Job Description

VISIONARY HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL


POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Visionary High School Principal

Reports to:

Superintendent

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

12 months

Position Summary:

The Visionary Principal will lead the transformation of a high school serving approximately 650 students. This role demands a dynamic instructional leader who can lead significant improvement in student outcomes, rebuild school culture, manage performance, and ensure sustainability of gains. This is a high-stakes leadership role requiring vision, resilience, data-driven decision making, and strong stakeholder management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Valid Arizona principal/school administrator licensure. Significant experience (5-10+ years) in school leadership; preferable experience with visionary or significant school improvement. Strong track record of improving student achievement, reducing achievement gaps*.
Experience with data-driven instruction, performance management. Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to handle high pressure, complex problems, multiple priorities.

Performance Expectations & Metrics

Increases in standardized test scores/proficiency in key subjects (e.g., math, reading). Improvements in graduation rates, attendance, behavior metrics. Reduction of achievement gaps (by subgroup). Staff retention and effectiveness. Positive shifts in school climate surveys. Meeting or exceeding the goals set in the visionary/improvement plan.

Working Conditions

Full-time, often more than the standard workday (evenings/weekends may be required). Will need to interact with district/state leadership, community stakeholders, occasionally media. Accountability for publicly visible metrics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Develop and communicate a clear vision for academic excellence, safety, and equity. Create a school improvement plan (or visionary plan) aligned with district/state goals, including rigorous academic standards and measurable performance targets.

Instructional Leadership

Oversee curriculum, instruction, and assessment; ensure alignment with state standards and rigorous expectations. Observe classroom instruction regularly, provide feedback, coach teachers, and support professional development. Introduce evident-based interventions for students who are underperforming.

Data Management & Accountability

Use data (student performance, attendance, behavior, surveys) to identify gaps and monitor progress. Adjust strategies and resource allocation based on data. Report to district/state/funders on progress as required under any school visionary legislation or program.

Culture, Climate & Student Support

Rebuilding or strengthen school culture: expectations for behavior, attendance, safety. Ensure supports are available for students (tutoring, counseling, behavior interventions). Foster a climate of high expectations, collaboration, inclusivity.

Staffing & Professional Development

Recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-quality teachers and support staff. Implement strong performance evaluation systems; hold staff accountable. Provide or arrange continuous professional development focused on the skills needed for school improvement.

Resource & Operational Management

Oversee school budget; ensure resources are aligned to visionary priorities. Manage logistical and operational aspects (schedule, facilities, technology). Ensure compliance with all district, state, and federal regulations.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong relationships with parents, community members, partner organizations. Communicate transparently about school goals, progress, challenges. Engage community in supporting students success, including beyond-school opportunities. Innovation & Change Management Lead change effectively: manage resistance, build capacity, sustain improvement. Be willing to make tough decisions (staffing, resource allocation) when necessary.

EVALUATION

: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Administrative Personnel.



Approved by:_____________________________________ Date:__________________________



Reviewed and Agreed to by:________________________________ Date:______________________