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Principal Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Principal

Davenport, IA · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Principal TeachIowa Horizon Science Academy - Davenport, Iowa. Open in Google Maps. Job ID: 5814236 | Application Deadline: Posted until filled | Starting Date: Jul 27, 2026. Job Details Posted: Jul ...

Principal Engineer

Keosauqua, IA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Principal Engineer Location: Keosauqua, IA, US, 52565 Work Arrangement: Onsite Our Story : Dover Food Retail (DFR) is a leading manufacturer of Display Cases, Specialty Products, Refrigeration ...

Principal Engineer Location: Keosauqua, IA What we are looking for: The Principal Engineer will serve as a senior technical leader within Specialty Engineering, providing technical leadership ...

Principal Engineer Location: Keosauqua, IA What we are looking for: The Principal Engineer will serve as a senior technical leader within Specialty Engineering, providing technical leadership ...

Principal Consultant - Digital Consulting Location: Remote / Global Client Delivery Travel: Up to 50% Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent About the Role Vaco is seeking a Principal Consultant to ...

Principal Engineer Location: Keosauqua, IA What we are looking for: The Principal Engineer will serve as a senior technical leader within Specialty Engineering, providing technical leadership ...

Principal Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$128.21 - $152.25/hr

## Principal DeveloperApplylocations: Des Moinestime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 17 Days Agojob requisition id: REQ00658At FHLB Des Moines, we work each day to develop an inclusive culture that ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal information

See Iowa salary details

$34.3K

$102.7K

$170.9K

How much do principal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal in Iowa is $102,749.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal?

Principals are the lead administrators of schools, responsible for overseeing all daily operations, managing staff and students, and ensuring a safe and effective learning environment. They set educational goals, implement school policies, and work to improve academic performance and school culture. Principals also serve as the main point of communication between the school, parents, and the community. Their leadership is essential in shaping the direction and success of a school.

What does a principal do?

Principals are the lead administrators of schools. They are responsible for training and managing the staff, selecting curriculum, monitoring the school budget, and dealing with parent concerns. Principals must also deal with disciplinary issues that have escalated beyond what the student’s teacher can handle. They represent the school in district administration meetings and advocate for more funding or staff, new equipment, facility repairs, or anything else the school needs.

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

To thrive as a Principal, you need a solid background in educational leadership, curriculum development, and typically a master's degree in education administration or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, data analysis tools, and relevant certifications such as state principal licensure are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, decision-making, and the ability to inspire and manage staff are essential soft skills for success. These competencies are crucial for fostering a positive learning environment, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving school improvement initiatives.

What are some common challenges principals face when balancing administrative duties with instructional leadership?

Principals often find it challenging to balance their time between administrative responsibilities—such as budgeting, compliance, and facility management—and their role as instructional leaders focused on curriculum development and teacher support. Effective principals prioritize tasks, delegate when appropriate, and implement systems to streamline administrative processes, allowing them to spend more time in classrooms and mentoring staff. Building a strong leadership team and fostering open communication are key strategies for managing these dual responsibilities successfully.

How much do most principals make?

Most principals earn a median annual salary of around $98,000, though this can vary based on location, school size, and experience. Experienced principals in larger districts or urban areas may earn over $130,000 annually. Certification and leadership skills are important factors in salary levels.

Is becoming a principal worth it?

Becoming a principal is a leadership role that involves managing school operations, staff, and student performance. It typically requires a master's degree, administrative certification, and experience in teaching or education administration. The position offers a higher salary and increased responsibility but also involves long hours and administrative challenges.

What qualifications do you need to be a principal?

To become a principal, candidates typically need a master's degree in education or a related field, along with state certification or licensure for school administration. Most principals also have several years of teaching experience and demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Principal jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal jobs in Iowa?

For Principal jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Principal jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Principal job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Principal jobs in IA?

For Principal jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,749 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Principal

TeachIowa Horizon Science Academy - Davenport, Iowa. Open in Google Maps.

Job ID: 5814236 | Application Deadline: Posted until filled | Starting Date: Jul 27, 2026.

Job Details

Posted: Jul 02, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC).

Job Description

School Principal – Job Description

Reports to: Superintendent

Department: School Leadership

Location: Horizon Science Academy Davenport

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt, In-person

Position Overview

Horizon Science Academy Davenport is part of the award‑winning Concept Schools charter public school network. HSAD is one of three network schools opened in Iowa, joining HSA Des Moines and HSA Cedar Rapids (Fall 2027).

Concept Schools is a high‑performing charter management organization 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 a strong school culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and community partnership.

In partnership with the regional superintendent and support team, the Principal 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 and staff success.

Principal responsibilities include:

  • 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
  • Founding Responsibilities & School Launch
  • Facility & Operational Readiness
    • Collaborate with Concept Schools’ Operations and Facilities teams.
    • Participate in on‑site readiness tasks.
    • Ensure operational structures meet Concept standards.
  • Financial Leadership
    • Partner with the Superintendent and Treasurer to manage the budget.
    • Maintain strict fiscal oversight.
    • Coordinate grants and financial reporting.
  • Student Recruitment & Enrollment
    • Lead outreach to meet enrollment targets.
    • Organize family events and community engagement.
    • Use Concept Schools recruitment tools and branding.
  • Staff Recruitment & Development
    • Recruit and onboard founding staff.
    • Facilitate induction and PD aligned with curriculum and culture.
    • Establish collaborative structures (PLCs, coaching cycles).
  • 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.
  • Instructional Leadership
    • Promote high expectations for achievement and character.
    • Implement research‑based instructional practices.
    • Conduct observations, coaching, and feedback cycles.
    • Analyze state assessment data.
    • Monitor SIP goals and adjust strategies.
    • Build teacher leadership capacity.
  • 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.
  • Organizational Leadership & Compliance
    • Implement district, state, federal, and school board policies.
    • Maintain accurate documentation.
    • Liaise with board, authorizer, and Concept departments.
    • Oversee safety, crisis response, discipline, and student services.
  • 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 and requisite evaluation credentials.
  • 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.
Concept Schools Values
  • 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

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories:

Administration > Principal/Dean/Head of School

Classroom Teacher > Middle Grades

Classroom Teacher > Elementary

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: The school is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Contact Information
  • Laura Cannon, Superintendent – Horizon Science Academy Davenport
  • Phone: 515-335-1937
  • Email: cannon@conceptschools.org
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