Principal of Innovation

UCP of Central Florida•Orlando, FL

6d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal of Innovation and New School Development serves as the instructional and operational leader for UCP Charter Schools' emerging educational initiatives. During the 2026–2027 school year, this position will provide leadership for the UCP Immersive Learning Charter Academy (Virtual School) while leading the planning, development, approval, staffing, and launch of the UCP Career Academy. This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial educational leader who enjoys building programs from the ground up, solving complex challenges, and creating innovative learning opportunities for students. As both schools mature, organizational responsibilities may evolve based on enrollment, operational needs, and the strengths and interests of the successful candidate. This position is designed to support the launch and growth of two strategic initiatives: the UCP Immersive Learning Charter Academy (Virtual School) and the UCP Career Academy. As enrollment and organizational needs evolve, responsibilities may be adjusted. Following the successful launch period, the Superintendent may assign the position to continue leading one of these schools or another strategic initiative based on organizational priorities and the strengths and interests of the successful candidate.

Requirements

Master’s Degree – Education Leadership
Certification: Florida Professional or Temporary Teaching Certificate. Prefer ESE and Education Leadership
Minimum five years of successful teaching experience.
Minimum three years of successful school leadership/administration experience including supervisory experience.
Demonstrated success improving student achievement.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Visionary educational leadership.
Strong instructional leadership.
Excellent project management skills.
Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
Data-driven decision making.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to lead change effectively.
Commitment to inclusion and educational innovation.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to develop new systems and solve emerging challenges.

Nice To Haves

Experience opening a new school or program.
Charter school leadership experience.
Virtual education experience.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) experience.
Experience serving diverse learners, including students with disabilities.
Budget development and management experience.
Grant implementation experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as Principal of the UCP Immersive Learning Charter Academy.
Ensure compliance with Florida virtual education requirements and charter school expectations.
Hire/train and supervise school-based staff
Monitor student achievement, attendance, engagement, and progress.
Build strong relationships with students and families.
Oversee school culture and student support systems.
Coordinate state testing and accountability requirements.
Monitor enrollment growth and retention.
Collaborate with curriculum, ESE, assessment, technology, and operations departments.
Lead the planning and launch of UCP's new Career Academy, including: Program Design
Develop the educational vision and instructional model.
Design school systems and operational procedures.
Collaborate on curriculum development and career pathways.
Develop student support systems.
Build industry partnerships.
Charter Implementation
Ensure implementation of charter commitments.
Assist with compliance reporting.
Develop policies and operational procedures.
Coordinate opening timelines.
Staffing
Assist with recruiting and hiring faculty and staff.
Develop onboarding plans.
Create professional learning systems.
Build school culture before opening.
Enrollment
Support student recruitment efforts.
Participate in marketing and community outreach.
Develop family engagement strategies.
Collaborate with enrollment specialists.
Operations
Coordinate with Facilities regarding campus readiness.
Assist with furniture, technology, and equipment planning.
Develop master schedules.
Coordinate opening logistics.
Foster a positive, inclusive school culture aligned with UCP's mission.
Lead continuous school improvement efforts.
Analyze student performance data.
Supervise and evaluate staff.
Ensure implementation of MTSS.
Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements.
Collaborate closely with district leadership.