High School Principal

Jalen Rose Leadership Academy is hiring a High School Principal.  Preference will be given to candidates whose resumes demonstrate measurable impact and data-driven results.

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 nearly 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.

Job Summary

The Principal provides leadership and oversight of the school's academic programs, daily operations, and overall performance. This position promotes academic excellence, supports staff development, ensures compliance with applicable educational requirements, and fosters a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment. The Principal collaborates with staff, families, school leadership, and community partners to advance the school's mission and support student success.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Provide strategic leadership aligned with the school's mission and goals while overseeing curriculum, instruction, assessment, and data-driven practices to improve student achievement.

• Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and support staff through coaching, professional development, faculty meetings, and collaborative planning.

• Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment by overseeing student discipline, attendance, school safety, crisis planning, and behavior policies.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, educational regulations, authorizer requirements, and board policies, including requirements related to special education, Section 504, and English Learners.

• Oversee daily school operations, including budgeting, scheduling, facilities, purchasing, and resource allocation, while using student performance data and school improvement plans to guide decisions.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, staff, district leadership, governing boards, and community partners to support school goals and student success.

• Represent the school at meetings, professional development opportunities, community events, and other school-related functions while communicating effectively and maintaining confidentiality.

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and perform other duties as assigned.

Cognitive Demands

• Demonstrate strategic thinking, sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making when addressing academic, operational, personnel, and student-related matters.

• Analyze data, interpret educational requirements, manage competing priorities, and respond effectively to conflicts, changing circumstances, and confidential situations.

• Apply strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills while supporting continuous improvement and professional learning.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, use stairs, and lift up to 25 pounds as needed to perform job duties.

• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends, travel when required, and function in environments with varying noise levels.

• Ability to respond to emergencies and provide first aid or CPR when required and appropriately trained. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Uphold professional ethics and standards as an educator and a member of the Jaguar family. 

Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a related field required.

• Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate or eligibility to obtain one required.

• Three to five years of successful teaching experience required; school leadership experience preferred.

• Knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, school improvement, data analysis, Michigan education laws, state accountability requirements, and school finance.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff, manage school operations and resources, and build positive relationships with families and the community.

• Commitment to educational equity, student achievement, family engagement, and maintaining confidentiality.

• Believe ALL children can and will succeed regardless of their zip code 

Core Competencies should include passion for working with scholars and families in under-served communities, effective verbal and written communication skills, team player with strong interpersonal/influence skills and 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) * School Expansion Efforts Underway

Company Benefits 

• Health Insurance: Medical, Vision, and Dental Plans

• 5% 401(k) Company Match

• Life, AD&D, STD, and LTD Insurance (100% employer-paid)

• Voluntary Benefits Available