Founding School Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Type:
Administration/Principal
Date Posted:
12/12/2025
Location:
CS Concept Schools Iowa Region
(High-Needs School)
Please ONLY apply through Indeed Here
Full job description
Reports to: Superintendent
Department: School Leadership
Location: Horizon Science Academy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
ABOUT CONCEPT SCHOOLS
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.
In a startup school, the Principal serves as the chief architect of the school's culture, academic program, operational systems, and stakeholder relationships. Research demonstrates that founding principals are pivotal in shaping the long-term success and sustainability of new charter schools.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The 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
1. Facility Preparation & Operational Readiness
- 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.
2. Financial Leadership
- Partner with Superintendent and Treasurer to manage budget.
- Maintain strict fiscal oversight.
- Coordinate grants and financial reporting.
3. Student Recruitment & Enrollment
- Lead outreach to meet enrollment targets.
- Organize family events and community engagement.
- Use Concept Schools recruitment tools and branding.
4. Founding Staff Recruitment & Development
- Recruit and onboard founding staff.
- Facilitate induction and PD aligned with curriculum and culture.
- Establish collaborative structures (PLCs, coaching cycles).
5. Culture Building & Vision Setting
- Build a strong, mission-aligned culture from day one.
- Implement routines, rituals, and SEL supports.
- Model transformational leadership through collaboration and empowerment.
II. Instructional Leadership
- 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.
III. Staff Supervision, Evaluation & Professional Growth
- Supervise and evaluate teachers and staff.
- Provide coaching and feedback.
- Foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with evaluation frameworks.
IV. Organizational Leadership & Compliance
- 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.
V. Family & Community Engagement
- Serve as the face of the school.
- Communicate regularly with families.
- Facilitate family engagement opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 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 as a requirement and special education endorsements are preferred.
CONCEPT SCHOOLS VALUES
Startup principals exemplify:
- High Expectations
- Student-Centered Decisions
- Integrity & Accountability
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Community Partnership
ADDITIONAL NOTES
This job description outlines essential functions but may evolve based on organizational needs.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 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

Application Question(s):

• 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.

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Principal Certification (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Cedar Rapids, IA 52408 (Required)

Work Location: In person