Principal in Residence

Jalen Rose Leadership Academy • Detroit, MI

1d

About The Position

Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) is hiring a Principal in Residence to help launch and lead its future middle school as part of the academy’s long-term expansion vision. Working closely with the Superintendent, the Principal in Residence will develop the academic, cultural, operational, and community-facing systems needed to establish a high-performing middle school that prepares scholars for success at JRLA and beyond. The role sets the strategic vision for student achievement, guides and develops faculty and campus leaders, manages the school site and its operations, and implements JRLA’s mission with faculty, staff, scholars, families, and the community. The Principal in Residence will also support recruitment of scholars and families to establish a strong founding middle school community rooted in JRLA’s mission and core values.

JRLA is an open-enrollment, tuition-free public charter school in northwest Detroit. Founded in 2011, it serves 420 scholars and more than 1,000 alumni. Its 9–16 model aims to prepare scholars to matriculate, succeed in, and graduate from college or a postsecondary program. JRLA is authorized by Central Michigan University and operates as a single-site charter school.

Requirements

• Believe all children can and will succeed regardless of their zip code.
• Meet the certification and continuing education requirements in MCL 380.1246 for administrators or other personnel whose primary responsibility is administering instructional programs or serving as a chief business official.
• Hold valid Michigan administrative certification, or demonstrate results as a building-level leader and be willing to obtain Michigan administrative certification within the first 18 months of employment.
• Have a bachelor’s degree in the subject area or a related field.
• Have at least three years of experience successfully leading a school to exceptional gains and achievement.
• Have at least five years of classroom teaching experience with demonstrated exceptional results.
• Have instructional leadership experience, particularly with middle school curriculum and pedagogical strategies.
• Have strong classroom management skills and the ability to inspire and motivate middle school scholars and staff.
• Be willing to work outside regular work hours and on weekends.
• Be open to giving and receiving frequent feedback.
• Be able to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Be able to work urgently in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Have excellent communication and professional interpersonal skills.
• Be able to work independently.
• Be a strategic thinker and proactive problem-solver.
• Be able to implement effective business systems that ensure proper stewardship of school funds.
• Demonstrate a passion for working with scholars and families in underserved communities.
• Have effective verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal and influence skills, and organizational and technology skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Implement a rigorous, high-quality learning program that promotes critical thinking, citizenship, and leadership in line with JRLA’s mission and vision.
• Set ambitious goals for student achievement and performance and hold staff accountable for results.
• Support planning, development, and launch of the future middle school, including its systems, culture, staffing, and instructional programming.
• Lead family and scholar recruitment and build strong relationships within the Detroit community.
• Develop systems and structures for a joyful, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate middle school experience.
• Create and lead a collaborative team committed to achieving school goals and excellence.
• Build effective relationships with scholars, staff, faculty, parents, funders, board members, and the community.
• Foster a welcoming school climate that supports student and staff success.
• Promote continuous improvement in teaching through professional development, collaboration, modeling, and collaborative planning.
• Lead, manage, support, and develop campus leaders through consistent coaching and professional development.
• Use data to inform school decision-making and instruction.
• Manage school-site positions and operations, ensure fiscal health, and oversee the school facility.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Paid development opportunities
• Retention bonuses
• Monthly mental and physical wellness events and initiatives
• JRLA fringe benefits, including birthday gifts, team-building events, swag, and unique experiences
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance plans
• 5% 401(k) company match
• Life, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance, 100% employer-paid
• Voluntary benefits available

What This Job Offers

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