Assistant Principal of School Culture – 2027/2028 School Year

Mastery Schools • Camden, NJ

23d • $108,200 - $137,025

About The Position

The Assistant Principal of School Culture (APSC) fosters a positive, achievement-oriented school environment that supports student success. The role leads implementation of the Mastery School Culture Model, building a strong sense of belonging, high expectations, and student accountability. The APSC coaches teachers on classroom management, oversees academically aligned extracurricular activities, and engages families and the community to strengthen school culture.

The position manages and develops a culture team, including Deans of Students and Attendance Coordinators, and works with instructional leaders to align culture strategies with academic goals. It also leads school-wide crisis prevention and de-escalation efforts and maintains a consistent leadership presence throughout the school.

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, social-emotional learning frameworks, and behavior intervention strategies.
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff in a diverse school community.
• Ability to use student data to guide 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 the 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 relationships with parents and the community 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

• 403(b) retirement plan for Pennsylvania employees, with a 5% employer match for full-time employees.
• New Jersey Pension Plan enrollment 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.
• Eligible for a $5,000 bonus.
• Eligible for up to $5,000 in relocation expenses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager