Tribal Principal

Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP); Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tribal School principal role at Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan oversees operations and academic programs, ensuring a positive school climate and adherence to mandated reporting laws. Reporting to the Education Director, you will lead staff, manage budgets, and drive student outcomes.

You will collaborate with the Education Team to organize assessments, professional development, and family engagement, while maintaining compliance with FERPA and tribal policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education field required.
• Five years teaching experience.
• Experience with development and implementation of cultural based educational programming.
• Experience with budget administration and grant writing.
• Experience with current assessment requirements and state standards.
• Experience advocating, nurturing and sustaining a school culture and instructional program.
• Background in literacy and exemplary programs and instructional practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Tribal School by building a vision and focus on student learning.
• Plan, organize, and direct implementation of Tribal School activities and oversee daily operations.
• Prepare and maintain an annual school operations budget and report on it regularly.
• Review student data and take action for program improvement.
• Collaborate with Curriculum Instructional Coordinator to plan professional development.
• Maintain student records and communicate with parents and parent groups.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff supervision

Curriculum & instruction

Classroom management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education

Master's degree in Education/Administration/Leadership

Michigan School Administrator Certification

Two years supervisory teaching experience

Tools

Word

Excel

Access

PowerPoint

Job description

Tribal Principal

Deadline: December 1, 2026

District/Organization: Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan

Position/Type: Elementary Principal – Assistant, full time

Salary: $77,480

Position Details

Position Summary

Under the supervision of Education Director, oversee the operations and academic programs of the Tribal School. Establish and maintain an effective school culture and climate conducive to student learning. All education staff must adhere to mandated reporting laws.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Tribal School by building and maintaining a vision, direction, and focus on student learning.
• Plan, organize, and direct implementation of the Tribal School`s activities; oversee daily operations; review and evaluate annual program goals.
• Prepare, submit and maintain an annual school operations budget. Report on budget monthly, quarterly and/or annually within proper requirements.
• Review student data and take action for program improvement.
• Complete reports as necessary, such as annual school year summary, technology and school improvement plan recommendations, individualized staff development plans and other reports as requested.
• Implement all Tribal Education Advisory Board approved policies and procedures. Review, recommend and implement changes as needed.
• Increase staff effectiveness by networking, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining staff.
• Evaluate performance of academic teachers, culture and language teachers, Paraprofessionals, and other support staff.
• Monitor and provide recommendations concerning instructional practices, classroom management, and school climate.
• Work with Curriculum Instructional Coordinator to plan professional development for Tribal School staff.
• Organize student assessment activities and reporting of student progress in collaboration with the Education Team,
• Maintain student records.
• Interact with students to encourage their highest individual performance.
• Maintain active communications with parents and parent groups.
• Maintain high standards of student conduct and enforce discipline programs as necessary, applying student due process and handbook procedures.
• Assume responsibility for the safety of students and staff in an emergency. Plan, supervise, and share all emergency preparedness activities as required by law such as fire drills and lock downs.
• Collaborate with other organizations and/or other tribal departments to coordinate processes for the effective functioning of the tribal schools.
• Participate as a District Designee for IEP team meetings and appropriate workshops, seminars, meetings and courses.
• Report any student suspension, expulsion, retention, seclusion and restraint to Education Director.
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and all other privacy regulations.
• Provide excellent customer service for all internal and external customers of the operations at all times. Provide solutions for customer concerns and continually focus on customer service as our top priority.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and present a positive, professional demeanor and image at all times.
• The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Contacts/Purpose Of Contacts

• Empowered to interact with Tribal Education Department staff to accomplish the goals of the Tribal Schools.
• Contact with students, parents, parental groups, volunteers, outside agencies and community members.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor`s degree in Education field.
• Five years teaching experience.
• Experience with development and implementation of cultural based educational programming.
• Experience with budget administration and grant writing.
• Experience with current assessment requirements and state standards.
• Experience advocating, nurturing and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
• Experience and a strong background in literacy and knowledge of exemplary programs and instructional practices.
• Must be able to pass background check to meet the employment eligibility requirements as they pertain to the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Master`s degree in Education, Administration, Educational Leadership or related field.
• Two years in a supervisory teaching capacity.
• Proficiency in speaking Ojibwe language.
• Experience working with native students and communities.
• State of Michigan School Administrator Certification.

License, Certification, Or Special Requirements

• Must be able to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within probationary period.
• Native American preference shall apply to all positions.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of Indian Education Programs and local and national education issues and concerns.
• Knowledge and skill in areas of curriculum development, instruction, teacher evaluation, supervision, and classroom management.
• Knowledge of motivational tactics and how to actively engage youth using positive reinforcement.
• Knowledge of the theories and principles of child growth and development, early childhood education, and family support.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, and education-related systems.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.
• Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Ability to ensure management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.
• Ability to facilitate the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the tribal community.
• Ability to collaborate with families and community members, responding to diverse community interest and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to represent organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence in the community.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Physical Demands

• Frequent use of hands, wrists, fingers associated with computer equipment.
• Required to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally reach with arms and hands.
• Normal visual acuity, ability to talk and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

• Normal office and school environment.
• May include stressful situations related to school environments.
• Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.
• Exposure to childhood colds, viruses.
• Travel may be required.

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