Elementary School Principal at Horizon Science Academy Cedar Rapids
Listed on 2025-12-15
-
Education / Teaching
Education Administration -
Management
Education Administration
Position Type:
Administration/ Principal
Date Posted: 12/12/2025
Location:
CS Concept Schools Iowa Region (High-Needs School)
Full job description
Reports to:
Superintendent
Department:
School Leadership
Location:
Horizon Science Academy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Employment Type:
Full-Time, Exempt
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.
POSITION OVERVIEWThe 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
This role requires adaptability, innovation, and resilience.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES I. Founding Responsibilities & School Launch- 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.
- Partner with Superintendent and Treasurer to manage budget.
- Maintain strict fiscal oversight.
- Coordinate grants and financial reporting.
- Lead outreach to meet enrollment targets.
- Organize family events and community engagement.
- Use Concept Schools recruitment tools and branding.
- Recruit and onboard founding staff.
- Facilitate induction and PD aligned with curriculum and culture.
- Establish collaborative structures (PLCs, coaching cycles).
- Build a strong, mission-aligned culture from day one.
- Implement routines, rituals, and SEL supports.
- Model transformational leadership through collaboration and empowerment.
- 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.
- Supervise and evaluate teachers and staff.
- Provide coaching and feedback.
- Foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with evaluation frameworks.
- 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.
- Serve as the face of the school.
- Communicate regularly with families.
- Facilitate family engagement opportunities.
- 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 required; special education endorsements preferred.
- High Expectations
- Student-Centered Decisions
- Integrity & Accountability
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Community Partnership
This job description outlines essential functions but may evolve based on organizational needs.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $ 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
- 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.
- Master's (Preferred)
- Principal Certification (Required)
- Cedar Rapids, IA 52408 (Required)
In person
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