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Principal Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

The Principal oversees enhancing student attendance, meticulously documenting academic progress, fostering productive collaborations among academic and clinical staff, and cultivating an institution ...

The Principal oversees enhancing student attendance, meticulously documenting academic progress, fostering productive collaborations among academic and clinical staff, and cultivating an institution ...

We are currently seeking a Principal to work in a technical support role with highly skilled professionals on diverse project teams in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join ...

We are currently seeking a Principal to work in a technical support role with highly skilled professionals on diverse project teams in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join ...

We are currently seeking a Principal to work in a technical support role with highly skilled professionals on diverse project teams in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join ...

We are currently seeking a Principal to lead our national water treatment practice with highly skilled professionals in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing group ...

We are currently seeking a Principal to lead our national water treatment practice with highly skilled professionals in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing group ...

We are currently seeking a Principal to lead our national water treatment practice with highly skilled professionals in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing group ...

Principal, Program Management Job Code: 38700 Job Location: Rochester, NY or Melbourne, FL (Onsite) Job Schedule: 9/80 The Principal, Program Management role within the Strategic Capture organization ...

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Principal information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$36K

$108K

$179.6K

How much do principal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal in Rochester, NY is $107,963.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the jobs of a principal?

A principal is the head administrator of a school responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing staff, implementing educational policies, and ensuring student success. They also handle budgeting, discipline, and communication with parents and the community, often requiring leadership skills and educational certifications. The role typically involves setting school goals and maintaining a safe, productive learning environment.

How old are principals usually?

Principals are typically experienced educators who usually start their careers as teachers in their early to mid-20s and often become principals in their 30s or 40s after gaining several years of teaching and administrative experience. Most states require principals to hold a master's degree in education or school administration and to have a valid teaching license, with some requiring additional certification or administrative credentials. Age varies, but principals are generally in their late 30s to 50s when they hold the position.

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.

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 high-paying regions may earn over $130,000 annually.

What are principals?

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.

Where do principals make the most money?

Principals tend to earn the highest salaries in large, urban school districts and private schools, where budgets are bigger and administrative roles often require advanced degrees and certifications. Factors such as experience, school size, and geographic location also influence salary levels for principals.

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.

What Do Principals 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 most commonly searched types of Principal jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Principal jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Principal jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Principal jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Principal jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Principal job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,963 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Principal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Hillside Family of Agencies rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 232 rated social care providers


Job description


Job Summary
The Principal provides leadership in a therapeutic education setting including oversight of the day to day operations of the school. The Principal oversees enhancing student attendance, meticulously documenting academic progress, fostering productive collaborations among academic and clinical staff, and cultivating an institution that facilitates effective learning. Within this capacity, the Principal will directly manage designated school personnel including teachers, school based managers and other staff members as assigned.
Essential Job functions
  • Continually responsible for assuring that the school attains and maintains all regulatory requirements including required filings, records maintenance and funder standards.
  • Assure that instruction and curriculum are presented to students utilizing sound pedagogical practices, facilitating the highest possible education and vocational outcomes for students, within regulatory guidelines.
  • Evaluate and provide ongoing feedback to teachers and other school staff aimed at assuring high quality education and instruction.
  • Serve as instructional coach, recommending programmatic methods and guidance with student transitions, for example.
  • Appropriately accesses and is aware of internal and community resources in support of school needs.
  • Responsible for behavioral standards at the school and addresses behavior shortfalls as outlined by New York State Department of Education (SED) and Office of Mental Health (OMH).
  • Build meaningful relationships with families and school districts in order to facilitate school success for students.
  • Oversee all administrative aspects of the school including scheduling, student/practice teacher programs, building use and maintenance, counseling and guidance and the availability of required in-service and training opportunities for staff.
  • Supervise school personnel including teachers, school based managers and other staff members as assigned.
  • While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP DUTIES
  • Leadership: Communicates supports and links Hillside mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies to everyday work and establishes clear, meaningful, challenging, and attainable objectives and expectations that are aligned with those of the organization.
  • Management: Aligns the right work with the right people; delegates tasks according to people's strengths and interests. Ensures staff has the skills and resources to be successful. Provides staff with coaching, training and opportunities for growth to improve their skills. Treats staff fairly and consistently. Shares accountability when delegating and involves staff in setting their performance goals.
  • Governance: Ensures Hillside policies, procedures and all applicable governmental laws/regulations/guidelines are followed. Makes decisions and has authority to implement decisions in conjunction with the leadership structure of the given area of responsibility.

Education & Experience
  • Master's degree in Education, or related field required.
  • NYS Certification in Special Education and School Building Administration required.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a school administrator required.

Special Requirements
  • Unrestricted, valid NYS driver's license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.
  • Must be able to work 12-month schedule

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships, Optimizes Decision Making, Builds Talent and Engagement, Manages Change, Fosters Accountability and Results, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated:
  • Understanding of educational theories, principles, and best practices in teaching, learning, and school administration to promote student achievement and school improvement.
  • Familiarity with educational laws, regulations, and policies at the federal, state, and local levels, including special education requirements, Title I programs, and school accountability measures.
  • Strong leadership and management skills to create a positive school culture, build effective teams, and lead school improvement efforts in collaboration with staff, students, families, and community stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including teachers, staff, students, parents, school board members, and community partners.
  • Ability to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that promotes equity, diversity, and cultural responsiveness for all students and staff members.
  • Skill in problem-solving and conflict resolution to address issues and concerns raised by stakeholders in a fair, respectful, and timely manner.
  • Proficiency in adapting to changing educational landscapes, embracing innovation, and leading change initiatives to address emerging needs and opportunities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends
  • The following physical demands are required:
    • Occasional sitting (up to 4 hours)
    • Occasional standing (up to 1 hour)
    • Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)
    • Occasional driving (up to 8 hours)
    • Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)
    • Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)
    • Weekly lifting up to 50 lbs. (community-based staff may be required to lift an empty wheelchair weighing up to 50 lbs.), 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
    • Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
  • Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent.
  • Protective clothing or equipment required: Close toed shoes; Protective Shields, Universal Precaution PPE, Gloves for toileting and food preparation
  • Ability to change positions as needed

$77,000 Minimum pay rate, $117,000 Maximum pay rate, based on experience.
About Us
At Hillside, we believe that healthy youth and strong families with opportunities to succeed are the foundation of any thriving community. Guided by this belief, we provide community-based services, education, and residential treatment to positively impact lives, in partnership with youth and families who have experienced trauma. From locations across Central & Western New York and Prince George's County, Maryland, our programs serve nearly 10,000 youth, adults, and families each year.
Partnering with families and communities, we deliver high-quality, evidence-based services, in the appropriate settings - whether on residential campuses or in schools, homes, or the workplace. By measuring the impact of our work, we endeavor to deliver ever better outcomes every day.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Hillside is committed to equal opportunities for all, supporting a diverse workforce, creating development opportunities for our people. Hillside is an equal opportunity employer; individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities, Veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided for the disabled.
Total Rewards: We offer a competitive benefits package to include generous paid time off, paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, and Employee Assistance Plan - just to name a few of the amazing benefits at Hillside! World changers and change makers join our talent community every day. Apply online, get on board, and grow your career with us!

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