Assistant Principal of School Culture – 2027/2028 School Year

Mastery Schools•Camden, NJ

About The Position

The Assistant Principal of School Culture (APSC) leads implementation of Mastery’s School Culture Model to foster a safe, inclusive, achievement-oriented environment where students experience belonging, high expectations, and accountability. The role develops and manages a culture team, coaches teachers on classroom management, and oversees systems for student behavior, attendance, discipline, and school climate. It also manages academically aligned extracurricular programs and events, strengthens family and community relationships, and partners with instructional leaders to align culture strategies with academic goals. The APSC maintains a visible leadership presence throughout the school and leads crisis prevention, de-escalation, and staff training on safety interventions. Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K–12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students. Its mission is to provide students with the academic and personal skills to succeed after graduation. The organization emphasizes equity, respect, service, inclusion, and continuous improvement. The position requires a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in an urban school setting, including at least three years in a leadership, counseling, or youth development role. A master’s degree in social work, counseling, education, or a related field is preferred; teaching experience is also preferred. The role may involve extended standing, moving throughout the school building, observing classrooms, facilitating school operations, and participating in school events. New-to-Mastery Assistant Principals can expect a starting salary of $108,200–$125,350 based on experience and education; the full salary range is $108,200–$137,025. The role is eligible for a $5,000 bonus and up to $5,000 in relocation expenses.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least five years of experience in an urban school setting.
At least three years in a leadership, counseling, or youth development role.
Strong leadership and coaching skills to support teachers in classroom management and student engagement.
Deep understanding of restorative practices, SEL frameworks, and behavior intervention strategies.
Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff in a diverse school community.
Ability to leverage student data to drive school-wide behavioral strategies and interventions.
Proficiency in conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy school environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, education, or a related field.
Teaching experience.

Responsibilities

Lead implementation of Mastery’s school culture model to create a safe, inclusive, and achievement-focused environment.
Manage and develop a culture team, including Deans of Students and Attendance Coordinators, to improve attendance, student behavior, and school climate.
Establish and oversee systems for positive reinforcement, accountability, and student discipline.
Manage student discipline using a restorative justice approach emphasizing accountability and personal growth.
Oversee planning and execution of extracurricular programs, clubs, and school events that promote student engagement and leadership.
Strengthen parent and community relationships to enhance student support and engagement.
Coach teachers on effective classroom management strategies and school-wide behavior expectations.
Provide professional development to support a positive and structured learning environment.
Partner with instructional leaders to align culture strategies with academic goals.
Maintain a consistent leadership presence throughout the school to monitor and reinforce a positive climate.
Lead school-wide crisis prevention and de-escalation efforts, including staff training on safety interventions.
Perform other duties as assigned to support school operations, culture, and student achievement.

Benefits

$5,000 bonus eligibility.
Up to $5,000 for relocation expenses.
Full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth.
403(b) retirement plan for Pennsylvania employees, with a 5% Mastery match for full-time employees.
Enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for New Jersey employees.
Employee Assistance Program.
Mental health and counseling programs.
Annual Professional Development Fund.
Discounts and perks at retailers, travel organizations, and insurance providers.
Access to the Health Advocate Helpdesk for benefits-related support.