Middle School Principal

Jalen Rose Leadership Academy is hiring a highly qualified Middle School Principal in Residence. Great benefits offered!

As an educator with Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, you are considered a guardian to our students (whom we refer to as scholars). You will also build trust and community in your classroom via clear and timely communication with your scholars and families. At JRLA, we have created a model specifically designed to raise achievement for historically underserved scholars. We support your creativity and wholeheartedly encourage a rigorous, personalized, and well-rounded educational experience to meet the unique needs of each scholar in your classroom. 

Established in 2011 by NBA Star Jalen Rose and Co-Founder Michael Carter, JRLA is located on the Northwest side of Detroit in the zip code where Jalen grew up. An open enrollment, tuition-free, public charter high school, JRLA provides a leadership-focused education to 420 scholars and over 1,000 alumni. The mission is to empower all scholars to develop the strength of character, skills, and knowledge needed to matriculate, be great in, and graduate from college or a postsecondary program so that they have the opportunities to be successful in the competitive world and take care of themselves and the people they love. 

Built around a 9-16 model, JRLA has never wavered in its pursuit to improve the educational landscape for Detroit area youth. After 13 years of operations, JRLA remains steadfast in its commitment to not only get scholars to graduate from high school but for them to graduate from college or a postsecondary program as well – outcomes that are real game changers in urban education. With a 95% high school graduation rate, 100% college and postsecondary acceptance, 90%+ average daily attendance rate, 20+ enrichment offerings, and a leader among open enrollment high schools in Detroit for college matriculation (69% compared to a state average of 64%), JRLA knows the path to college and a successful future.

The Principal in Residence - Middle School is a transformative leader responsible for helping launch and lead JRLA’s future middle school as part of the academy’s long-term expansion vision. This founding leadership role will work closely with the Superintendent to develop the academic, cultural, operational, and community-facing systems necessary to build a high-performing middle school that prepares scholars for success at JRLA and beyond.

The Principal in Residence will guide and develop a high-performing faculty, set the strategic vision for student achievement, and implement the school’s mission through effective leadership and management of all stakeholders, including faculty, staff, scholars, families, and the community. The Principal in Residence will also support family and scholar recruitment efforts to help establish a strong founding middle school community rooted in JRLA’s core values and mission.

Essential Job Tasks:

• Implement a high-quality, rigorous, learning program that promotes critical thinking, citizenship, and leadership consistent with Jalen Rose Leadership Academy’s mission and vision.
• Set ambitious school goals for student achievement and performance; hold staff members accountable for achieving results.
• Support the planning, development, and launch of JRLA’s future middle school campus, including systems, culture, staffing, and instructional programming.
• Lead family and scholar recruitment efforts to build enrollment and establish strong relationships within the Detroit community.
• Develop systems and structures that create a joyful, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate middle school experience for scholars.
• Create and lead an effective, collaborative team equally responsible for the attainment of school goals and committed to achieving excellence.
• Build high performing relationships with all stakeholders including students, staff, faculty, parents, funders, board members, and the community.
• Foster a welcoming school climate that supports both student and staff success.
• Promote a culture of ongoing learning and continuously improving teaching practices through professional development, collaboration, modeling, and collaborative planning amongst faculty and staff.
• Leading, managing, supporting and developing high-caliber leaders on campus through consistent coaching and professional development.
• Use data to inform and drive decision-making and instruction at the school.
• Manage all positions and operations at the school site, ensure fiscal health, and oversee the school facility.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Minimum Job Qualifications: 

• You believe ALL children can and will succeed regardless of their zip code. 
• All administrators or other person whose primary responsibility is administering instructional programs or as a chief business official shall meet the certification and continuing education requirements as described in MCL 380.1246. 
• You have a valid Michigan administrative certification OR demonstrated results as a building-level leader and are willing to obtain Michigan administrative certification within the first 18 months of employment. 
• You have earned a Bachelor’s degree in the subject area or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• You have at least three years of experience successfully leading a school to exceptional gains. and achievement and at least 5 years of classroom teaching experience with demonstrated and exceptional results.
• You are an instructional leader; in particular middle school curriculum and pedagogical strategies.
• You possess strong classroom management skills and the ability to inspire and motivate middle school scholars and staff.
• You are willing to work outside of work hours and on weekends.
• You possess an openness to giving and receiving frequent feedback.
• You possess an ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• You possess an ability to work urgently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
• You are an excellent communicator with professional interpersonal skills.
• You are able to work independently.
• You are a strategic thinker and proactive problem-solver.
• You have the ability to implement effective business systems that ensure proper stewardship of school funds.

Core Competencies: 

• A passion for working with scholars and families in under-served communities 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills 
• Team player with strong interpersonal/influence skills 
• Possess organizational and technology skills Why should you apply?
• Competitive Salaries 
• Paid Development Opportunities 
• Retention Bonuses 
• Monthly Mental & Physical Wellness Events & Initiatives 
• JRLA fringe benefits (birthday gifts, team building events, SWAG, unique experiences)

Why should you apply?

• Competitive Salaries

• Paid Development Opportunities

• Retention Bonuses

• Monthly Mental & Physical Wellness Events & Initiatives

• JRLA fringe benefits (birthday gifts, team building events, SWAG, unique experiences)

• School Expansion Efforts Underway

Our Core Values:

• The power of FAMILY: I succeed when we all succeed
• The power of RESPECT: I find success through empathy and integrity
• The power of EXCELLENCE: I must take ownership in my learning to succeed
• The power of DETERMINATION: I have the will to succeed