School Principal

School Social Work Association of America; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

School Social Work Association of America in the greater New York City area seeks an experienced School Principal (Building Leader) to oversee a specialized school program. The Principal will drive academic excellence, foster safety and inclusion, and lead a multidisciplinary team delivering individualized instruction and support.

This data-driven, collaborative leader will work with families and external partners to support students with diverse learning needs and monitor outcomes to ensure

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• Valid New York State School Building Leader (Principal) certification (or ability to obtain)
• Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in an educational setting
• Minimum of 3 years experience working with students with specialized learning needs
• Strong knowledge of special education practices, compliance, and instructional strategies
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and lead through measurable outcomes
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of school-wide goals, systems, and procedures
• Oversee instructional programs, ensuring alignment with best practices and student-centered methodologies
• Use data analysis to monitor student progress, inform decisions, and communicate outcomes to stakeholders
• Manage school operations including staffing, scheduling, and budget oversight
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff; provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback
• Foster a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture for students, staff, and families
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Oversee individualized student programming, including IEP implementation and progress monitoring
• Collaborate with families and external professionals to support student success
• Represent the organization in community partnerships, professional forums, and regulatory engagements

Skills

Data analysis

Educational leadership

Communication

Staff coaching

Education

Master’s degree in Education or Educational Leadership

Job description

A growing, mission-driven educational organization serving students with diverse learning needs is seeking an experienced School Principal (Building Leader) to oversee a specialized school program in the greater NYC area. This leader will be responsible for driving academic excellence, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and leading a multidisciplinary team in delivering highly individualized instruction and support services.

This is a unique opportunity for a collaborative and data-driven educational leader who is passionate about supporting students with varying abilities and committed to continuous improvement.

Position Summary

The Principal will serve as the instructional and operational leader of the school, ensuring that all students receive high-quality, individualized programming that supports academic, social, and emotional growth. This role requires strong leadership, operational oversight, and the ability to work closely with staff, families, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of school-wide goals, systems, and procedures
• Oversee instructional programs, ensuring alignment with best practices and student-centered methodologies
• Use data analysis to monitor student progress, inform decisions, and communicate outcomes to stakeholders
• Manage school operations including staffing, scheduling, and budget oversight
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff; provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback
• Foster a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture for students, staff, and families
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Oversee individualized student programming, including IEP implementation and progress monitoring
• Collaborate with families and external professionals to support student success
• Represent the organization in community partnerships, professional forums, and regulatory engagements

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
• Valid New York State School Building Leader (Principal) certification (or ability to obtain)
• Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in an educational setting
• Minimum of 3 years experience working with students with specialized learning needs
• Strong knowledge of special education practices, compliance, and instructional strategies
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and lead through measurable outcomes
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading within a specialized or therapeutic educational program
• Background in multidisciplinary or integrated student services environments
• Training in crisis prevention, de-escalation, or behavioral support frameworks
• Track record of building strong teams and improving school performance