High School Principal-Central Campus (2026-2027)

Des Moines Public School District•Des Moines, IA

13h

About The Position

Des Moines Public Schools is accepting applications from dynamic leaders ready to innovate and help support our efforts in Reimagining Education as Principal at Central Campus for the 26-27 school year. The salary range shared below represents the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience, and education. This position will also qualify for a 14% Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) in addition to the base salary. Des Moines Public Schools offers single and family health benefits at not cost to all of our employees and up to $6,000 towards relocation costs. TITLE: Principal 9th-12th Grade DEPARTMENT : Teaching and Learning REPORTS TO: Director of Schools RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Executive Director of Student and Family Services EVALUATES: Building based personnel POSITION INVENTORY: High School - D73 POSITION TYPE: ADMN FLSA STATUS: Exempt FT/PT: Full Time/ 260 day contract - 8 hour day BASIC FUNCTION: The principal is responsible for the implementation of the district’s education and special programs through the supervision, support, and evaluation of teachers and other school-based personnel. Guided by the principles of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) and the district’s vision, mission, and goals, the principal will provide instructional leadership support to teachers and school-based personnel. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of students, personnel, and community.

Requirements

Iowa Administrative certification with Evaluator Approval or willingness to obtain.
Master’s degree in educational leadership.
Experience as a school leader.
Knowledge in current educational research relative to curriculum and standards-based instruction.
Knowledge and experience in leading adaptive change.
Knowledge of educational programs (preschool through adult).
Knowledge of building the capacity of school leaders for the purpose of improving program quality and effectiveness.
Strong communication skills, both spoken and written.
Exceptional organizational skills.
Ability to work in a culturally diverse learning environment.

Nice To Haves

Specialist or Doctorate in Education.
Experience in school administration.
Experience as a classroom teacher.

Responsibilities

Establish and promote high standards and expectations of all students and staff for academic performance, facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the community.
Foster a culture and climate that supports both student and staff success and promotes respect and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Manage personnel, including hiring and retaining high quality school staff.
Lead, plan and support professional development of teachers focused on high quality, evidence-based curriculum and instruction.
Analyze school, district, and state assessment results to determine school progress towards meeting School Improvement Plan goals and to develop next steps to improve student achievement.
Coach and support school leaders and teachers in the following areas: School culture with a focus on learning, continuous improvement, innovation and collaborative practice. Systems to monitor and evaluate teacher performance to improve instruction. Data-driven instructional practices to analyze and improve student learning. Research-based instructional framework to observe teacher practice, provide feedback, and plan individual and collective professional development to meet identified needs. Use of financial resources, time, facilities, technology, and partnerships innovatively and equitably to accomplish the goal of powerful teaching and learning for all students. Development of instructional leadership capacity among principals and leadership teams. Progress monitoring School Improvement Plans and performance targets.
Resolve problems/issues with principals, parents, and staff.
Implement district policies, procedures, and/or processes to manage and support staff with their assigned responsibilities.
Regularly participate in central office collaboration to ensure focus on support of principals as the key driver of student achievement.
Represent Des Moines Public Schools effectively in the community, state, and nation.
Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
Maintain confidentiality.
Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
Assist with other duties as may be assigned.