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Founding School Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Doral Leadership

Founding Principal

Bentonville, AR · On-site

The Founding Principal serves as the instructional leader responsible for establishing and leading Somerset Academy's first school in Arkansas. The Principal will build a culture of excellence ...

Delaware Schools Consortium

Administrative Assistant

Dover, DE · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Do you desire to be founding member of an Early College High School located on a State University ... Works closely with the school leader on various projects and schedules * Responds to requests ...

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How much do founding school leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for founding school leader in the United States is $19.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a founding school leader?

Founding School Leaders are educational professionals responsible for launching and establishing new schools. They oversee all aspects of the school's startup phase, including hiring staff, developing curriculum, setting the school's vision, and engaging with the community. Their leadership is crucial in shaping the school's culture, policies, and long-term success. They often work closely with boards, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure the school meets its educational and organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a founding school leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Founding School Leader, you need strong educational leadership experience, strategic planning abilities, and usually a relevant advanced degree in education or administration. Familiarity with school management systems, curriculum development tools, and compliance with state educational standards is important. Exceptional communication, entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to inspire and build a cohesive team are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial to establishing a strong school culture, ensuring operational success, and driving the academic vision from inception.

What unique challenges might a founding school leader face when establishing a new school, and how can they effectively address them?

As a Founding School Leader, you'll often encounter challenges such as building a cohesive team from scratch, setting school culture, and creating operational systems while simultaneously recruiting students and staff. Early-stage ambiguity requires adaptability, strong communication, and a clear vision to guide your team. Building relationships with stakeholders—teachers, families, and the broader community—is crucial for creating buy-in and sustaining momentum. Collaborating closely with governing boards and leveraging mentorship from experienced leaders can help you navigate these complexities and lay a strong foundation for long-term success.

What is the difference between Founding School Leader vs Principal?

AspectFounding School LeaderPrincipal
CredentialsTypically requires teaching certification and leadership experienceRequires teaching certification and administrative credentials
Work EnvironmentStarts a new school from the ground up, involved in planning and developmentManages an existing school, overseeing daily operations
Employer & IndustryOften employed by charter organizations, startups, or new school initiativesEmployed by established school districts or private schools
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for leadership roles in new school openings or startup environmentsSeeking leadership positions within existing schools

The main difference is that a Founding School Leader is responsible for establishing a new school, including planning and development, while a Principal manages the operations of an existing school. Both roles require leadership experience and relevant credentials, but their focus and work environment differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Founding School Leader jobs?

Cities with the most Founding School Leader job openings:

What states have the most Founding School Leader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Founding School Leader jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Founding School Leader jobs?

For Founding School Leader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Founding School Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,733 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Enrichment and Supervision Leader, Lower School

San Jose, CA • On-site

The Harker School
Education Programs Administration • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about The Harker Schoolexternal

$18.45 - $25.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

The Harker School is seeking enthusiastic and caring Enrichment & Supervision Leaders to join our Lower School Enrichment and Supervision Team. Team members will support students in grades K–5 before school, during recess and lunch, and after school through a robust program of supervision, enrichment, and student engagement.

We are looking for individuals who enjoy working with children and want to make a meaningful impact in a school community. Successful candidates will help create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for students, build positive relationships with children and colleagues, and lead enrichment activities that foster creativity, learning, and fun.

Why Join Harker?

Harker is an exceptional place for both students and staff to learn, grow, and thrive. As a member of our team, you will:

  • Gain valuable experience and develop skills that support a variety of career pathways
  • Make a positive impact on children's social and emotional development
  • Collaborate with passionate, dedicated educators and staff
  • Be part of a supportive, welcoming, and team-oriented community
  • Work in an engaging environment where every day is different

Learn more about our Lower School BEST Program:
http://www.harker.org/lower-school/programs-extracurriculars/after-school-program/

Available Shifts (Monday–Friday*)
  • Morning: 7:30–8:30 a.m.
  • Recess: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
  • Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
  • After School: 3:00–6:00 p.m.

*Schedules may vary based on candidate availability. Maximum of 30 hours per week.

Position begins August 11, 2026.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Supervise students' activities and play, in a non-academic setting, typically outdoors.
  • Ensure the physical and emotional safety of the children at all times.
  • Provide a positive environment for students to learn and develop lifelong skills.
  • Plan and implement developmentally-appropriate enrichment activities in an after-school program.
  • Ensure safe and efficient operations of loading zones during student arrival and dismissal times.

Terms of Employment:

These non-exempt positions are part-time for the school year. There are no benefits associated with this position. Available shifts include morning, recess, lunch, and afternoon: 7:30 am-8:30 am., 10:00am-11:00am, 11:30 am-1:15 pm, 3:00-6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Schedules can vary based on the applicant's availability—a maximum of 30 hours per week. 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must hold current first aid and CPR certification or obtain certification within one month of employment (Harker provides courses throughout the year).
  • Prior experience working with children is preferred.
  • Ability to communicate and work with groups of all ages and skill levels and provide necessary direction and instruction to students.
  • Ability to plan and implement creative, age-appropriate activities, including passive and active activities.
  • Ability to stand for up to 3 hours at a time and withstand climate extremes.
  • Ability to communicate in practical English with staff, parents, and children.
  • Ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
  • Ability to maintain a positive and professional outlook and contribute to the community's well-being.

Keywords: Children, Youth, After School Program, Out-of-School-Time (OST) program, Child Care, Extracurricular, Auxiliary

About The Harker School: Harker is a coeducational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school serving TK through grade 12. Harker has four campuses (TK, lower, middle and upper schools) located within minutes of each other in San Jose. For more than 100 years, Harker's mission has remained constant: to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, inspires intellectual curiosity, expects personal accountability and forever instills a genuine passion for learning. We’re tremendously proud of our century-old tradition of excellence in education, and the international recognition our students, faculty and programs have earned.

Kindness, respect, honesty, integrity and personal accountability have been at the heart of a Harker education since the school's founding in 1893. Students encourage and support one another and celebrate each other's efforts and successes with hugs and high-fives. It's a supportive, safe, fun and nurturing place where kids make friends for life with their peers, their teachers and the staff.

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