career Academy. As enrollment and organizational needs evolve, responsibilities may be adjusted. Following the successful launch period, the Superintendent may assign the position to continue leading one of these schools or another strategic initiative based on organizational priorities and the strengths and interests of the successful candidate.Primary ResponsibilitiesVirtual School LeadershipServe as Principal of the UCP Immersive Learning Charter Academy.Ensure compliance with Florida virtual education requirements and charter school expectations.Hire/train and supervise school-based staffMonitor student achievement, attendance, engagement, and progress.Build strong relationships with students and families.Oversee school culture and student support systems.Coordinate state testing and accountability requirements.Monitor enrollment growth and retention.Collaborate with curriculum, ESE, assessment, technology, and operations departments.Career Academy DevelopmentLead the planning and launch of UCP's new Career Academy, including:Program DesignDevelop the educational vision and instructional model.Design school systems and operational procedures.Collaborate on curriculum development and career pathways.Develop student support systems.Build industry partnerships.Charter ImplementationEnsure implementation of charter commitments.Assist with compliance reporting.Develop policies and operational procedures.Coordinate opening timelines.StaffingAssist with recruiting and hiring faculty and staff.Develop onboarding plans.Create professional learning systems.Build school culture before opening.EnrollmentSupport student recruitment efforts.Participate in marketing and community outreach.Develop family engagement strategies.Collaborate with enrollment specialists.OperationsCoordinate with Facilities regarding campus readiness.Assist with furniture, technology, and equipment planning.Develop master schedules.Coordinate opening logistics.Leadership ResponsibilitiesFoster a positive, inclusive school culture aligned with UCP's mission.Lead continuous school improvement efforts.Analyze student performance data.Supervise and evaluate staff.Ensure implementation of MTSS.Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements.Collaborate closely with district leadership.What UCP OffersOur mission at UCP is to empower children with and without disabilities to achieve their potential by providing individualized support, education and therapy services in an inclusive environment. When you join UCP of Central Florida you partner with a team that is making a positive impact on the futures of our children. For over 70 years, we have been dedicated to enriching the lives of children of all abilities across Central Florida. We provide individualized Support, Education, and Therapy services to thousands of children at 8 campuses in: Downtown Orlando, East Orlando (near UCF), Kissimmee, Pine Hills, Lake Mary, and Winter Garden.UCP of Central Florida offers a competitive benefit package available to all employees! Some perks to being a UCP Team Member may include: health insurance (free option after the first year), dental insurance options, free life insurance, paid time off, discounted on-site childcare, 403B/Retirement match, short & long term disability, and support in continuing your education.Education and Training: (or equivalent)• Master’s Degree – Education Leadership• Certification: Florida Professional or Temporary Teaching Certificate. Prefer ESE and Education LeadershipMinimum Experience:• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience.• Minimum three years of successful school leadership/administration experience including supervisory experience.• Demonstrated success improving student achievement.• Strong organizational and project management skills.Preferred• Experience opening a new school or program.• Charter school leadership experience.• Virtual education experience.• Career and Technical Education (CTE) experience.• Experience serving diverse learners, including students with disabilities.• Budget development and management experience.• Grant implementation experience.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities• Visionary educational leadership.• Strong instructional leadership.• Excellent project management skills.• Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.• Data-driven decision making.• Strong organizational and time management skills.• Ability to lead change effectively.• Commitment to inclusion and educational innovation.• Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to develop new systems and solve emerging challenges.