Career Center

Washington School for Girls
Principal
Washington, D.C.

Summary
Washington School for Girls (WSG) is an independent, tuition-free Catholic school serving girls in grades 3-8. Founded in 1998 in Ward 8, Southeast, Washington DC, WSG is celebrating 26 years of service. Our mission is to ignite the joyful pursuit of learning and inspire faith-filled lives of purpose, leadership, and service. Our faculty and staff are committed to the mission of the school, our Catholic identity and core values, and a belief in educational equity for young girls of color.

We are seeking a faith-driven, visionary leader to serve as our Principal. Our ideal candidate will bring experience successfully leading an elementary school serving Black and Brown girls. S/he will bring a demonstrated ability to lead by example with confidence, kindness, openness, integrity, and excellence. S/he will be a skilled communicator, listening attentively and speaking or writing with clarity and authority. S/he will be an inclusive and collaborative team player, pursuing solutions that consider diverse perspectives. 

Reporting to WSG’s President and overseeing a staff of 20, the Principal is primarily responsible for leading our academic program, but the Principal also plays an important role in supporting every aspect of our school community and culture. 

Major responsibilities include:

Overall Program Leadership

• Serve as a leader and communicator of the school’s academic programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed
• Be a visible presence in all areas of the school; to work toward a resolution of all problems - both routine and unique - as they arise
• Keep the President informed of the general programs, activities, and problems of the school
• Ensure the spiritual and religious aspects of the school’s program are steadfastly implemented
• Maintain connection between the school’s mission statement and all activities
• Contribute to the formation of the budget and monitor line items as assigned
• Propose job descriptions and contribute to the hiring of teachers and support staff
• Assign duties, supervise and evaluate personnel including volunteers
• Create and monitor an effective professional development plan for teaching and support staff

Instructional Leadership

• Set standards for the entire instructional program
• Observe, supervise, and evaluate the faculty; supervise the teaching process, and review and evaluate the academic programs
• Assess the academic progress of students according to selected tools that provide accurate and objective feedback on student progress (including qualitative and quantitative data). At least one of these tools should be nationally normed and provide a longitudinal data of general school performance (currently using NWEA MAP testing)
• Plan and conduct staff and faculty meetings and other team-building activities
• Assure the integration of all auxiliary and support services into the total school experience: spiritual life, counseling, graduate support, extended day, food/meal program; Family Relations, and Recruitment Team
• Work collaboratively with other departments to develop and implement student recruitment / admission plan
• Work with administration, teachers, and staff to ensure that appropriate and effective teaching and student  materials  are available
• Establish programs for the orientation of new teachers, for professional development of all teachers
• Continue to support academic program expansion, including art, foreign language, etc, to ensure a robust student learning experience

Administration and Organization of Campus Life

• Ensure school culture is keeping with the mission, core values and important faith identity
• Collaborate with Student and Graduate Success team on co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs of the school support school goals
• Assist in the planning and the presentation of school assemblies and programs
• Assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events; to keep the entire school community informed of various school programs and activities
• Develop and implement the daily school schedule and plan the annual calendar
• Prepare and update on an annual basis, the Family/Student Handbook for approval by President
• Oversee the application, execution, and reporting of all government programs (including Title funding)
• Support work of Department of Student and Graduate Success and overall Development department

Student and Family Services and Support

• Ensure an orderly, controlled environment in which learning can take place, a school climate which is supportive and which re?ects high morale
• Work with faculty and Campus Deans to develop and implement a code of behavior for students that reflects WSG mission and policies
• Implement an effective and unified discipline plan, with an emphasis on embracing restorative practices
• Develop programs that encourage consistent family engagement in the school
• Provide regular formal and informal parent conferences
• Work with school counselor and Student Success Manager to build relationships with families and make appropriate referrals when necessary
• Establish regular and ongoing positive communications with families

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Prior experience as a Principal or Assistant Principal
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement a successful academic strategy and program
• Experience in an elementary school and experience as an educator serving Black and Brown girls
• Proven experience collaborating effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders 
• Collaborative leadership and decision making skills
• Demonstrated ability to use data to inform instructional decision-making
• Commitment to support WSG’s faith mission and values

Compensation:
The salary for this position is $123,000. In addition, WSG offers a comprehensive benefits program including health insurance, retirement plan with employer match,  paid leave, and health and wellness resources.