Principal Administrative Officer (26-27 SY) - IMMEDIATE VACANCY

Job Description

Job Description

JEFFERSON RISE CHARTER SCHOOL

Harvey, Louisiana | Grades 6-12 | 2026-2027 School Year

School Overview

Founded in 2014, Jefferson RISE is a tuition-free public charter school serving nearly 800 students in grades 6-12 in Harvey, Louisiana. At Jefferson RISE, we believe every student deserves a real path forward. Whether that means a four-year university, a skilled trade, the military, entrepreneurship, or something else entirely, our job is to make sure every student graduates prepared and ready. We get there through rigorous academics, strong relationships, consistent accountability, and a genuine commitment to each student's individual success.

Our student body reflects the diversity of the Westbank:

• We have a diverse population of students based on race and ethnicity:
  • 61% Black/African American
  • 16% Hispanic
  • 14% Middle Eastern
  • 6% White (Non-Middle Eastern)
  • 2% Asian
  • 1% Other
• 87% qualify as economically disadvantaged
• 13% Students with Disabilities
• 4% English Learners

Recent Achievements:

• Top Gains Award - Louisiana Department of Education (2023-24 SY)
• Average graduation rate of 98% since our first graduating class in 2022
• #6 for SPS Growth in Louisiana - High School: B rating, Middle School: C rating (2022-23 SY)
• Continued SPS growth: 72.5 in 2023-24 and 73.9 in 2024-25

S chedule and Calendar:

As a charter school, Jefferson RISE sets its own academic calendar and daily schedule based on the needs of its students. Teachers generally work from mid-July (beginning with professional development before students arrive) through late May.

Workdays are generally 7:10 AM - 3:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Mondays extend to 4:30 PM and include mandatory Professional Development time. Anticipated school hours and days vary annually based on changes to the school calendar.

Position Title: Principal Administrative Officer 

Position Information:

• Department: Executive Leadership
• Reports to: Executive Director
• Work Schedule: 12-month
• Employment Type: Full time, Exempt
• Location: Harvey, LA
• Start Date: Immediate
  

Position Summary

Jefferson RISE Charter School is seeking a highly effective Principal Administrative Officer who is committed to ensuring students, families, and staff receive timely, professional, and responsive support.

The Principal Administrative Officer serves as a representative of the Principal’s Office and is responsible for managing stakeholder concerns, facilitating communication, supporting accountability conversations, and ensuring issues are routed and followed through to resolution. This role plays a critical part in maintaining trust, strengthening relationships, and ensuring concerns are addressed efficiently and professionally.

The Principal Administrative Officer serves as the Principal’s designee for designated stakeholder concerns, administrative issue resolution, and staff accountability conversations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Parent and Community Relations

• Serve as a representative of the Principal’s Office for parent and community concerns
• Meet with families to gather information and understand concerns
• Explain school processes, expectations, and next steps clearly
• Respond to parent inquiries in a timely, professional manner
• Coordinate meetings between families and school personnel
• Ensure consistent follow-up and communication with stakeholders
• Build strong relationships while maintaining school expectations

Administrative Issue Resolution

• Serve as a primary intake point for administrative concerns
• Gather and document information related to complaints, concerns, and appeals
• Maintain clear, organized records of meetings and follow-up actions
• Route issues to appropriate administrators for decision-making
• Monitor open issues and ensure timely follow-through
• Resolve routine concerns while escalating more complex situations

Staff Accountability and Professionalism

• Support school leaders in addressing lower-level accountability concerns
• Participate in meetings related to attendance, deadlines, and professionalism
• Document conversations and maintain appropriate records
• Monitor follow-up actions and communicate progress to leadership
• Serve as the Principal’s designee in designated staff conversations
• Reinforce expectations related to professionalism and accountability

Administrative Coordination

• Support leadership with administrative projects and initiatives
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and meeting materials
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, events, and stakeholder interactions
• Support communication systems that improve responsiveness and clarity
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters

School Representation

• Represent the Principal’s Office in designated meetings and conversations
• Communicate expectations, processes, and decisions clearly and professionally
• Serve as a professional ambassador for Jefferson RISE
• Build trust with families and staff while maintaining alignment with leadership

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 3+ years of experience in education, administration, customer service, HR, or a related field
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated ability to navigate difficult or sensitive conversations professionally
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Proficiency in Google Workspace

Culture and Fit

• Builds trust quickly with students, families, and staff
• Remains calm, professional, and solutions-oriented under pressure
• Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully
• Balances empathy with firm expectations and accountability
• Follows through consistently and ensures issues are resolved
• Comfortable representing school leadership in designated situations
• Values responsiveness, professionalism, and strong relationships
• Believes every student has a path worth investing in
• Collaborative, dependable, and committed to a positive school culture
  

COMPENSATION

Jefferson RISE offers competitive compensation tied to performance and qualifications. We do not follow a traditional salary schedule — annual salaries reflect the value employees bring to students and the school.

• Annual Salary Range: $50,000 – $65,000 depending on qualifications, skills, and experience
• Additional Stipends Available: Employees may be eligible for supplemental compensation for approved responsibilities beyond their role
• Raises and Bonuses: Performance-based raises and bonuses may be awarded based on results, contributions, and organizational priorities
• Paid twice monthly on the 15th and last day of each month

Benefits

All full-time employees receive the following employee-only coverage:

• Medical: RISE covers 85% of employee-only premiums; employee covers 15% (spouse and dependent costs are the employee's responsibility)
• Dental and Vision: 100% of employee-only premiums covered
• Short and Long-Term Disability: 100% of premiums covered
• 401(k): 100% employer match on first 3% deferred; 50% match on contributions from 3% to 5%; no vesting period

Jefferson RISE reserves the right to offer different or additional benefits at any time.