Principal - Iowa

Position Details

• Reporting Manager : Sr Vice President, Academics
• Status : Salary, Exempt
• Type : Regular, Full-Time (12 Months)
• Program :  Iowa Virtual Schools

Overview
Stellar Virtual is seeking an experienced and visionary Principal to lead and oversee the academic programs at our Iowa-based virtual learning institution. The Principal will provide strategic leadership to ensure students receive a high-quality virtual education while meeting Iowa state standards. This role requires a dynamic leader who can inspire educators, collaborate with stakeholders, and leverage technology to innovate and enhance the learning experience. 

• Develop and implement academic goals, policies, and programs that align with Stellar Virtual’s mission and comply with the Iowa Department of Education requirements.
• Provide leadership in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment practices tailored to virtual learning environments.
• Oversee and support educators and staff by fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Ensure all academic programs meet Iowa state standards, including licensure and testing requirements.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to monitor student progress, evaluate program effectiveness, and implement improvements.
• Promote student engagement and success through innovative teaching methods and social-emotional learning programs.
• Collaborate with parents, guardians, and community stakeholders to ensure effective communication and student support.
• Stay updated on Iowa-specific educational policies, including licensure requirements, accountability standards, and state assessments.
• Manage budgetary resources to support instructional needs and operational requirements.
• Leverage emerging technologies to enhance instruction, engagement, and operational efficiency.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role in an educational setting, preferably with experience in virtual or online education; 7 or more years is preferred. 
• Proven experience working independently with minimal supervision, including the ability to manage a digital task list and maintain a stable remote (home-office) infrastructure.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience using the Google Workspace suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) in a professional or academic setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas via written channels (Email, Google Chat, and Document Comments) with high clarity and low ambiguity.
• Access to a private, secure, high-speed internet connection with a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
• Demonstrated experience working in a K-12 virtual education setting.
• A deep understanding of curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment practices, particularly in virtual education.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team of educators and administrative staff.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficiency with educational technology tools, learning management systems, and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to drive innovation and anticipate future needs in online education.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Knowledge of Iowa educational policies, standards, and testing requirements.
• Residency in the state of Iowa is required.

Success Profile

• Strategic Leadership & Vision : Establishes clear direction, drives innovation, and aligns people, programs, and resources to achieve organizational goals.
• Instructional Excellence : Leads high-quality instructional practices and uses data to improve student achievement, engagement, and overall program effectiveness.
• Stakeholder Partnership & Team Development : Builds strong relationships with staff, families, and community partners while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.

Education & Certification Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is required. 
• A master’s degree in education or leadership is highly preferred.
• An active Iowa Principal License or equivalent administrative certification is required.
• A valid Iowa teaching license with prior teaching experience in the state is preferred.

Benefits & Incentives (Full-Time Only)

• Competitive vacation and paid time off plans
• Comprehensive medical (HMO, HDHP, and PPO), dental, and vision plans with varying coverage for employees and their families, with options available in all states, including a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) option.
• 401(k) retirement plan (pre- and post-tax options) with matching contribution up to 3% after one year of employment
• Additional supplemental disability, life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, legal aid, and ID theft protection plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Two paid closure weeks each year (weeks of July 4 and December 25)
• 11 Company-paid Holidays

Employment "At-Will" Statement :  For W-2 employment, Stellar Virtual is an at-will employer. This means the employee and Stellar Virtual can terminate the employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, as legally permitted. This job description does not guarantee continued employment or a contract. All 1099 status is excluded.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) :  Stellar Virtual is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.