Principal

The mission of Independence Mission Schools is to provide a transformative Catholic education that develops students intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually and that provides children of all faiths across the City of Philadelphia with the opportunity to learn in an academically rigorous environment and to grow in a culture of love, setting them on the path to a promising future.

Our vision is that IMS students will leave our school community emotionally and spiritually formed by our Catholic example, performing at or above grade level, and enrolled in an academically rigorous high school program ready to achieve their dreams.  We strive to become a top-tier academic destination for all children in Philadelphia.

Our school principals are vital levers in the realization of this vision for the nearly 4,000 PK through 8th grade students across the current IMS network. 

The Principal will guide his or her school in the realization of this IMS vision within their school.  Keeping the work emblematic of the school’s unique Catholic identity and legacy, the Principal will advance the moral formation, teaching and learning within their school to continually improve outcomes for our students.  The Principal sets the tone for the entire school through direction within the school and through interactions at all levels with faculty, staff, students, parents, board and community partners.  The ideal candidate will be committed to the development, achievement, and well-being of the school’s students and the pursuit of academic excellence by those students.

Position responsibilities

1. Vision-Driven –  Inspire teachers and staff to realize this vision throughout the school.  Advance the Catholic identity of the school, being mindful of our welcome to children of all faiths, while ensuring a school culture of student achievement and high expectations grounded in moral development.
2. Leadership & Management - Recruit and develop talented teachers and staff.  Lead faculty development in their roles as Catholic instructional leaders driving student achievement.   Direct the work of school staff to provide structure and support to school operations.  Establish a school culture built on student achievement, empowerment, and collaboration and ensure a learning environment that is transformative, holistic, and safe.  Use data to establish performance goals for student academic results and faculty development and outcomes.  Work with IMS leadership team to ensure core values are effectively communicated and upheld within the school community.
3. Instructional Expertise – Build the capacity of school staff to deliver exceptional, high-quality instruction in service to student learning. Promulgate the effective use of data to support student achievement.  Evaluate and address the requirements and needs of the school’s student population and identify resources to provide access for all students.
4. School Advancement -  Serve as an ambassador and advocate of the school's mission, goals and achievements and oversee student recruitment, admissions, and advancement.  Support school development and community relations, including public relations and fundraising activities for the school as needed.

Educational and Credential requirements

• An individual of strong Catholic faith who is possessed of a growth mindset, is mission-drive, and is committed to serving children of all faiths
• Current PA School Administrator's License (K-12) or working towards completion
• A Master’s (or higher) degree in education or related fields (or commensurate experience), with a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in the field as a teacher, instructional leader, principal, or other leader
• Clearances on all background checks

Qualifications

• Experience in teaching and/or coaching teaching staff to use Common Core Standards-aligned curriculum materials
• Ability to effectively build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with internal and external constituents including staff, teachers, parents, students, board members, and community stakeholders
• Demonstrated success leading a high-performing K-8 school or schools in an urban setting, using strategic educational initiatives that result in measurably improved student achievement and preferably experience in administration across multiple schools or in a network setting
• Demonstrated experience in design, implementation and management of a school’s academic program including knowledge of and experience with high-quality, standards-aligned curriculum, effective instructional practices, analyzing, interpreting, using data to drive results, and leadership development
• Strong leadership and staff development skills including an encouraging, motivating presence exhibited in conflict management, team building, and staff engagement
• Ability to self-direct and prioritize among competing goals, exhibit flexibility and good judgment, and drive results in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Capable of representing the organization and its goals effectively in both oral and written communications and across multiple venues

Applicants with a desire to work in an urban school setting are highly encouraged to apply.

To learn more about Independence Mission Schools, please visit: https://independencemissionschools.org/

Successful candidates must be able to clear all background check and clearance requirements.

EOE: IMS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrates staff diversity. We strive to be and build a diverse team that is representative of our students and the communities in which we serve. If you identify as an individual of color, we highly encourage you to apply!